Today we’d like to introduce you to Sabrina Calhoun.
Hi Sabrina, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I developed a bond early in life with dogs. I was raised in a home where it was the norm to have a family pet or two. I’m a proud dog mom of a 15-year-old brown Chihuahua named Duke and an 8-year-old white/black Chihuahua name Daisy, both rescues that needed a good home. Duke has captured the hearts of so many people near and far. He has traveled with me from the Mountains of Arizona to Mississippi and now settled in where we consider home here in Georgia. Although Duke is considered a senior dog, he is very active and enjoys playing with his favorite blue squeaky toy and he absolutely loves treats and snuggles. He has been by my side for a long time in which I consider him to be my very best friend. Within the last couple of years, he has presented some health challenges in which we have come to accept that this is his new normal.
Daisy is one you would call a DIVA! She gets so excited about wearing clothes and putting on bows. She is the sweetest little dog that loves cuddles and playing with socks. She was adopted from Gwinnett Georgia Animal Shelter 8 years ago. She is my little baby girl. Daisy does suffer from anxiety and stress induced by a loud noises like thunderstorms and fireworks. Although she has gotten better since the day we first brought her home she still has episodes in which managing her chronic anxiety and fear can be a challenge.
Being a Black Girl with two dogs wasn’t something I saw in my neighborhood growing up on the Westside of Birmingham, AL. As a Dog Parent, I want to provide a positive representation of Black People and their love of dogs. Doing this by creating affordable, stylish apparel for pet parents that actually represents their relationships in a realistic way. So, I thought about all the new Dog Parents in the world and figured I would create a space where they can shop for trendy/fun pet apparel and gear. Shopping at It’s The Pawsome Place provides a One Stop Shopping experience where pet parents can purchase affordable, stylish, expressive apparel that represents you as a Dope Pet Parent.
Daisy and Duke inspired me to create this platform for other pet parents like myself. We are super excited about the healthy homemade dog treats we will be adding to our website very soon.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. I initially wanted to have a pet supply store where pet parents could shop online for quality pet supplies such as dog/cat food, treats, grooming supplies, etc. I thought I found a great supplier that could provide these items but the pandemic hit and 95% of the products needed were never in stock which caused a huge delay in supply and shipping. After doing countless hours of research it just wasn’t a wholesale supplier that could provide the products I was looking for. This caused me to have to go back to the table and re-strategize my mission, goals, and business plan.
Although, my ultimate goal is to have a dog boarding facility. I refocused on building my brand on how I could provide positive representation of Black People and their love of dogs. So I decided to create affordable trendy clothing apparel for pets and their owners. My love of dogs will always be the fundamental reason for my business.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I have a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Talladega College and a Master’s of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. I have 17 years of government employment working as a Human Resources Specialist for the Department of Health and Human Services, U. S. Food Drug Administration. I take pride into understanding what products are safe for my dogs as well as my customers.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
I would like to thank my family for always believing and supporting me throughout this journey. A special thanks to my oldest sister Amanda Gamble, who has two of the sweetest dogs (my cousins); she not only understands the challenges of being a dog mom but she has been a constant supporter and a shoulder to lean on. I’d also like to thank my Best Friend Demetrice Fields who listens to my bright ideas and always shows up no matter where It’s the Pawsome Place is at. I am truly thankful for my small village and those who continue to support and contribute to my business.
Pricing:
- T-Shirts $22.00
- Doggie Shirts $15.00
- Coffee Mugs $15.00
Contact Info:
- Website: www.itsthepawsomeplace.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsthepawsomeplace/
