We were lucky to catch up with Perrin Chunta recently and have shared our conversation below.
Perrin , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How do you think about vacations as a business owner? Do you take them and if so, how? If you don’t, why not?
Unfortunately, no! At least not now. I’m still in my first year as a small business owner and really never have a day off. I LOVE what I do, don’t get me wrong, but it takes A LOT to effectively run a small business. I hope to be able to hire additional help some day that I can trust to run the show like I do. I have a system in place for everything. I’m a type A personality and believe if you want something done right, you do it yourself. I’d love to be able to relinquish some responsibilities to a trustworthy aid.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I’ve always been an avid animal lover and wanted to run my own doggie daycare. My husband and I purchased 7 acres on Lake Lanier before Covid. We had intended to build our home and the daycare later. The supply chain issues made that impossible. We ended up joining the two concepts and built a barndominium. The boarding business is the front 75% of the building with our home in the back. This allows me to provide round the clock care to your fur babies. I am a smaller outfit and therefore able to provide individualized care to each of my clients. I am the primary caregiver so create a relationship with the animals that enables trust to be built and ease any anxiety they may have. Typical boarding facilities are often loud and cold environments that are less than inviting and can be quite scary for our four legged friends. I provide the basic essentials for their stay ( beds, bowls.. etc ). I do allow the client to bring toys, chews, blankets and beds from home if they approve. This provides a calming support for the animals as they have something they’re familiar with. Food is not provided as switching up food tends to aggravate their systems.
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
I have always been vocal and present in the Metro Atlanta and surrounding rescue community. I have a good reputation and many folks have heard of my efforts before even meeting me. I think this helped set the precedent for the quality of care client’s animals would receive while in my care. I always treat each client like they are my own. I am able to provide one on one care and can typically accommodate most requests. I have large kennel space and exterior safety protocols in place for exterior time out. If dogs are anxious, reactive or not dog friendly – I am able to provide the care ( and space ) needed. I also provide discounted rates for rescues if needed.
Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?
I would say the lion’s share of my business is either repeat clients or referrals. I do have a social media presence, but have not had to fund any additional marketing efforts to advertise. As a small business – I do not really have the excess funds to do so. My reputation and quality of care provided speak for themselves. Happy customers either book an additional stay or tell their friends about me. I provide photo and text updates to parents when they’re away. This really seems to resonate with them.
Contact Info:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RedKnoll
Image Credits
All photos were taken my me :)