By Rachel Spencer
5
11 ratings
The podcast currently has 244 episodes available.
When Katie Gwilt decided to leave her corporate career in science, she didn’t know it would lead to becoming a leading advocate for cats and their care across the UK.
Katie’s journey into the cat care industry began by accident as she recovered from being seriously ill and realised she wanted to do something that brought her joy - working with cats.
Like many pet professionals, growing up, she thought the only way this could be a career was to be a vet, but after leaving her old career, decided to see if she could make it work.
She started out as a cat-sitter before launching her own business, The Kat Lady in 2020, and training in grooming and behaviour and is now one of the UK's leading experts in cat care and life with cats.
Katie has partnered with training organisations and rescues, and has been recognised as Groomer of the Year and was recently shortlisted for Pet Service Business of the Year at the PIF Awards.
And her hard work has seen her become the go-to authority for everything feline. From grooming and holistic therapies to teaching and product development, she has turned her love for cats into a thriving business.
In this episode, Katie shares her journey of building The Kat Lady from scratch, why she believes there’s huge potential in specialising in cats, and her commitment to raising the standard of feline care across the UK.
Plus, the funny things that have happened along the way, including Clarence, a cheeky cat who ended up making headlines with his love for catnip.
You can listen in on the player link below and find all the links to connect with Katie at the end of this post.
Key topics and timings in this episode:00:02 – Introduction to the episode and the focus on growing a cat business
02:21 – How Katie works as a cat groomer, behaviourist, and holistic feline therapist
03:40 – Katie’s journey from scientific sales to starting her own cat business
06:45 – How visibility and media exposure helped Katie grow her business
07:53 – Social media strategies Katie used during the early stages of her business
09:44 – From health challenges to building a thriving cat care business
10:30 – Networking and partnerships that helped Katie build her reputation
13:20 – A look inside Katie’s busy weekly schedule as a cat specialist
15:27 – Managing rapid growth and coping with burnout
17:05 – The value of delegating tasks and building a support team
18:18 – Taking on staff and how admin support transformed the business
19:26 – How PR and networking increased Katie’s visibility and authority
20:17 – Attending cat-focused events and the growing interest in cat care
22:06 – Collaborations with other pet businesses and creating unique partnerships
24:16 – The importance of recognizing cats as distinct from dogs in care and training
27:24 – Opportunities for aspiring cat professionals in the growing cat care market
28:05 – Insights into the rising demand for cat behavioural services
31:28 – Expanding into holistic approaches and herbal remedies
34:55 – Launching an online herb shop and tailored herb kits for cat owners
38:14 – The story of Clarence the cat - from stealing catnip to media sensation
39:42 – Making holistic cat care more mainstream and educating clients
45:00 – The importance of support networks and the impact of coaching
48:43 – What’s next for Katie – new services and product launches in the pipeline
50:30 – Final thoughts and where to connect with Katie online
Key quotes from the episode:"You CAN have a brilliant business working with cats - it’s not all about the dogs!"
"When I started out, I didn’t have a grand plan. I just kept showing up, even when it felt overwhelming."
"Clarence literally chose what he needed - that’s self-selection at its best!"
"Social media was a game-changer for me. It helped build trust and visibility quickly."
"Delegating the tasks I don’t enjoy has been key to growing my business and preventing burnout."
Key takeaways from the episode:Overcoming adversity - Katie’s health challenges led her to completely rethink her career and follow her passion for cats.
Starting from scratch - Katie launched The Kat Lady during the pandemic and built her brand online by sharing valuable content and connecting with local cat owners.
Growing the business - From a one-woman band to hiring a team and an admin assistant, Katie discusses the importance of delegating and building a support network.
Building visibility - Networking, social media, and PR have been instrumental in positioning Katie as an authority in the cat care space.
Clarence’s story - Katie shares the viral tale of Clarence, a stray cat who helped showcase the effectiveness of her herb selection techniques.
Resources mentioned in this episode:International Society of Feline Medicine (ISFM)
Cat behaviour courses with Caroline Clark
The Kat Lady’s Herb Shop: Herb kits for feline wellness
Links mentioned in this episode:Katie’s Website: The Kat Lady
Katie on Instagram
Katie on Facebook
Katie on LinkedIn
Further listening or reading
Why everyone pet owner should have access to a district vet nurse with Carla Finzel
How Zoe Willingham left her corporate career to create Best Behaviour Dog Training
From fashion PR to dog training with Karen Maher
In the Spotlight with Jessica Morris from The Canine Menu
How to write a press release for your pet business
Is my Pets Get Visible membership right for you?
