118: One Year in Business with Simone Addison The Pet Nanny
Brought to you by Time to Pet. Go to timetopet.com/confessional for 50% off your first 3 months.
Summary:
Simone Addison, The Pet Nanny, discusses her first year in business, what it was like discovering herself as a pet sitter, how she overcomes being discouraged, and the importance of patience.
Topics on this episode:
What her first year has been like
Advise from Grandma
Overcoming feeling discouraged
COVID and BLM in Atlanta
Main take away? Part of sustaining a business is finding yourself and discovering ourselves as pet sitters.
About our guest:
My name is Simone Addison aka The Pet Nanny, I am 25 years old and originally from CA. I moved to Atlanta, GA to pursue my dream of becoming a veterinarian, shortly after I decided to start my business providing pet care services to those close to me. After seeing the potential of my services, I chose to open my business to the public! I provide many custom services including nail clipping, overnight (boarding), drop in, walking, and cat sitting! I am also insured with Pet Care Insurance (PCI)! Furthermore, after doing my research.. I’ve decided that I’m really interested in aquatic animals. I would love to be in that veterinary field! I absolutely adore animals, each and every one of them.. all shapes,sizes, and species! For all out there who want to follow their dreams but are skeptical.. do it! The sky is the limit!
Links:
Yourpetnannyservice@gmail.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/theepetnanny
Facebook: www.facebook.com/theepetnanny
Consider supporting the show
Give us a call! (636) 364-8260
Check out our pet sitter resources
Follow us on: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter
Subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, Google, Stitcher, & TuneIn
Email us at: feedback@petsitterconfessional.com
A VERY ROUGH TRANSCRIPT OF THE EPISODE
Provided by otter.ai
SUMMARY KEYWORDS
pet, business, people, products, simone, confessional, atlanta, service, nanny, animals, agree, big, matter, strong support system, pushing, recognize, black lives matter, thought, veterinarian, industry
SPEAKERS
Simone, Collin
Simone 00:00
Please stay strong because it's always possible the sky's the limit no matter what's going on with you or anyone else is based on a keep pushing because it will happen.
Collin 00:23
I'm calling
00:24
and I'm Megan. And this is
00:26
pet sitter confessional, and open
00:28
and honest discussion about life as a pet sitter
Collin 00:31
brought to you by time to pet. First years in business are generally pretty memorable with a lot of lessons learned that will impact how you operate your business moving forward for years to come. Having a first year in business that includes a global pandemic, and massive social unrest across the country is a whole nother level. Today, Simone Addison, the pet nanny out of Atlanta, joins us today to talk about what her first year in business has been like, some of the great advice that her grandma gave her, and how she's navigated and adapted to an ever changing world. Let's get started.
Simone 01:11
Hey, Collin. Hey, everyone else, thanks for joining the pets that are confessional. My name is Simone, aka the pet nanny. So to start out, I started my business just starting it off on the side of my nine to five, after realizing that I really really do love animals and regular everyday jobs who really weren't my thing. And it's mostly the micromanagement for me. That's why I decided to commit to it and start my own business.
Collin 01:36
Yeah, it gives you so much more control over what you want to be doing and how you want to be spending your days. Yes, absolutely. I couldn't agree more. And I believe you have a desire to eventually be a veterinarian. So how does that play into the kind of care and the kind of services you provide?
Simone 01:54
Okay, so at first, when I first started this calling, I'm not even going to lie. I was very headstrong about being a veterinarian, although the schooling is very expensive, and it's long, I was committed to doing it. So now Honestly, I honestly feel like I've been questioning my passion to be a veterinarian, only because it consists of surgeries, stitches, blood excetera, things like that. So don't get me wrong, I absolutely love helping and taking care of animals. But as far as helping them by like, you know, surgery, like cutting them apart, it's like my main fear. So I'm hoping to overcome it. If it happens, it happens. If not, I'll just go with the flow. So therefore, I'm just going to go wherever my heart leaves,
Collin 02:43
it really is something to remember of, of things change. And that path is still there, like that passion to care for animals is still there. And now getting to figure out exactly what that means for you and what you actually want to be doing and how you want to be interacting with the pets.
Simone 03:01
Yes, absolutely.
Collin 03:03
So what kind of services do you currently offer?
Simone 03:06
The services are currently offer our nail clipping overnight, drop in cat feeding, stay in place and walking?
