Please tell us about your company and what role(s) you play.
My name is Mary Oquendo - I am the owner of Spirited Dog Productions. Two businesses fall under that umbrella. The first is Pawsitive Educational Training; an online education portal for pet professionals. The second is Mary Oquendo Business Consultant. I take pet professionals and their businesses from just surviving to thriving. My most recent endeavor is setting up online virtual trade schools and membership sites.
How and when did you start your business? Was it inspired by a pet?
I’ve been in the pet industry since 1998 when I went to work as a bather for Petco. I was a stay at home mom until I saw the Help Wanted sign. I’ve always loved animals and it was my original intent to become a veterinarian.
Do you have a pet(s) that joins you at work, what are their names and roles?
I have 5 dogs. 2 of which play an active role. Spirit is my Husky who travels with me to conventions as a demo dog and all around room greeter for my pet first aid workshops. And Pooh Bear lives in my sweatshirt. He pokes his head out periodically during my online workshops.
What makes your business or brand unique?
Having been a mobile pet groomer since 2002 I wasn’t in a set, physical space to train others so I decided to offer online education in 2012 for pet groomers and aspiring ones. I am the first groomer to develop and hold an online trade show with The Association of Holistic Pet Professionals in April 2019. Currently, I am helping set up online education portals for manufacturers, professional associations, and suppliers to provide education to their clients.
How does your business help other pet lovers like you?
My goals is to re-ignite their love for the grooming by helping them organize and streamline the business side of grooming so they are not continuously putting out fires or working 16 hours a day.
What have been some of your biggest challenges in running your business? How did you overcome them?
Technology has been a beast for me. It has required a lot of continuing education, knowing when to hire the expert, and when to lean on my wonderful coaches.
What qualities have made you successful or do you feel are important for inspiring leaders?
Everything I teach or coach, I’ve done. I speak from the experience of being a groomer and a business owner.
What cool things are you/your business working on that you would like to share? New product or service? Podcast or training series?
The Women Petpreneurs Podcast is being revamped. In about a month, I will be joined by River Lee and the focus will turn to helping women with their businesses. The podcast will be live and have callers call in with questions.
Where can someone get more information about your business? They can learn more at www.MaryOquendo.com or www.PawsitiveEd.com
https://PawsitiveED.as.me/ to set up a call with me to see how I can help them.
Comments will be approved before showing up.
