You started out with a dog-wash business seven years ago and nowoperate All Natural Pet Supply. Why did you get into the petbusiness and how did you make the transition from the dog wash tothe retail store?
Id worked 18 years in legal offices, but had always wanted tohave my own business. Seven years ago, a friend of mine couldnt finda place to wash her dog in Vancouver. I saw the need for a self-serve dog wash. My husband and I had wanted to do something togetherfor a long time. We were among the first with a dog-wash businesshere and one of the most successful. Three more dog-wash businessesopened within three years.
The retailing part of the business became my focus dog and catfood, treats, beds, collars, gift items. So we sold the dog- washbusiness three years ago because retail was the fastest-growing partof the business. Weve now moved into larger space at Holly ParkCenter in Hazel Dell and are doing well.
Who is your typical customer?
Animal lovers who want the best for their pets. Its not aboutincome or demographics; they just love their animals.
What are your hours?
Im thinking about the business all the time, but Im in the storesix to 10 hours a day.
What business decision are you most proud of?
Becoming self-employed. We love our life; were living our dreamevery day. Moving to the larger location and expanding the businesslast July was a big move for us.
Most challenging aspect of the job?
Making sure Im always choosing the best products for the store.Im constantly on the lookout for the most indestructible dog chewtoy.
Im always searching the Internet, networking with other storeowners. We go to SuperZoo, a Las Vegas pet supply products show.
So you must agree that the American Dream is alive and well?
I always had the dream of being self-employed, independent. Itsamazing I lasted as long as I did in the legal business. We aredoing this naturally. We like people and love the animals. Its allabout relationships. Thats our test: Is this product right for ourcustomers?
Do you have any regrets?
Not really. There are things that could have come outdifferently, but every experience prepares us for the next event. Myhusband is phenomenal. We followed our intuition.
Whats the best business advice youve ever received?
Build the business on relationships with a high level of customerservice. My husband is Hawaiian; in that culture everyone is family.If I wouldnt take something home and give it to our own animals, wedont sell it.
What was your first job?
I worked for my home economics teachers husband, who was abankruptcy attorney, typing up paperwork.
What did that job teach you?
Organization and how not to go bankrupt. I also learnedorganization from my grandmother, who ran a grocery store in the1920s and 30s, and my father who also owned a grocery store.
Do you have time to read for fun?
I love murder mysteries. J.A. Jance is a favorite.
Where do you vacation?
Hawaii.
Favorite restaurant?
Hawaiian Cafe off Mill Plain Boulevard.
What advice would you give someone starting out in your business?
Go with what makes you happy, not because something is the nexthot topic. If its a pet supply store, educate yourself on petproducts, be valuable to your customers. You will be where they comefor information. Youve got to make sure youre giving them goodinformation.
Vital statistics
AGE: 42.
EDUCATION: Graduate of Sherwood High School, Sherwood, Ore.
PERSONAL: Married to Robert Lactaoen. Owns a golden retriever,Satin, and Shadow the cat.
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