03:16
newly described them?
Collin 03:18
Yeah, go ahead. And one of the things one of the questions I had was, how does a stay in play differ from a typical drop in?
Simone 03:27
Okay, so pretty much to sum it up. I stay in play is when you're going to be away for more than four hours. So most of my clients that want to stay in play service, they have extended hours at work. For instance, someone who works with ambulance for nurses, things like that someone who works like a 12 hour shifts. So I would go to their residence and provide us two hours a day in play, which is pretty much the same thing as a drop in which is feed them play with them walk them if it's a cat, I'll just strictly feed them and play with them clean out their litter box. A drop in is mostly for dogs is when I go twice a day to their residence. And I walk them feed them play with them. And I stayed there for one hour. So stay in place is two hours and drop in is one hour. Well yeah, that
Collin 04:20
level of just looking at that level of care and attention needed at any given time and making the best fit for their pet and the client's own needs. Yes. Now, you have been in business now for about about a year. Is that is that right?
Simone 04:36
That's correct. Um, well beforehand. I tried calling it realizing you I tried to do a group scoop business. And I really wasn't too busy and I like the idea sounded good to me. But once I actually had people subscribing and I had to go to multiple yards a day I was like I love animals. But they're proving her literally.
Collin 05:03
So.
Simone 05:06
So that for me, um, I tried it, I can definitely say I've been there done that. And I've tried it. So yes, with the pet nanny, I have been in business for about a year change here, correct?
Collin 05:18
Yeah, well, that's really exciting. And congratulations on one year of business, what has what has this year been like for you?
Simone 05:27
It has been very positive. I've had some stumbles, bumpy mistakes, many games, many losses, some big some small, finding myself, as far as Could I really see myself doing it for the rest of my life. Of course, we all have those times where we're very discouraged. My I, at first, I thought my clientele was small, I just want it more and more, and it began to frustrate me at one. But my grandma always told me it takes about a year to two years to get really going in business. So I figured patience is key. So pretty much the best part is you have to go through to learn. So that year for me, I'm gonna name it trial and error. That's exactly what it was. Yeah.
Collin 06:18
Well, what, what great advice from Grandma, that's awesome. That that, you know, you you've had that. And you've been able to, like, actually apply that to a crazy, crazy year. And one of the things that you touched on there was the process of finding yourself and seeing yourself in this business as to what it was something, whether it was something you could actually do. What how did how did those thoughts occur? What What do you when you say, finding yourself? What does that mean? or What did that look like for you?
Simone 06:48
Good me finding myself, it's one thing to just get up and go to work and clock in every day. But to really take on the responsibility of being an entrepreneur and has many things that you're responsible for solely, you cannot blame anyone else, it's totally on you. It's something that you really have to work, you have to really sit down and think about it and marinate on it. It's not something overnight, this is something you really have to be like, like you said passionate about see yourself doing for the rest of your life, or even 90, if it's not that something close to it, or you can end up finding yourself and really, and really understand. And I just take, I guess take into consideration that and not want to do that. Although you put all your time and effort into it. Maybe it's just not for you. And it's never too late to start over. And I have no issue starting over. You know, if I decide not to do it. I have no issue going into different fields. But I can really see myself doing it because I myself loved animals, like we discussed before. I was very set on being a veterinarian, but what I realized what goes into it and and what a shrink stomach you had to have. I had second thoughts. Yeah, so yes.
Collin 08:00
It's kind of like, you know, putting the title after your name and seeing how it sounds to you. You know? Yeah. Simone, the dog walker, you know, Collin, the pet trainer, does that. Does that? Does that how I want? Is that what I want? Is that where I'm going to kind of panic trying on some clothes going? Is this how I want to look, it's, it's this, of getting comfortable with yourself and what you're doing. And it is this kind of process. I know, some people just wake up and they know instantly. This is what I'm going to do. And this is how I'm going to do it. But a lot of people kind of have to grow into it, especially with something like pet sitting and dog walking, who, where the industry really is still seen as Oh, that's a thing. Oh, that's something people can do for a living. It's like
Simone 08:45
yes,
08:46
like, Oh, yeah, like okay, I Oh, I can do that. That is the self discovery
Simone 08:51
process. Yes, I agree with that.