Have you ever tried to start something new in your pet business, like a newsletter or a weekly piece of content?
At first, it feels easy, but then life gets in the way, and it falls to the bottom of the to-do list. After a while, it has stopped altogether.
First, don’t beat yourself up. Running a business is a slog, and there are only so many plates you can spin, especially if you’re on your own.
When I have conversations about things people want to be doing, they often talk about willpower and a lack of it leading to them not doing the ‘thing.’
But there’s a lot of research into whether willpower really is the key to having the self-control to either do something consistently or stop doing something.
When it comes to the things you want to implement in your business, it’s more about creating habits that you can sustain.
These habits can make your day or week feel more manageable, ensure you do the things you need to do to power your business, reduce ‘decision fatigue’, and help you grow your business.
In this podcast, we’ll look at how to create habits, why they matter, and how to stick with them when life gets busy, plus case studies and further reading.
Caveat - I’m not an expert on this - I’ve researched the topic as I would as a journalist and brought in what I’ve learned as a coach to try to help you.
Key topics and timings in this episode:
0.45 - What to expect from this episode.
1.40 - Why forming habits can be hard and why it’s not about willpower.
4.00 - The willpower myth and how genetics can drive behaviour.
5.45 - What are habits and why are they important?
7.15 - Decision fatigue and how creating habits can free you up for the tasks you enjoy.
8.30 - The Change Curve concept and how this relates to change and habits.
12.22 - Finding ways to build habits that stick - 7 steps to follow.
20.56 - Three barriers and objections to building habits.
25.29 - Case study - Kerry Jordan.
26.52 - How coaching can help you build habits.
29.57 - Why letting go of old habits can help you create space for new ones.
32.06 - Habits that could help your pet business - marketing, customer communications, invoicing and admin.
34.18 - Recommended reading on habits, Atomic Habits, The One Thing and The Power of Habit.
36.04 - Your options if you’d like to work on habits together.
37.04 - Conclusion to building habits.
Links mentioned in this episode:
Join Pets Get Visible and get 50% off your first month here.
Book a 1-1 session here
Further listening:
Kerry Jordan on the importance of building relationships to grow your pet business
Is my Pets Get Visible membership right for you?
How to choose the right pet business coach
How to create consistent content
How to create a social media calendar for your pet business
How to tackle procrastination and get stuff done
When Jessica Morris forgot to pack a treat for her dog Rudy on a day out to the pub, she didn’t realise it would spark the idea for a business that would soon have tails wagging across the UK.
Jess wanted something to occupy Rudy as she had a drink with friends at the end of a long walk, and it was getting a 'no' from the barperson that sparked a lightbulb moment.
Now, four years on, Jess is co-founder of The Canine Menu, a business supplying hospitality venues with everything they need to keep their canine customers coming back.
The idea started with Jess asking her local landlady if she fancied handing over £50 for 50 dog treats and when she got a 'yes' she knew she was on to something.
She teamed up with her brother-in-law Nick Marsh, who has a background in hospitality, which perfectly matched Jess's experience in the pet food industry.
Now The Canine Menu supplies thousands of pubs, cafes, hotels and restaurants across the UK with long-lasting treats and chews, bowls, beds, and even tea bags and ice pops.
Plus English Heritage sites, and my holiday cottage, Sunnyside Cottage and tonnes of other dog-friendly places from coffee trucks to ice cream vans.
Today, Jess shares how that one forgotten chew sparked a brilliant idea and transformed her passion for pups and pubs into a booming business.
Key topics and timings:
01:33 - Introduction to Jess and her background in the pet business
03:02 - The lightbulb moment: Creating a business after being told there were no treats at the bar for Rudy!
05:49 - Testing the concept: From chicken feet in paper bags to creating a beautiful brand
09:20 - Growing from a small start-up to scaling operations
11:46 - Challenges in scaling and operational success
13:40 - The principles that guided product development
20:00 - Building partnerships with hospitality venues
24:42 - Matt, the landlord who sells more dog chews than peanuts
32:43 - Expansion into hotels and holiday rentals with welcome packs
36:12 - Challenges faced and lessons learned from rapid growth
43:09 - The importance of investing in branding and external expertise
46:47 - Staying true to the hospitality focus despite retail temptations
48:49 - Jess's advice for budding entrepreneurs: “Just go for it.”
