Conversations with Promise Batiste

Today we’d like to introduce you to Promise Batiste.

Hi Promise, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I began volunteering with the Humane Society and Chastain Horse Park around the age of 13. I always knew I had a passion for animals, and it was one day something I’d want to turn into a career. When I turned 14 and could legally work, I began working in Doggy daycares, which allowed me to learn more about animal behavior and temperament. Finally, at the age of 16, I began working in Veterinary environments as a kennel technician. A coworker of mine introduced me to the idea of pet sitting, and I signed up on the Rover app. My first client was a sweet blue-nose pitbull named Bleu. I continued working in Veterinary environments and serving tables while getting my own business put together. I applied for an LLC, created and designed a website, and by December 2023, Pretty Paws With Promise was up and running! I was still in high school when I began my business, but I attended online school, which allowed me the flexibility to run my business full-time and do school from clients’ houses. I began only taking clients around the Forsyth County area to focus on building my local community and giving back. Around 2024, I expanded my service radius and now take clients all over Georgia!

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not been a smooth road! Most of my obstacles came from getting up and running. I had never gone through the process of setting up a business or a website before, so trying to figure out how to start my LLC, apply for a Tax Identification Number, and properly market myself has been challenging. I run the logistics side of the business alone, which means I’m responsible for accounting, publicity and advertising, website maintenance, and customer interaction. Learning how to stay consistent and organized was hard at first, especially trying to be cautious of burnout. I’ve learned to give myself days when I need them, as well as sticking to the values I’ve had since day one of starting this business, and as I’m sure you’ve heard before, when you do something you love, you never truly work a day in your life.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a pet sitter, meaning when pet parents are out on vacation, I take care of their pet to assure they’re as happy as can be while their owners are away! I also offer drop-in visits for pet parents with busy schedules, Walking services, and Vet transports. I specialize in working with animal-aggressive dogs/ animals that may have special needs. I’m most proud of the fact that in our 2 years of business, we’ve never once received a negative review. I believe what sets Pretty Paws apart from others is that we make it our mission to treat every pet just as if they’re our own.

Any big plans?
In the future, I plan to go through Veterinary School and open up my own practice that focuses not only on taking care of the pets of our community, but the less fortunate ones as well. I’d ideally offer free shot clinics/services to less advantaged individuals with pets in the greater Atlanta area.

Pricing:

• $115 over night stays
• Express (drop in) visit – $20 for 15 minutes
• Drop in Visit- $27 for 30 minutes
• Extended Drop In- $50 for 1 hour
• Walking services $25 and up

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.prettypawswithpromise.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prettypawswithpromise/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PrettyPawsWithPromise?refid=17
• Other: https://share.google/vgyZV1Iz0HS2IGbPh

Image Credits
Faith Batiste