Collin 08:55
And in your year of trial and error, you said you mentioned you had some moments of getting discouraged. How did you find yourself overcoming that? And and how do you think that has prepared you for the future?
Simone 09:09
I handle my moments like that. One, of course, it starts by getting out of the bed, you can't do anything with it. So that's one and you really have to get active, exercise your brain and seek positive thoughts, because what you put in and what you get out. And also I think the main thing is, although I am a one woman team, that you have to have a strong support system. You do and that's just reality. You can't do it alone. So I definitely give a lot of credit my friends and family because they're always there for me. Always always there for me always telling me to push through. I know that depression is a thing and I really don't want to touch on the topic. I myself don't have any issues with depression, but I do know that it There's a theme. And I just want everyone to know that it is possible to pull yourself out. It's all about positive self talk, and actually getting up and being active, because your brain and your body they work together. So I say to sum it all up a strong support system.
Collin 10:18
Yeah, absolutely, you cannot go through this without at least some cheerleaders, some support alongside you, because you are gonna have we all have down days, we all have days where we don't want to get out of bed where we don't want to get dressed, or we don't want to go through this process again. And, you know, those days are okay to you know, maybe step back, take a day off, you know, do some sort of care, having family members around you having friends having other pet sitters that can empathize with you and understand where you're going and encourage you because they know you and they want to see you succeed. I mean, that that part's huge is having people around you that wants you to succeed and are going to be there through thick and thin.
Simone 11:01
I agree more. I couldn't agree more that right there. I say, That's definitely a big factor. Yes.
Collin 11:09
And especially, especially in years, like 2020, right, where everything just seems to right, everything. Just like what else what else? To have to have a foundation around you? Right?
Simone 11:23
Yes, some kind of stability. Yes, agree.
Collin 11:27
Now, on on the topic of 2020, I am curious to know what Atlanta has been like in the era of COVID.
Simone 11:35
Atlanta in COVID. Well, the market has definitely gotten better. I didn't even to be honest with you. I didn't have any clients at one point. And it was about for a good month, actually. I kept I kept pushing through advertising pretty much was a walking billboard for my brand. in my industry, summer is the peak for us, because everyone goes on vacation, everyone has something to do. But due to COVID no one was traveling. So I'm glad that now everything is slowly but surely going back to normal.
Collin 12:09
So during that time, where you didn't have any clients, what kind of things were you doing? You know, other than continuing to advertise? How are you continuing to work on your business and and yourself,
Simone 12:19
I wrote down a lot of long term goals, I seek the advice from my fellow friends and family members. I just thought of better ways to present myself my business, these are the times where and they always, they always say during Cobra, you should have learned at least once you I was busy trying to perfect my skill. So like you mentioned, I started supplying supplies now. But that was one of the things that came to mind as well. Because it's one thing to sell a service, but a submitted thing to sell a product. So in my brain, guess seeing when it's on Facebook or Instagram, I just know, when you see a picture, you're likely to click on it. So I figured that that's a really good not only good for profit, but as far as advertising, I think adding suppliers will be good as well cuz I can just post a picture. someone's like, Oh, what's that? So I'm just, I was just trying to figure out more ways to better my business better myself as a person, the people around me happy. You know, the whole shebang.
Collin 13:30
And you mentioned they're selling a service is different than selling a product. I love that I couldn't agree more, because many of us are, you know, are just trying to figure out how to sell a service, let alone trying to sell a product. So how has that been going for you? And what's you know, how has the selling of products been going for you? It's going Golly.
Simone 13:53
I'm still new to it. I am I'm going to get right. So I'm still new to it. I have three products right now. I'm looking more into I'm actually looking more into my clientele. I'm trying to see the demand. I want to see what people need more. Sure. So business is, is growing right now with products, it can always get better. There's always room for improvement. So right now I'm just kind of open to listening instead of doing right now I'm gonna lay back on the action and open my ears a little bit more right now.
Collin 14:29
Wow, could you Wow, that's that's huge, because a lot of us are doers. We need to be doing something constantly. So has that been easy for you just kind of waiting and learning is that you know, and seeing where it's going to happen versus pushing and trying every you know, and really going after it.