51:58 - The importance of support networks and co-founder relationships
54:42 - Where to connect with The Canine Menu
Key quotes:
"I was so nervous, but I walked into my local pub with a box of dog chews in tiny little paper bags and asked the landlady, ‘I come here all the time with my dog, loads of other people do too. I’ve got this box - 50 chews for £50 - are you interested?’ She got £50 out of the till right there and then! That’s when I knew we were onto something."
"It’s beyond me why we ever thought dogs would sit quietly for half an hour at a pub - like a two-year-old, they need something to keep them occupied!"
"The sooner you get your idea out into the world and ask someone to part with their cash for it, the sooner you'll know if it's a good idea or not."
"We’re about more than just treats; we aim to improve the overall experience for dogs in hospitality settings."
"The hardest part is knowing when to scale up - your operation grows before the financial benefit arrives."
Key takeaways:
Starting small with a big idea: Jess describes how the concept for The Canine Menu arose from her experience visiting a pub with her dog and grew into a business.
Hospitality focus: The Canine Menu remains dedicated to enhancing the hospitality experience for dogs and their owners, avoiding the temptation to expand into retail.
Challenges of scaling: Jess discusses the difficulties of scaling operations, from managing the supply chain to overseeing team growth and maintaining quality.
Customer-centred approach: The brand’s success is rooted in ensuring the products cater to both venue owners and their customers, offering carefully curated, long-lasting chews for dogs.
Resources mentioned:
Matt from the Norfolk Arms in Sheffield (The pub that sells more dog chews than peanuts!)
The Canine Menu Christmas range and collaborations
Woof and Brew, the creators of the dog tea used in their welcome packs
Links mentioned in this episode:
Visit The Canine Menu: thecaninemenu.co.uk
Connect with Jess on LinkedIn: Jess's LinkedIn
Learn about Woof and Brew: https://woofandbrew.com/
Further listening if you enjoyed this episode:
In the spotlight with Rachel Down from Boil and Broth
What it's like to go on Dragon's Den with Debbie Greaves from Barking Bags
In the spotlight with Karen Rhodes from Luxury Dog Hampers
Working with bloggers and influencers with Vicky Gunn from Millie's Beach Huts
20 takeaways from the Pet Industry Federation Business of Pets Conference
Running a pet business is incredibly rewarding, but it can also feel isolating.
Whether you’re a product maker or service provider, you’re juggling everything - creating products or delivering services, marketing yourself, managing social media, connecting with clients, and handling the day-to-day.
If you’re doing it on your own, it can sometimes feel like you’re shouting into the void.
But you don’t have to go it alone. Being part of a supportive community can transform your experience, giving you the emotional and practical support you need to thrive.
In this episode I’m going to share why community matters so much for your business, you'll hear from some fabulous members of my Pets Get Visible community, and come away knowing how to find the community that’s right for you.
Topics and timings in this episode
0:00 - Introduction to the importance of community
4:10 - My personal experience with online and offline communities
10:30 - Emotional support through communities: guest Fiona shares her experience
17:45 - Accountability and motivation: insights from community member Jo Milnes
25:50 - Celebrating wins and the power of sharing accomplishments
33:20 - Finding the right community fit: what to consider
40:15 - How to get the most from being part of a community
47:00 - Final thoughts and invitation to join Pets Get Visible membership
Key quotes
Key takeaways
Emotional support - Communities offer vital emotional support, reducing feelings of isolation and helping members stay motivated.
Accountability and motivation - Regular check-ins, live calls, and shared goals provide accountability and a boost in motivation to achieve personal and professional goals.
Celebrating wins - Community members celebrate each other’s achievements, helping them build confidence and appreciate their progress.
Learning from others - Being part of a community enables members to learn from each other’s successes and challenges.
Finding the right fit - Not all communities are the same; finding one that aligns with personal values and needs is crucial for maximum impact.
Working together:
If you’re ready to stop going it alone, come and join me in Pets Get Visible, a community where you’ll feel seen, heard, and supported for 50% off your first month here.
And if you’d like to know more about my mastermind, drop me an email, and we can chat when it opens again in March 2025 or you can apply to work together as a coaching client here.
