Wear Wag Repeat Podcast

Today on another solo episode, I'm sharing my expertise on doing a photoshoot for your brand. Professionally photos are great assets that can be used on your social media, your website, your store and products, or even for personal use. In the episode, I'm sharing resources and tips for finding photographers and locations, picking out your wardrobe, planning a shot list, and even how to pose with your dogs.

This episode is full of so much great info for any dog mom. Today’s guest is an author and also a dog trick evaluator who has some really cool ideas on new tricks that you can teach your dog to create a stronger bond with them, or even make them an Instagram star! We also talk about how her work can assist in therapy dog programs - from reading to children to showing off tricks for seniors. Oh and if you’re interested in getting your brand featured in dog magazines, she has advice for that too!

In this episode, I’m talking with Courtney Nichols-Gould of SmartyPaws. She’s on a mission to make your whole family healthier - even your dog! We talk about how to get started in the pet industry, from deciding if your product solves a real problem to how you can get more visibility in a competitive market. Courtney also talks about how important it is to consider the environment and pet parent lifestyles in your business decisions.

On this episode, I’m talking to Brooke Lima, the creator of [found by] fetch about starting an online shop for people and pups. We discuss the pros and cons of carrying inventory versus drop shipping, how to assemble a team to help with photos, graphics, brainstorming and more. And then we also talk about finding inspiration - both from the amazing women makers in the pet industry and the animal rescue organizations that give all of this work meaning.

In this episode I’m talking to the dog mom of Mary Evelyn Studio Art. We talk about how she got into pet portraits, specifically in watercolor, and how she’s grown her business to include commissions, workshops, online classes and collaborations such as a new illustrated book series. As this episode comes out, Mary Evelyn celebrates Puptober in a series of portraits that you can find on her Instagram account.

On this episode, I’m talking to Catherine Whiteman of the dog bedding and accessories brand, Three Wags. We talk about how her products make people and pet’s lives easier and better, especially through her Awareness bandanas. I think you’ll love the touching story about how those came to be. We also discuss the challenges of having to tackle it all as a solopreneur in the pet industry.

In this episode, Tori Mistick shares the latest information she learned about CBD (AKA cannabinoid) products for your dog when she attended the SuperZoo pet industry trade show in August 2019. Tori will talk about how CBD can help your dog's quality of life, what she learned from three major brands at the trade show and keywords you should look for on labels of CBD products before you use them with your pets. The rest of the shownotes can be found at wearwagrepeat.com/podcast

In this episode, I’m talking to a pet sitting and dog walking business expert who grew her own business over the course of 18 years. We talk about how to hire your first few employees, and how important your gut intuition is in those decisions. With the right employees, you can achieve that work life balance that you got into this business for in the first place! Today’s guest fine-tuned her staff to the point where she was able to take 6 months off to live in Bali!

On this episode, I’m talking to a certified dog trainer who’s taking her modern dog training education to the masses through online courses. We talk about how this makes a positive impact on people’s and pet’s lives around the country and the logistics of how she created the lessons. She’s also making a difference in her local community by supporting assistance dog programs and volunteering her own time as a therapy dog team that helps kids find the confidence to read.

Summer might be coming to an end, but as you’ll hear on this episode, it’s always gelato season! Today’s guest started making gelato for dogs in her own kitchen, and now has her product carried in shops around the West Coast. We talk about how she made the transition from corporate life to a dog-inspired life and what keeps her motivated every day. She also shares some of the biggest struggles of starting her own pet industry business.

On this episode we’re getting real… talking about how important it is to be authentic and show the human side of being a dog influencer. Today’s guest talked to me about how she decided to document her dog mommming through social media and blogging, how she uses bookmarks to keep her growing to-do list organized and her tips on  creating engaging Instagram stories.

In this episode, we get to hear from a press and publicity expert who specializes in pet stories and brands. Learn how to translate your popular social media posts into press coverage, what you need to include in a pitch email and also hear about how you can use the media to make a difference in pet’s and people’s lives. Today’s guest is also a pet blogger and she has some great suggestions to get your own pet blog filled with engaging stories.

In this episode, I’m talking to a pet photographer who has built a full time business in less than 2 years by creating a strong visual style and sticking to her guns when it comes to pricing. She shares advice on how to get your new pet business off the ground. And we also address the myth that pet photography is a local-only business - this photographer has had dogs travel across state lines to sit in front of her camera!

In this episode, I’m talking to an experienced pet industry pro with a background in corporate retail and professional FUN. The owner of Bow Wow Dog Bakery, Leel Michelle is sharing some great advice about creating a successful brick and mortar pet business like incorporating services into your retail shop. We also talk about how important pet birthdays are and how you can make them part of a special experience for your customers.

In this episode, I’m talking to the dog mom behind Hami in Miami about what it’s like to be a dog influencer and the importance of having an online presence, like a blog, as your brand grows. We also discuss how rewarding it is to share dog joy with the world through Instagram. However, juggling life, work and blogging can be alot, so listen to the end to get some advice on living in the moment while also capturing content for your blog and social media.