Simone 14:49
It's pretty much like when you see someone go through it. It's like Okay, do I want to go down that path or not? So for me to sit back and know that if I do something and I can possibly make Make all these mistakes. While I do that myself, just sit back and chill. Although it is really it's frustrating sometimes, and it is hard, because I just want to do it. I just want the first thing that comes to mind. I didn't want to do it. But I've learned Collin, I've learned that patience really is key, and it pays off, because it saves you all those little mistakes. So it is difficult, don't get me wrong, but it's so worth it at the end.
Collin 15:27
Yeah, that's a huge lesson that we can all take that patience really does pay off instead of trying to get 1012 steps down the road, when you're like when you're don't even know exactly what's going on, like action. And being proactive is useful in certain times. And other times knowing when it's okay to sit back and go, Okay, let's feel this out. Let's talk to my clients. Let's see what they need. Let's see what I can help
15:51
them with.
Collin 15:52
So that I'm actually doing something because the last thing you want to do is pull in a whole bunch of inventory and then go Oh, great. Now I need to sell it, what you like what you'd rather do is go, what are people buying? What do people need? And all provide that to them in a different way? You know, and and go at it just a little bit more. So you're not having to learn all those little hard mistakes along the way.
Simone 16:14
Absolutely.
Collin 16:16
So on that. I do want to know, just one more question on the products side? Because many of us don't have experience with that. What's it like managing the inventory of the products? And how does that process look like?
Simone 16:29
Okay, so first and foremost, you have to find a really good vendor. That's first and foremost, because you have to know that you're getting quality products that ship is that it's going to take because it's all if all goes well, it falls on you. But at the same time, it's all doesn't go well it also falls on you. So as far as inventory, right now, I keep this on hand, and I will ship as desired. But with me looking into getting more inventory. I am actually looking to hire someone as well, I have someone in mind. So I think I may put them in charge of inventory. So what we'll do, we'll just take it step by step. I watch, I watch a lot of YouTube. So I'll probably YouTube a lot of stuff as far as like getting my product starting from ground level ground to getting up to the top. So right now I'm literally just winging it, like I'm ordering stuff that people need. And I'm shipping day by day. As far as inventory, I don't really have a set way that I do it. I'm just kind of going with the flow. Right?
Collin 17:37
Yeah, try not to get too entrenched in a way or a process of doing things because yeah, you're already thinking that this is going to look very different in maybe even a few months, especially if you're looking to hire to someone to do this like that. That whole thing seems like it's really in flux. And you're sitting there going, Okay, we're just gonna ride this a little bit. You know, continue to service continue learning continue taking in as much information as possible, and we'll adapt and move as we need to. Have you heard about time to pet Susan from the pet
18:12
gal has this to say, time to pet has helped us grow exponentially. We believe the platform's features make us by far more professional than other companies who use conventional dashboards. They are the software gurus constantly developing and improving the platform based on user feedback. This decision was a good one. If you
Collin 18:31
are looking for new pet sitting software for your business, give time to pet a try. As a listener of pet sitter confessional, you'll get 50% off your first three months, when you sign up at type two pet.com slash confessional. There just seems like there are two big topics for 2020. And one of them is is COVID. And just how that has been affecting everything. And the another one that I don't see being talked a lot about has been the Black Lives Matter movement and the impact on the pet care industry. Many, many people probably saw the protests in Atlanta, especially around the CNN building and everything going on. So being in Atlanta, I would love to hear your take on the Black Lives Matter movement, and especially when it comes to changes in the pet care community around you.
Simone 19:25
Okay, um, so I'm going to start with COVID Yeah, I personally, I personally thought that it was a bad case of the flu. I really didn't think that it existed. I didn't believe in it. But seeing the amount of deaths definitely worried me. So at this point, I'm just hoping everyone is washing their hands and disinfecting, frequently wearing their masks everywhere they go even if it's a quick in and out Aaron. Black Lives Matter. It is a touchy subject for me. It saddens me how there is no justice. But I do want to say police brutality all together. I believe all lives matter. As far as the protest, I do believe that is an effective positive way to get the point across. As far as it as far as the impact on the pet care industry. Personally, it has not affected it affected me. The market it has, because one COVID and then two, I guess you can say everything is pretty much up in the air. No one really knows what route to take. We just want to we just want to play it safe, I guess you could say, but I'm definitely a big advocate for blue Lives Matter. All lives matter. It's just a time right now where I'll give you this reference. You're on the highway, and someone is stopped. And they have no guests. But a mile ahead. There's a car that's on fire. Although both cars matter. There's one that urgently. Right. So in my opinion, I don't think that I definitely think COVID has a big impact on the pet care industry. As far as Black Lives Matter. I don't think it really has any effect on the industry. But I definitely do agree with the way that people are going about getting the point across which is protest as long as it's not negative or aggressive. I'm all for it. Sure.
