We recently connected with Angela Clark and have shared our conversation below.
Angela , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s start with a fun one – what’s something you believe that most people in your industry (or in general) disagree with?
I believe that the true meaning of life lies in discovering our unique gifts and talents. Our purpose is not simply to possess these gifts, but to generously share them with the world. To find this gift, I encourage looking within and identifying those activities that ignite our passion and drive us without ever leading to burnout or boredom. When we discover that activity that holds our sustained interest and excitement, we have likely found our gift, the area in which we can truly excel and become masterful. Once identified, the next step is to commit to deep and immersive learning. We must dedicate ourselves to mastering this gift, pursuing knowledge and experience until we possess comprehensive understanding and skill. Our expertise should reach a point where our abilities become almost second nature, something we could do effortlessly, even instinctively. Importantly, this process should be a source of joy and fulfillment, not a chore. It’s this inherent enjoyment that fuels our desire to continuously learn and improve. In this pursuit of our gifts, I believe that we should focus our energy and attention on strengthening our natural talents. Trying to convert weaknesses into strengths can be a drain on time and resources. After all, what we perceive as a weakness is often someone else’s natural strength and gift, something they will pursue with the same passion and ease that we would dedicate to our own. We must be pragmatic and play into our own hands by leaning heavily into what comes naturally and with ease. We often indoctrinated with the belief that we need to learn or even master our weaknesses; nothing is further from the truth Don’t waste your time on them
Angela , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
As a child, my grandmother had various animals, and I loved learning about animal care from her. Despite being advised against a career with animals, I eventually decided to pursue my passion and started my first business, “Confidential Kennels,” in 2007. There have been several after including the current adventure Aniops Ranch and in the near future I will be assisting in opening and building Pet Stop Atlanta with my sister and brother in law Lindsey and Marck Maroun made to cater to International Pet shippers and their clients.
Type of products/services the companies provide:
Confidential Kennels: Started in 2007 as aer dog kennel, also created a skin/fur care line for dogs, and helped create a dog/cat probiotic company.
Feather and Fur Express: Started with my sister Lindsey in 2017, primarily focused on international animal relocation.
Aniops: Started in 2019 with Jesse Miller, a domestic animal relocation company. Aniops Logistics aims to be the “Fedex for domestic pet travel”. Aniops Inc provides shipping services for pets by air and ground. It does check-ins for International Companies and ground transport.
AniOps Ranch: Currently working on a company called Aniops Ranch, which will produce free-range chicks and natural milk/egg products, and offer off-grid camping and outfitting activities.
We solve several problems including relocating animals both domestically and internationally. We provide ground transport services for pets including long distance cross country, to and from airports and boarding facilities. We do meet and greets if needed as well as transports to and from cargo holds.
I believe what sets me apart is that I am creative and willing to start. I believe in starting small and not overcomplicating things. I have a high standard and l’m reliable, innovative, and a problem solver. I have a reputation as someone who enforces decisions and is involved in crisis management. I’m a leader and the public face of the company. One unique attribute I am known for is when I first started my domestic pet transport I was the only company doing it and opened the doors for several more
I’m most proud of creating my companies from ground zero and overcoming stigmas, doubts and challenges.I think the one thing people should align with when creating a business is to be authentic. Authenticity, the highest vibration we have as humans, also make it a habit to always say what you want and need, not what you don’t want . Imagine yourself where you want to be every morning and night . Your mind will start to create the reality you want and need for yourself. I am truly grateful and value customer engagement and responsiveness. I think humans are here to create and grow our spirits through experience . I encourage others to start their own ventures, no matter how small.
If you have multiple revenue streams in your business, would you mind opening up about what those streams are and how they fit together?
The cornerstone of a resilient and thriving business lies in its ability to cultivate multiple streams of income. This diversification not only enhances financial stability but also unlocks opportunities for growth and innovation. Taking my latest venture, AniOps Ranch, as an example, we are consciously building several distinct revenue channels. While every business should possess a core competency, this specialization shouldn’t be viewed as a limitation but rather as a foundation upon which supplementary income streams can be erected.
Consider a carwash business. Their primary service is cleaning vehicles. However, the potential for additional revenue generation is substantial. They could offer premium add-ons such as dashboard wipes, air fresheners, tire shining, and specialized waxing services. These are direct extensions of the core service, appealing to customers seeking a more comprehensive cleaning. Furthermore, they could explore adjacent services like mobile car washing and detailing, catering to clients who value convenience. To enhance the customer experience and generate further income, the business could install massage chairs in the waiting area, complemented by a vending machine offering snacks and beverages. The possibilities are extensive and limited only by creativity and market demand.
The strategic implementation of multiple income streams offers numerous advantages. Firstly, it reduces reliance on a single revenue source, mitigating the impact of economic downturns or shifts in consumer preferences within a specific market. Secondly, it allows the business to tap into different customer segments and cater to a broader range of needs and budgets. Thirdly, the diversification of offerings can enhance brand perception, positioning the business as a comprehensive solution provider. Finally, the additional revenue generated can be reinvested in the business, fueling further growth, innovation, and expansion. By embracing the concept of multiple income streams, businesses can build a more secure, dynamic, and ultimately more successful future.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
I firmly believe that each of us is granted a unique dream, but not a pre-ordained blueprint or straightforward path to achieve it. Honestly, if we were handed a detailed roadmap, many of us might lose the drive and abandon the dream entirely. Our lives, and the journey toward realizing our aspirations, are inherently challenging. These challenges serve a purpose: they develop us, they push us to our limits, and they force us to grow and evolve. These experiences and the resulting creations shape our character and forge our identity. We cannot simultaneously wish for an easy journey and expect to develop strong character. It is through adversity and the arduous path that we build resilience and strength.
Having said that, a crucial lesson I’ve learned is the necessity of pivoting, changing course, or redirecting when necessary. We might meticulously craft a plan, but sometimes a critical pivot doesn’t neatly fit into that original structure. However, if we stubbornly refuse to pivot or adapt, our dream risks dying altogether. Adaptability, I’ve found, has a direct and strong correlation to success.
A prime example is when my sister and I launched our ground transport company. The operational overhead was quite substantial. Initially, I was fixed on the idea of solely providing ground transportation services. However, my sister recognized the need to diversify. She began exploring opportunities in air travel and international travel, envisioning multiple income streams branching out from our core offerings. Had she not broadened our horizons and insisted on diversification, and if we had remained solely focused on ground transportation, the company likely would have collapsed when the sharp inflation hit in 2022 and 2023. Instead, she had the foresight to pivot, recognizing the burgeoning demand for international travel and air travel as more economically viable alternatives. Her ability to foresee future needs piviot and adapt our business model saved the company.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.AniOps.com,www.AniopsRanch.com,www.confidentialKennels.com
- Instagram: @Confidential.Kennels