Further listening
If you enjoyed this episode and want to learn more on this topic, here are some podcast episodes you might find helpful:
Why every pet business should keep a win folder
How to choose the right pet business community
Collaborating in your pet business
Is my Pets Get Visible membership right for you?
What's your pet business culture and why it matters
21 things to consider when running a free Facebook group
Have you ever wondered what you’d do if you were kicked off Facebook and couldn’t use Instagram or WhatsApp anymore?
Or what it would be like to move your pet business to a completely new area where nobody knows you?
That’s exactly what happened to Gill Gallagher, and in this episode, I’m chatting with her about how she handled both of these challenges.
Gill is the founder of Speaking Spaniel and has been working as a dog trainer since 2016.
After losing access to Meta platforms and relocating her business, she had to find new ways to get visible and connect with clients – without relying on social media.
In this conversation, she shares how old-school, face-to-face marketing and building real-life connections helped her bounce back.
We talk about the frustrations she faced, how she kept her business going, and why the Meta nightmare ended up being a blessing in disguise.
Gill’s approach is a reminder that even when things don’t go to plan, you can still find success by doing things your way.
If you’ve been knocked back by the many bumps in the road you have running your business or just need a bit of inspiration, this episode is full of practical advice.
Listen in to hear how Gill turned things around, and find all the links to connect with her at the end of the episode.
Key topics and timings00:20 – Introduction and what to expect from this episode.
02:56 – Gill's background and starting out as a dog trainer.
04:15 – Moving her business from Portsmouth to a new area and starting from scratch.
09:42 – What it was like to be kicked off Facebook and lose access to Meta platforms.
17:30 – How going back to traditional marketing helped Gill rebuild her business.
21:12 – Building collaborations with local businesses and why face-to-face networking worked.
29:18 – How Gill found a new field for her business through community connections.
35:00 – Setting up events, workshops, and building a local presence in a new area.
42:10 – Why relying on social media isn’t enough and how Gill diversified her approach.
51:35 – Gill’s advice to anyone moving to a new area and starting your business from scratch.
Links mentioned in this episodeFind out more about Gill’s business at Speaking Spaniel
Check out Gill’s website for puppy training: Speaking Puppy
Read about Gill in her local paper showcasing her new business training Shropshire's Spaniels!
Further listening and readingWays to grow your pet business off social media
15 reasons not to worry about social media engagement
Building resilience as a pet professional with Andrew Hale
Taking care of your emotional wellbeing with Andrew Hale
Stuff the social media rules and do things your way with Colette Adwin
Navigating the rollercoaster of running a small business
Putting you first in your pet business with Jane Ardern
How to cope with stop start times in your pet business
Do you have tasks in your business that you keep putting off, and you can't quite figure out why? Maybe it’s your accounts, social media, or even sending invoices that would really help your business.
In this episode of the Your Pet Business, Your Way podcast, I’m diving into the topic of procrastination—why we do it, how it impacts our work, and practical strategies to overcome it.
I explore the common reasons behind procrastination among pet business owners, including fear of failure, overwhelm, and perfectionism. I share personal experiences and insights from my coaching training, offering tips that can help you move forward.
We’ll discuss the importance of understanding your strengths, building accountability, and creating a supportive environment that fosters productivity. Whether you're an established pet professional or just starting out, I hope you find this episode helpful.
Listen in on the player link below, and you'll find all the details on how to connect with me at the end of this post.
Key topics and timings in this episode:0:20 - Introduction to procrastination in pet businesses
2:55 - Understanding the reasons behind procrastination
5:50 - The costs of procrastination
9:09 - Identifying strengths and gaps
11:55 - Strategies to overcome procrastination
14:46 - Building accountability and community support
21:54 - Conclusion and next steps
Links mentioned in this episode:
Is my Pets Get Visible membership right for you?
Join Pets Get Visible for just £15 for your first month
Read The Coaches Casebook: Mastering the Twelve Traits that Trap Us by Kim Morgan and Geoff Watts on Amazon
Further listening:
How to feel more comfortable and confident with self promotion
How to create systems and make your life less stressful with Amy Mitchell
How to create a pet business social media calendar
How to create a bank of anytime content
Why I trained as a coach and what that means for your pet business
What kind of coach is right for your pet business
Let's connect on social media:
https://www.facebook.com/rachelspenceruk
https://www.instagram.com/rachelspenceruk
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelspenceruk
Do you feel resilient as a pet professional? Are you able to recover from setbacks and keep moving forward?