Collin 21:40
Yeah, it is a very interesting, it's very interesting time. And and seeing seeing the pain and hurt that goes across the board. And just people trying to be heard and and voices trying to be lifted up and for you mentioned like justice to be to be served. And you know, as when when all of the Black Lives Matter movement really picked back up again. In 2020. There was a big discussion around diversity and inclusion and representation in the pet care industry. Do you know if the community the pet care industry in Atlanta has had those kind of conversations together about lifting up black owned businesses? Or those kind of those kind of conversations?
Simone 22:25
Yes. And I say that only because Atlanta is predominantly African Americans in Atlanta. So right now, during this time, because of what's going on, we're really trying really hard to support each other. And there's absolutely nothing wrong with it. I feel like we've been doing it beforehand. But I think we're really just trying to make a statement by saying we matter to pretty much. I guess you could just say we're just trying to keep it. We're okay. So for instance, with Black Lives Matter protests when you see them, there's literally calling there's every race possible out there. It's everyone coming together to make one statement. We're not trying to say no one matters, or a certain race doesn't matter. But all together, we all matter. We all make this world go round. Sure. So no matter the color of our skin, we're all the same. We all have feelings, but it we just, it's an equality kind of thing. Right?
Collin 23:27
Yeah, and seeing everybody come together in that manner. And, you know, you mentioned the importance of having a community and a support system around you as a business owner, how much more important as an individual and as a community to gather around and say, everybody in the community matters. And and, and we are lifting up and we are making a statement like hey, we need to work we still there's still work to be done and and we still need to be seen and still need to be heard.
Simone 23:55
Absolutely. Yeah.
Collin 24:00
Well, I just the reason it's interesting to me is just because of, of everything going on this year, and in your first year of business, navigating a global pandemic, navigating a huge social justice movement, while still getting your feet under you as a business owner while still trying to find yourself that there It seems like a very all the all the Crossroads are just coming together right at the same time for you. So it's just it's a lot going on. Basically it's okay to say
Simone 24:39
no, I appreciate the acknowledgement call. And I really, really do. It's definitely a blessing to be on this podcast and just and I'm not only just I'm not only letting people know about my business, but I'm thinking to you as well, some of the things some of these things have been on my chest and I appreciate you asking these questions and wanting to know my opinion. I definitely feel Appreciate that.
Collin 25:01
Oh, you're very welcome. And I know because it's it's it's a lived experience, it's things that are going on, and I think that are on everybody's mind. And it's, you know, conversations that that need to be continued to have and to, to understand what's going on and just get an idea of, of where people are and where their thoughts are.
25:20
Yes. Yes,
Collin 25:22
absolutely. So thinking back over this year, I was curious, what is been the biggest thing that you've learned this year,
Simone 25:32
I have learned, do not let what's going on around you affect you. That's the biggest thing. And I'm a very positive person. But I'm not even going to lie to you call in 2020 has, bro a lot of negativity. And if you let things like that get to you. You have to have some kind of self control, whether it's mental or physical, you have to know how to adapt to certain things. Although we never thought that anything like this What happened to this extent, you have to be in control, you have to know everything is going to be okay. Today is not going to be like tomorrow today isn't like yesterday. So you just have to keep pushing. So my main thing, and my main message to everyone is please do not let things that you cannot control affects you.
Collin 26:30
understanding where our focus of control is, and understanding what we need, you know, our role in the world around us and going I know I have things I have goals that I want to accomplish, and this negativity that is 2020, whether you know whether it's 2020 or something else, these lessons being able to focus and as you mentioned, have these things in place, whether you know it, get out of bed, make your bed, start, you know, focus on your work, and don't let these nebulous negativity in because that's not going to help your business that's not going to help you it's going to take your focus away from things that you need to be working on.
Simone 27:13
Yeah, and I know a lot of people, a lot of people have many goals that they want to reach, you know how everyone has their new year's resolution, you know, and how that goes every year. And I know a lot of people had goals that they weren't able to meet. And I just want everybody to know, just stay strong. Please stay strong, because it's always possible the sky's the limit, no matter what's going on with you or anyone else. is faith strong and keep pushing because it will happen.
