Today we’d like to introduce you to Anne Beal
Anne, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
People often ask me why I have so many cats… and my answer is ‘I’m a sucker for a stray’. I have spent the majority of my life being a voice for the voiceless. However, the first stray I took in was basically by accident. I was a volunteer through Big Brother/Big Sister, and where my little lived, there were a ton of stray cats roaming the area. One day, one of the cats climbed out of a dumpster and followed me to my car and jumped in. At that point, I couldn’t just leave him there… so I took him home, got him checked at the vet and neutered, then found him a new home. That one cat started me on a life time of rescue work. Over the past 30 years, I have taken in hundreds of cats, paid for their vetting out of my own pocket, then rehomed them.
I originally went to school for Corporate Communications, specializing in video production. I followed that dream for many years, but then decided to follow my heart and work with animals. I ran my own pet boarding business for 14 years and when I decided to make a change, the idea of opening a ‘cat cafe’ started to take hold. It was a long process of figuring out state licensing on how to make it work, but I finally opened Meow Lounge in July 2023. We opened with 9 cats and one rescue, we know partner with 13 different rescues from around the state and have found homes for 352 cats. We also work with 30 local artists who supply arts/crafts for our small gift shop. And I am now in the process of trying to figure out a way to turn the Lounge into a non-profit business, as that seems to fit our business model the best. Ultimately, my goal is to expand the space and some day be able to have a way to offer low-cost spay and neuter for community pets.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Working with animals can be extremely stressful, you never know what to expect day to day. There is always a constant worry about everyone’s health, it’s basically like having a pre-school – lots of runny eyes/noses or upset tummies to keep track of. I also spend a lot of time making sure the cats feel loved and cared for, to make the space as much like a home for them as I can. Then on top of all that, there is the constant challenge of getting people to come visit. There is no ‘foot traffic’ in the area where we are, so the Lounge is a destination spot. I spend countless hours each day on social media marketing, as well as reaching out to the community on multiple levels to engage people to come spend time with the Lounge Cats.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Being the first to do something can be a bit daunting. Even with over 30 years of pet care experience, opening a new business focusing on pets felt like taking a jump off a high cliff with no bottom in site. But I’ve learned to trust my gut and heart… and if it feels right, then you’ll find a way to make it happen. Meow Lounge is the first cat ‘cafe/lounge’ in the state of Maine. We specialize in offering a safe, comfortable environment for adoptable cats. One of the best parts of running the Lounge is knowing we are helping cats find their forever homes faster. Some of the kitties were in their shelters for over two years, but after coming to the Lounge, they have gotten adopted within a week. It’s also heartwarming hearing from guests who say: They want to visit every day… They want to spend the night… It’s their favorite place to spend time… and that it’s the most relaxing experience they’ve ever had. I also focus our gift shop on locally made items, so it’s been great to work with the community of artists and give back to them as well. With all the monthly activities, the local art and kitties – I’m proud to say the Lounge is set up as a community center where the common denominator is people who love cats.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
My advice for anyone wanting to start their own business is, you have to love what you’re doing inside and out. It will consume your life, you will work harder than you ever have and say goodbye to weekends, vacations or holidays – at least for the first few years. So try to make “me” time a real thing and make sure you give yourself breaks from time to time. It’s very easy to take on too much and then feel overwhelmed. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Also, be willing to
try new things. We all make mistakes, but if you learn from them, they can actually benefit you in the long run.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.meowcatlounge.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meowcatlounge/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090714086706
Image Credits
Anne Beal