It can be tough managing your energy and navigating challenges while meeting the demands of caring for animals and their humans.
In the second of a two-part podcast on taking care of your mental health as a pet professional, I’m chatting to Andy Hale on the topic of resilience.
Andy is a dog behaviourist with a background in psychology, and we cover why resilience is crucial for personal and professional growth.
Developing resilience involves recognising and processing emotions, learning from experiences, and developing coping strategies that empower you to bounce back stronger.
We explore how self-awareness, self-compassion, and a clear sense of purpose will enable you to maintain your emotional wellbeing while being your best for your clients.
Whether you’re an established pet professional or just starting out, I hope you find this episode helpful.
Listen in on the player link below, and you'll find all the places where you can connect with Andrew at the end of this post.
Key topics and timings in this episode:
0:20 - What to expect from this episode
2:20 - The difference between robustness and resilience.
5:45 - Why resilience isn’t about being tough and keeping on marching.
8:48 - Coping with issues from our past and how they can impact our daily existence.
12:45 - Stopping to take care of yourself and thinking, ‘how am I?’
13:46 - Understanding yourself and why knowing your support needs will help you support others in terms of your physical and emotional health, and recognising things that may take their toll on you.
15:45 - Why you should be spending more on self-care each month than you are on hot-dog sausages!
20:45 - Understanding your feelings when working online, connecting your reactions to your purpose, and considering whether to respond to what you see online.
23:15 - Why you can’t change people’s opinions and how it can help to step away and spend time in safer online environments rather than being stuck in a conflict cycle.
27:56 - Why you don’t need to get involved in the big stuff to make a difference.
28:15 - The care hierarchy and considering who is a priority for you and your emotional energy.
30:01 - Awareness, Acknowledgement, and Acceptance, and Control, Change, and Choice on social media.
34:20 - Building your professional presence and how this can support you in being resilient so you have a fighting chance of turning up and being less affected by challenges.
38:17 - Why taking a break from animals can be good for you and why having hobbies and interests outside of your pet business is important.
41:01 - The ‘want to do, need to do, and must dos’—getting the balance right to create space in your life.
45:07 - Why you’re not letting dogs or pets down by not getting involved in big issues on social media; making a difference for one dog you’re working with is enough.
48:27 - How saying no to things is part of being resilient and taking care of yourself.
52:35 - Making time for yourself and why self-care isn’t indulgent.
54:34 - Why your purpose will help you when it comes to self-care.
56:32 - Andy’s mission to create ‘Safe Space’—a new resource for pet professionals—and his emotional health workshops.
57:47 - How the ‘invitation’ approach can be freeing.
59:00 - Where to find out more about Andy’s work.
Links mentioned in this episode:
Find out more about Andy on his website: https://dogcc.org/
Join Andy’s community on Facebook
Dog Centred Care: https://www.facebook.com/groups/dogcc
Check out his YouTube channel with lots of amazing conversations:
https://www.youtube.com/c/dogcentredcare
Find his Pet Remedy Group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/petremedyanimals
Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-hale-2417b7b2/
Further listening and reading
Taking care of your emotional wellbeing as a pet professional with Andy Hale
Take a moment to reflect on how far you've come
Navigating the rollercoaster of running a small business
Putting you first in your pet business with Jane Ardern
Could imposter syndrome be your friend with Nicola Kinnard-Comedie
How to choose the right pet business coach
Harnessing your strengths to grow your pet business with Sasha Louise Smith
How to cope with stop start times in your pet business
Taking care of your emotional wellbeing is essential for anyone in the pet care industry, where the demands of supporting animals and humans can take their toll.
Andy Hale is a dog behaviourist, behaviour consultant for Pet Remedy and expert advisor for Canine Arthritis Management and combines his expertise in training with an understanding of mental health.
With a background in human psychology, Andy is passionate about supporting pet professionals like you in balancing client care with your emotional wellbeing.
In this episode, we explore Andy's system designed to help people in the industry identify their core values and communicate their offerings with confidence.
This approach helps you share what you need to connect with people who are looking for your support, allowing you to thrive while helping your clients - both human and furry.
Andy reframes the often-daunting task of self-promotion and suggests viewing this process as an invitation rather than a sales pitch.