Collin 27:41
Right after you're after a year and everything that's going on. Do you think you found yourself in the pet care industry? When you look look ahead to the future? Is this something that that you see yourself doing for the long haul?
Simone 27:54
Yes, absolutely. I love animals. any animal you put in front of me, I will have a bond with I won't let go of. It could be anything with spiders. Okay, anything the spiders? Could be a rat that you found anything but writers? Yes, I definitely. I wouldn't do this for the rest of my life, I have a passion for animals, it's like a love from an animal is so much different from a human. I always tell people animal love is different from human love. In the future, I definitely do want to add more services, I want to be a little more creative. Something that people have never heard of before. At this point. Well, right now I'm actually considering transforming services. And
Collin 28:45
I'm not really I'm just kind of brainstorming on it. Because I know it's gonna be it's gonna be a lengthy process. But in the long run, yes, I do want to expand my business. If the veterinary comes into play, then I'm just going to let it flow. If not, then I'll just go with what where my heart goes. Because regardless of what I do, I want to be happy following that passion and not trying to get in your own way. And you mentioned right at the beginning about you were very easy. It's very easy for you to restart and very for easy you to go. Okay, well that didn't work. Let's try this other thing. I feel like that's a skill that not very many people have many of us I know myself included tend to cling to things as they are sinking and go I'm kind of make this work like this
Simone 29:31
obsessing over it.
Collin 29:37
But to be able to recognize, okay, this isn't the thing anymore. I can shift over here. Just how freeing that is and how the real true sense of being adaptable. Recognize when something's not working out, both in your business. More importantly, personally recognizing where that passion or that happiness is and going. Okay, I'll go over there. It seems like that like that's, that's a very healthy thing, especially in times of tumult and uncertainty.
Simone 30:06
Correct. I also agree with you though call it about when you when you have something and you stick to it, because also. And that's I think sometimes that can be my downfall as well, because I'm so quick to be like, Okay, this didn't work. But when you put your head to it, and you're headstrong about it, and you keep pushing, eventually, most of the time, it will work. So I think that's another thing and I appreciate about people like you. They're not so easy to be like, Okay, next, you know, they they put more effort and if something's not working, they try it, they take a different route, but the same destination, thank you. Yeah, it's it is this balance of, of knowing when to it's time to grit, grit your teeth, and just nose to the grindstone and go after it versus, okay, where's the is, and be able to recognize, okay, this is actually not going to work like that, that fine line, I mean, that that really takes some time to figure out and
Collin 31:00
thinking about other pet care providers, what would be your advice to them right now,
Simone 31:05
like care providers, I definitely think that, like I said, and I'm gonna keep saying, I think you guys should definitely push through, make sure that it's something that you want to do. One big thing that definitely want you guys to recognize is, if you have the patience for animals, they're not like us, their thought process is not like ours. I just think that if this is something that you really want to do, stick to it, and commit. Like I said, if you can find another way to do it with the same outcome, I definitely suggest that you do that. I've actually had a girl Come to me and tell me that she wants to, she wants to be the pastor and she doesn't live in Georgia. No way she wants to do the pet city and I completely I encouraged her to do it. She's made her website, she asked for it. And I give it to her because I feel like we can all be successful in this industry. There's room for all of us. And there's many there's so many pets to love out here. Whether they're stray animals, or they have an owner or they're raised to be adopted. And by the way, I'm a big advocate for adopt, don't shop. He said, put that in there. But yes, definitely I motivate everyone that even just think of being a pet sitter. Try it, try it and see if you liked it, if you don't like it, then, you know, try something
Collin 32:30
else. And there are so many pets to love and ways to love them. You can you know, not everybody has to be a dog walker, you can provide the boarding or the drop ends, or the taxi service or the grooming or there's so many ways to provide service and care for all of the pets, that there really is a niche and a place for everybody of all walks of life of all backgrounds. Here in the pet care industry. What are some of your favorite tools, supplies, or maybe resources that you that you like and recommend.
