135: From Craft Fairs to 300 Retail Locations: Ava’s Pet Palace’s Story

135: From Craft Fairs to 300 Retail Locations: Ava’s Pet Palace’s Story

Author: Candace D'Agnolo of Pet Boss Nation® June 23, 2024 Duration: 30:43
How does one go from a 6-year-old’s dream to a thriving business with products in over 300 retail locations, including Target? Well, this dynamic mother-daughter duo can tell you! In this episode, Candace got to chat with Ava and Ina Dorsey, ⅔ of the team behind Ava’s Pet Palace, the company Ava started when she was just 8 years old! In this episode, you’ll learn:  👑 How Ava's Pet Palace grew from 6-year-old Ava’s drawing to a successful pet treat company. 👑 The behind-the-scenes of running a business as a family and how the Dorsey family manages decision making together.  👑 What it's like to experience overnight viral success and how to handle rapid growth.  👑 The importance of diversity and representation in the pet industry, and Ava and Ina’s perspectives on being Black entrepreneurs in an industry lacking in diversity. 👑 The future plans for Ava's Pet Palace, including product expansion, crowdfunding, Ava’s post-high school plans, and more!  As if starting a business at 8 years old isn’t inspiration enough, Ava and Ina's story of persistence, passion, and family support will really inspire you to chase your dreams and make your own unique mark in the pet industry!  View Transcript Show Notes Join Us Online Find us on Facebook Join our Free Pet Industry Facebook Group Follow us on Instagram Read our Blog

Running a local pet business is a unique blend of passion and hard-nosed strategy, and the Pet Boss® Podcast with Candace speaks directly to that reality. Hosted by Candace D'Agnolo of Pet Boss Nation®, these conversations move beyond generic advice to tackle the actual challenges faced by shop owners and service providers on Main Street. You'll hear from fellow pet supply store operators, groomers, dog daycare managers, trainers, and sitters who are navigating the same daily realities you are. The discussions blend foundational business principles with actionable secrets that are proving effective right now, all within the specific context of the animal care industry. This isn't about abstract theory; it's about what works when the bell on your door jingles and a client walks in with their pup. Each episode aims to provide honest, peer-driven insights because, as any pet professional knows, a dog business is indeed big business. Tune in for a candid look at building resilience and success from the ground up, designed specifically for the dedicated local entrepreneur in the vibrant world of pets.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Pet Boss® Podcast with Candace
Podcast Episodes
230: Global 2026 Recap & Candace's Favorite Things Awards [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:46
Candace and Morgan are back from sunny Orlando after a long week at Global Pet Expo 2026 - and this episode is packed with behind-the-scenes insights, favorite product discoveries, and Morgan's fresh first-timer perspect…
226: Q2 Is Your Biggest Marketing Opportunity: Get The Strategy Here [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:38
Be honest: when was the last time you looked at your calendar and knew exactly what you were promoting, posting, and doing in your business three months from now? Do you even know what you're doing next week? Or do you w…
225: Donation Requests: Burden or Business Strategy? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:53
How many donation requests have landed in your inbox lately? Today? This week? This month? Silent auctions, raffles, gift baskets, event sponsorships - can you donate a gift card? And if you're honest, how many of those…
224: 2,000 emails: Zero Campaigns. Here’s What I’m Doing About It [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:19
Is email marketing dead? Well, Candace sure hopes not - because she's been sitting on over 2,000 customer emails from Dante and Dory's for the last 5 months and has done absolutely nothing with them. And as a business co…
223: What Slow Sales Are Really Telling You & How to Fix It [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:00
It's cold. People are sick. Business feels quiet. Sound familiar? Candace is coming to you fresh off 10+ days sick with the flu - three of them completely in bed - and using this slower winter stretch at Dante and Dory's…