By sharing your values and work philosophy, you can attract clients who resonate with your approach, transforming 'selling' into a meaningful connection.
Whether you’re an established pet professional or just starting out, this conversation is packed with insights that I know you’ll find valuable.
You’ll find all the places where you can connect with Andy at the end of the show notes.
Key topics and timings:
0:20 - What to expect from this episode.
2:56 - Andrew explains how his Dog Centred Care community works.
4:21 - Why he’s looking to create Safe Space for pet professionals.
7:40 - How the emotional experiences pet professionals encounter can impact them.
17:05 - The ‘righting reflex’ and how this can impact how we operate online as business owners.
24:14 - How you can take the ‘invitation’ approach when it comes to working with and finding the right clients.
38:15 - The ‘task’ and ‘care’ approach and having a more holistic method when working as a pet professional, despite the ‘quick fix’ world we’re in.
44:00 - The five pillars Andrew works with in supporting his clients: find your story, purpose, structure, presence, and self.
53:19 - Taking time to recalibrate and figure out what you need to have a sustainable business.
57:31 - Working out what is ‘enough’ for you and resisting the pressure to strive for ‘more,’ measuring success on your own metrics.
58:44 - Stepping away from debates online while Andrew is happy to have conversations with balanced trainers and hear their approach.
1:00:02 - How Andy looks at his own priorities ahead of reacting.
1:03:10 - Thinking about purpose when you post online and creating thought-provoking content.
1:05:14 - Why we can’t keep everyone happy and feeling okay with that.
1:07:52 - Why we should be writing for people who need our support and may work with us, rather than other pet professionals or people who’ve already said no to us.
1:10:24 - Where to find out more about Andy and his community.
Links mentioned in this episode:
Find out more about Andy on his website: https://dogcc.org/
Join Andy’s community on Facebook : Dog Centred Care: https://www.facebook.com/groups/dogcc
Check out his YouTube channel with lots of amazing conversations :
https://www.youtube.com/c/dogcentredcare
Find his Pet Remedy Group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/petremedyanimals
Do you ever take a moment to stop, look back and see how far you've come in your pet business?
We can be so busy trying to figure out the many things we need to do as business owners, and spinning so many plates, we forget to acknowledge our successes.
In this week’s episode, I’m sharing experiences from my time as a journalist - where success was quickly forgotten - to now, where I’ve learned the importance of pausing to reflect on achievements through my coaching and mentoring.
You’ll also hear from Niki French, who had a lightbulb moment during a recent retreat, along with insights from the book The Gap and the Gain, which helps shift our focus from what’s missing to what we’ve already accomplished.
I’ll share practical tips and exercises to help you take a step back and recognise your wins - no matter how small. Plus, if you’re looking for more support in this area, how my Pets Get Visible membership is here to help you.
Whether you’re just starting out or have been running your pet business for years, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you build a positive mindset.
Key topics and timings in this episode:
0.55 - What to expect from this episode.
2.30 - Episode sponsor - Pets Get Visible membership.
4.05 - My own experience of never stopping to look back and what changed my perspective.
5.30 - Why training as a coach helped me understand this topic more.
7.10 - Why I encourage my clients to create a habit around looking back and reflecting.
8.08 - The reflection exercise I did on my recent retreat.
9.27 - Niki French from Puptalk shares her experience.
13.43 - What would happen if you ten years ago was plonked into your life now?
19.41 - About the book, the Gap and the Gain and how this applies to this topic.
20.11 - The Hedonic Treadmill and why we pressure ourselves to move on to the next goal.
24.09 - Examples from my membership of feeling reticent about sharing wins.
27.02 - How looking at your achievements can help with your social media.
27.36 - Ways to build reflection into your business so you can recognise how far you've come.
28.47 - How you can have support if you'd like to work together on this topic.
Links mentioned in this episode:
This podcast is sponsored by my Pets Get Visible membership where you can get all the support you need with feeling comfortable and confident promoting your work.
You have access to live classes and coaching calls covering topics like PR, blogging, applying for awards, photography, email newsletters, creating case studies, plus forward planning guides every month to stay ahead with your content and ensure you remain visible.
Every session is recorded, so you can catch up on anything you've missed. There's also a Facebook community where you can meet fellow petpreneurs, feel supported, and get inspired.
If you'd like to find out more about joining Pets Get Visible, send me a message at [email protected], or head to this post.
