Introduction:
Title: Unleashing Passion: Behind Katrina’s Journey with Katrina’s Happy Dogs
Welcome to another exciting blog post for the Harborough Hustle podcast! In episode 014, we had the pleasure of chatting with the inspiring Katrina, the heart and soul behind Katrina’s Happy Dogs. If you’re a dog owner or simply someone who appreciates heartfelt business stories, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration. Let’s dive into some of the highlights from our conversation.
From The West Midlands to Kettering: A Journey Born from Passion
Katrina’s journey is nothing short of remarkable. Originally from the West Midlands, her life took many turns due to her husband’s military service, eventually leading her to settle in Kettering. Despite the geographical changes, one constant remained: her unwavering passion for dog training. This passion truly blossomed when she lived overseas, and it became the driving force behind the establishment of Katrina’s Happy Dogs in November 2022.
Katrina shared how she aimed for a better work-life balance through her business while making a positive impact on dog owners and their furry companions. Running group classes and offering 1-to-1 training sessions, Katrina’s approach is centered on making training fun and enjoyable for both dogs and their owners.
Managing Work and Life: A Delicate Balance
One of the recurring themes in our chat was the importance of time management. Katrina impressively manages her workload, handling a maximum of 15 clients a week and flexing her schedule around seasons and events. This meticulous planning ensures she maintains a healthy work-life balance. Additionally, Katrina’s emphasis on the power of outsourcing non-core tasks, like bookkeeping and website management, serves as a valuable lesson for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Building Bonds: The Core of Dog Training
At Katrina’s Happy Dogs, the philosophy is as much about training the owners as it is about training the dogs. Katrina underlined the significance of building a strong bond between dogs and their owners. Utilizing games and rewards, she teaches dogs to walk by their owner’s side, emphasizing a combination of freedom and structure in training routines. This methodology not only improves behavior but also strengthens the emotional connection between owner and pet.
Overcoming Challenges: The Role of Networking and Mentorship
Like many small business owners, Katrina faced her share of challenges, especially in the early days. She candidly spoke about initial struggles, such as choosing the wrong accountant and misunderstanding free services. However, her perseverance paid off through active networking and seeking professional help. Katrina credits mentors like Victoria Stillwell and Zach George for influencing her techniques and emphasizes the importance of local business support.
Beyond Business: Hobbies and Aspirations
Katrina is not just a talented dog trainer; she is also a cooking enthusiast and an avid event planner. She enjoys experimenting with her green egg barbecue to create delicious smoked meats. On a more adventurous note, Katrina is gearing up for a charity abseil down the Northampton lift tower, fulfilling her bucket list ambition.
Katrina’s life is also enriched by her love for photography, honed during her time in California. She’s now a member of a camera club in Kettering, where she continues to capture stunning images of animals, flowers, and scenic views.
Giving Back and Future Plans
Katrina’s generosity doesn’t go unnoticed. She donates five hours a week to a rescue center and has been nominated as a finalist for an Animal Star Award, a testament to her dedication and expertise. With aspirations of walking the Camino de Santiago and learning professional dog agility, Katrina’s journey is one of continuous growth and giving.
Final Thoughts
Katrina’s story is a powerful reminder that passion, perseverance, and community support can turn dreams into reality. Her dedication to improving the lives of dogs and their owners shines through in every aspect of her work. If you haven’t already, be sure to listen to the full episode on marketharboroughbiznetwork.co.uk/podcast for more insights and inspiration from Katrina’s journey.
If you would like to learn more about Katrina, be sure to check out the show notes in this episode of Harborough Hustle.
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