Simone 33:04
I like? Let's see. So I do the nail clipping service. So I do want to give a shout out really quick to well and good stainless steel nail clippers. There's those are the only nail clippers that I ever use. And they are fantastic. They have a guard on them. And I never have any worries, no mistakes because that that Guard has to be secure. I also like I like chewy, chewy is really really good for pet supplies. I'm a big advocate for truly their shipping is really fast using you choose Mendoza. If you have any questions, you guys before you buy any products before you get any services, always check their reviews, Google reviews and watch YouTube, watch somebody else that has used these products or services that can relate to you. So you know,
Collin 33:58
yeah, it's really easy to get caught up in the hype of something, whether it's a product or service and go great, that seems like it's gonna work for me, I'll go get it. Taking that once taking that sidestep just a small step to the side and going Let me read some reviews. Let me watch somebody actually using it and see if that's gonna work for me. Because there are a ton of different products and things out there. That you know, the reason there are so many is because there's so many different uses and people have different tastes. So to take that time to just watch a five minute YouTube review. It really does. It's really helpful and it's great to see the kind of variety that they have on there.
Simone 34:33
Yes, I definitely agree YouTube will be your best friend. Especially if you're trying to do things by yourself as far as pet care. If you're not trying to hire anyone to do it or you don't or you or pretty much like you just want to do it on your own. Yes, that definitely is a good resource PetSmart Petco, I love them as well. Just make sure that you read your reviews. Take your time out and do yourself a favor and read Do,
Collin 35:00
Simone this has been a real joy and a real pleasure discussing your first year and the craziness that it has been but your attitude, your positivity, and your adaptability and your stick to itiveness. I just, there's so much wrapped up into that. And it's been it's been really encouraging to me. So thank you for coming on. But if people have other questions, if they want to get connected with you,
Simone 35:24
how can they best do that? Yes, Colin, thank you. Yeah, I really do appreciate it. Again, my name is Simone and I am the pet nanny offer custom pet services located in Atlanta, Georgia. You can reach me My Facebook is www.facebook.com backslash D pet nanny. So that's th e. Instagram, same thing, the pet nanny and I also have a website, and it is www Of course, the pet nanny.com. Wonderful. Yeah,
Collin 35:55
definitely go follow her and check her everything that she's got going on. It's a lot of fun, Simone. It's been again, a real pleasure. Thank you so much.
Simone 36:03
Thanks, Collin. Enjoy your day.
Collin 36:06
I had really two big takeaways from that conversation with Simone. The first one was when she said that she was going to lay back on the action and open her ears to listening in a time of crisis and time of unrest. In times of uncertainty that is one of the hardest steps anybody can do in their business is to take a moment to listen, collect themselves and figure out a path board before they start barging down and start trudging onward.
36:36
As she said,
Collin 36:37
it really does help cut out a lot of the painful lessons that you'd have to learn anyway. So watch people go ahead of you or see what other people have done in times past and learn from others in those moments, so that you don't have to try and reinvent the wheel. I also really enjoyed the part of the conversation, talking about having a sustainable business through finding yourself and discovering ourselves as pet sitters. I never really thought of it before as putting on the title and seeing if that's how we can view ourselves for the long haul. How as we grow and find ourselves as a business owner, as an entrepreneur, we're putting on all these sort of different hats and these different labels. Some of them are not readily recognized by the world at large, though that is changing with public perception. But still, it's not really public perception that we're battling so much as our personal perceptions as who we define ourselves as in how we see ourselves contributing to society, how we see ourselves from the inside. Only you can answer that only only I can can answer that. And that's something that we all have to walk through and work through as business owners. So how was that process for you? Was it easy? Did you wake up one morning and find that this was exactly what you need to be doing? Or did you have to grow into it? Did you have to grow on you and try it out for a little bit. We'd love to hear from you. So send us an email at feedback at pet sitter confessional calm or get connected with us on Facebook, Instagram, we're pet sitter confessional there, as well. We'd love to hear from you and and hear how you have changed over time or what that process was like early on seeing yourself as a pet sitter, as a dog walker as a as a pet care provider. We'd like to thank our sponsor time to pet for making this show possible. Head on over to Tiger pet.com Ford slash confessional to get that discount. I did also want to say that here we are at the end of October Breast Cancer Awareness Month. So if you haven't already or if you would like to go and do it again, you can go in make a donation for breast cancer research in breast cancer awareness, where together we can not only imagine a world with more birthdays, but we can make it possible
39:03
together.
Collin 39:04
Megan, I hope you have a wonderful week. We'll be back again soon.