Is my Pets Get Visible membership right for you?
Or you can join for just £15 for your first month here: https://publicityforpetbusinesses.mykajabi.com/offers/7Hvpvxzr?coupon_code=PGV50
Further reading on this topicCreating meaningful content with Aileen Stevenson
Navigating the rollercoaster of running a small business
Putting you first in your pet business with Jane Ardern
How to choose the right pet business coach
Harnessing your strengths to grow your pet business with Sasha Louise Smith
How to cope with stop start times in your pet business
Could imposter syndrome be your friend with Nicola Kinnard-Comedie
How to stop comparisonitis holding you back with Kate Hoyle
Rachel Down is the founder of Boil and Broth and The British Broth Company, and she began making bone broth after experiencing her own health challenges.
Rachel suffered from chronic health problems and discovered that bone broth could help her body heal itself.
When she found that there wasn’t a product on the market that didn’t contain ingredients she was intolerant to, she decided to make her own.
What started out as a trip to the butcher and an experiment in her kitchen led to a total health transformation for Rachel, who lost six stone and reversed her health conditions.
Friends and family asked if they could try her broth, and it soon became a business—first for humans, and later for pets.
Now Rachel’s products are shipped all over the world. She’s won awards for her innovation and will soon be stocked in Walmart.
She’s also involved in many collaborations and partners with influencers to raise awareness of the impact bone broth can have on both people and their pets.
In this episode, Rachel shares her entrepreneurial journey, her plans for the future, and how she navigates the rollercoaster of running her business.
Key topics and timings in this episode:
1.00 - What to expect from this episode.
2.10 - How Rachel founded her business Boil and Broth.
3.02 - How Rachel's experience with the NHS inspired her to find her own solutions to candida overgrowth and gut health issues.
4.57 - Reversing her health issues in just 12 weeks and how she lost six stone in three years.
7.30 - Creating dehydrated bone broth and how this helped her business grow.
8.40 - Starting out in 2016 and figuring out how to make her own broth—stinking out her house in the process!
11.30 - Turning her broth-making into a business, navigating Brexit, and scaling up production.
15.20 - The impact of going viral and how she handled the surge in sales after featuring on the Raw Pet Medics podcast.
16.43 - Scaling up to produce 2,000 litres of broth a month.
20.23 - What it was like entering the pet space as a new business and staying true to her ethics.
26.03 - Rachel's experience working with influencers and how this has helped to grow her brand.
29.00 - The results of the bone broth and gut health study Rachel worked on with Dr Carol Hughes and Anna Webb, focusing on the health of 30 dogs.
35.04 - How Rachel enjoys working with pet professionals.
37.58 - How bone broth can help boost cat health.
41.59 - The ways Rachel has built her audience, authority, and credibility.
45.09 - Rachel's advice for anyone feeling unsure about promoting their work and sharing their story.
47.38 - Things to consider if you're looking for coaching or mentoring.
51.35 - How going against the grain and doing things differently has benefited Rachel's business.
55.51 - What’s next for Rachel and Boil and Broth.
58.32 - How to find out more about Rachel and her work.
Links mentioned in this episode:
Find out more about Rachel’s work on her website: www.boilandbroth.com and https://www.britishbrothcompany.com/
Connect on LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/racheldownuk
Follow her on Facebook: www.facebook.com/boilandbroth
Check out her page on Instagram: www.instagram.com/boilandbroth
Listen to Rachel on Anna Webb's podcast:
https://share.transistor.fm/s/c960ded9
Read about the Bone Broth study:
https://boilandbroth.com/blogs/pet-health-tips/biome-broth-study-team
Further listening if you enjoyed this episode:
How to choose a pet business coach
Working with journalists and influencers with Vicky Gunn
In the spotlight with Debbie Humphreys from Redhound for Dogs
Microbiome testing for dogs with Dr Joe Inglis from Biome9
How discovering your dogs functional character can help your relationship with Heather Stevens
What do you want your pet business to be known for?
Navigating the rollercoaster of running your pet business
Is my Pets Get Visible membership right for you
The podcast currently has 244 episodes available.
138 Listeners
3,966 Listeners
13 Listeners
1,026 Listeners
98 Listeners
219 Listeners
208 Listeners
73 Listeners
1,828 Listeners
1 Listeners
3 Listeners
2,093 Listeners