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
172: Live Listener Taping: Fall In Love With Your Business [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:04
The Pet Boss Podcast's first-ever live virtual audience recording?! Yes, please! In this milestone celebration of 100,000 downloads, Candace brought together a room full of passionate pet professionals to reflect on our…
170: Behind Closed Doors: Building a Pet Destination [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:05
Ready for the comeback of the YEAR?! We're talking about Candace's comeback to the pet industry RETAIL WORLD! Yup, but this isn't just another pet store opening– it's SO much more, and we have all the juicy details ready…
168: Your Mindset Love Story (Series #4 of 5) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:03
Happy LOVE month! 💖 This February, join Candace for a special 5-part series designed to help you rekindle your spark with your pet business! Whether you're feeling frustrated, overwhelmed, or just need a fresh perspectiv…
167: Your Marketing Love Story (Series #3 of 5) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:25
Happy LOVE month! 💖 This February, join Candace for a special 5-part series designed to help you rekindle your spark with your pet business! Whether you're feeling frustrated, overwhelmed, or just need a fresh perspectiv…
166: Your Money Love Story (Series #2 of 5) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:32
Happy LOVE month! 💖 This February, join Candace for a special 5-part series designed to help you rekindle your spark with your pet business! Whether you're feeling frustrated, overwhelmed, or just need a fresh perspectiv…
165: What’s Your Business’s Love Language? (Series #1 of 5) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:45
Happy LOVE month! 💖 This February, join Candace for a special 5-part series designed to help you rekindle your spark with your pet business! Whether you're feeling frustrated, overwhelmed, or just need a fresh perspectiv…
164: Building a Pet Biz Empire With Zero Business Background [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:08
Want to see how far a "watch me do this" attitude can take you? When everyone told Pet Boss Nation University member Alina McCue that she should go for her idea of opening a pet retail store in Missoula, Montana, she too…
163: Make Social Media Less of a Chore & More of a Customer Magnet [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:01
Is your pet business’ social media presence accidentally sending the wrong message to potential customers? In this episode, Candace chats with the Pet Boss Nation team social media guru, Amanda Nelson, about why 2025 is…