Today we’d like to introduce you to Bethany Grace and Haley Smallwood, Owners of Petworking & CO.
Bethany and Haley, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
We initially had a different business plan in mind, one that focused on providing pet-industry professionals individual space needed to run their businesses, where they focus on their expertise and we would do the rest. However, due to the pandemic, we shifted our focus to staying local and supporting small businesses both in what we sell and also in our family-owned storefront. “Our sliding ladder in the store was made by a local craftsman, our artwork was made by Bryan White Photography + Art”, our space was all built by local contractors, etc. We also look for any opportunity to partner with other Vickery Village Shop businesses. Being in the heart of Vickery Village gives us the opportunity to see all our wonderful customers and pets out enjoying the village. as they walk by. We also get to enjoy the beautiful neighborhoods surrounding our business when out for our dog walking services. We always knew our business would be in the Pet Industry and the pandemic helped us learn how important it is to support local! So we created Petworking & CO a Neighborhood Full-Service Pet Boutique Offering Top Rated Pet Products & Services. We offer local specialty products designed to enhance the ultimate nutrition and lifestyle needs of your pets. Inspired by our pups, and carefully curated for our community.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
We wouldn’t say a smooth road, more like an interesting roller coaster ride. Due to making the decision to open our family-owned pet services & supplies boutique towards the end of the pandemic, we knew we’d have an uphill climb. Knowing that there maybe “opportunities”; however taking on the mindset of these opportunities being chances to provide solutions and help for others. Some of our most memorable opportunities are:
1. Delayed opening due to ALL the impacts from the Pandemic. (construction delays, inspection solutioning, delivery mixups, etc.)
2. Understanding our customer’s inflationary pressures to bring them the products they need while increasing “paw print” as a newer business in the area.
3. Managing all the fees/ expenses/ licensing required by a small business and still be price competitive with our larger competitors.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
We want to be your neighborhood full-service pet boutique!
Our goal is to provide you and your pets with curated local events and the best products and services for a happy, full life!
Services Offered:
Grooming – Customize your grooming package and let us pamper your pet at our full-service grooming salon
Pet Nutrition Coaching – Let us help build your pet’s nutrition
Pet Visits/ Dog Walking – Book and track your pet’s visit with our convenient mobile app
Boutique – Shop our selection of nutrition and specialty products online and in-store
Events – Join us for workshops, seasonal events and more
Values:
Entrepreneurial Spirit
Passion for Success
Great People Do Great Things
Collaboration
Stewardship
How we work with Community Partners:
– We work with other businesses in Vickery Village to provide events and service to the community
– We enable pet industry professionals and entrepreneurs to launch and sustain their business in an upscale and collaborative setting
Most Recent Achievement:
Our customers voted us “Best Pet Shop” in Forsyth News “2023 Best Of Forsyth County” Competition
Our future plans include hosting the following event:
1. Book Spring Grooming Package:
Upgraded Spring Scented Shampoo & Conditioner, Blueberry Facial, Nail File, Teethbrushing, Spring Bandana, Spring Themed Digital Photo & Treat for $25
Where: Petworking & CO Vickery Village; 5806 N. Vickery Street, Suite J-11
When: March 27, 2023 – April 22, 2023
2. Signup and Attend Curly Haired Dog Grooming Workshop: Understand Dog’s Curly Fur Needs & How To Maintain Between Grooms
Where: Petworking & CO Vickery Village; 5806 N. Vickery Street, Suite J-11
When: April 22, 2023 @ 11:00AM
Other Information:
Location:
Vickery Village Shops
5806 N. Vickery Street, Suite J-11
Cumming, Georgia 30040
770.229.7220
Instagram Handle: @petworking_vickery
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Advice: Learn who your collaborative industry professionals are and reach out with questions, advice and support. Birds of a feather folk together!
Focus on creating “win/win” solutions for all parts involved.
Always drive education/ growth for yourself and employees based on passion and interest of topic.
Know that you will never stop pushing yourself and it’s okay to learn from mistakes.
Wish you knew when you were starting out?
EVERY DAY will bring opportunities! Know that mistakes will be made; reaction and action to improvement are most important.
Know who your “biggest fans” are, their support is essential!
Give yourself a little grace as you grow into the business you’ve envisioned! A few stumbles will occur as the business excels.
Establish and document early systematic operating processes that become easy-to-use habits. They will help when the “unplanned” events happen and service agreement deadlines expire.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.petworkingvickery.com/
- Instagram: @petworking_vickery
- Facebook: Petworking & CO. at Vickey Village
Image Credits
Brian White Photography + Art
