‘Enough is enough, I want to do something that makes me happy’.
Meet Elkie, We Love Pets branch owner Portsmouth
What made you decide to invest in a We Love Pets franchise?
I had been looking at starting something of my own but didn’t feel like I could.
I did some research and an ad popped up on Facebook. After speaking with one of the We Love Pets franchise owners I decided this would be the choice for me.
Many people worry about buying into a franchise model, what did franchising mean to you before you got in touch with us?
It meant, buying into a business and you running your own branch based on their business model. But what I didn’t realise was that with We Love Pets they’re there with you throughout.
There is so much help with setting up and continuing to grow that it made sense to take this route.
What has been the one thing that has surprised you throughout the process?
That it’s not just me who likes to spend money on their pets, making sure they’re happy.
Knowing the promises that We Love Pets makes to their customers to help them feel confident that their pets are being as well looked after as our own resonates so much with me.
I can’t wait to meet so many like-minded customers.
What have you done in your past that you think will help you in your new venture?
My career was in insurance for a number of years so I am used to working with people. I’ve also completed a two-year animal management course, dealing with a wide variety of animals. And, of course, my love of all animals, in particular dogs and rabbits!
I have always wanted to work with animals since I can remember. Life didn’t work out that way and I found myself working in an insurance brokers, even quitting to go back to college and still ending up back there! Eventually, I said enough is enough, I want to do something that makes me happy and with the support and encouragement from Lee, I went for it.
Elkie is providing dog walking and other pet care services in Portsmouth.
What do you love about where you live?
The beach and the weather is amazing and I can’t wait to share the photos when I am out on the dog walks with their owners, and on my social media channels.
I live with my partner Lee, our dogs Tess and Honey and his daughters.
Apart from the wonderful beaches and the positives of being outdoors, what are you looking forward to most about being your own boss?
Choosing the hours I want to work and being able to spend more time with family and friends.
I have suffered from anxiety at work so being fit and healthy, both physically and mentally, will help more than I thought would be possible!
We want to know a bit more about Tess and Honey…
Tess (aka Pudding) is a 10-year-old Corgi mix, she loves to eat and sleep and hates anything wet – not a chance is she going for a walk in the rain!
Honey is an eight-month-old crazy Cockapoo! She is incapable of walking and has to run and jump everywhere. She loves everything and everyone and is possibly the most annoying dog in the world but I would never change her! I also have two turtles called Crush and Squirt.
To find out more about the pet care services Elkie provides in Portsmouth, Southsea and Hilsea visit her page here.
