Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sarah Jones. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Sarah, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
One of the great unanswered questions of life is what is my purpose? What am I here to do and share? For myself, I found a piece of the answer when I was diagnosed with Chronic Lyme Disease in January 2020; an autoimmune disorder that presents as ranging chronic symptoms and pain. If you are unaware of this illness, I advise researching it and exploring its controversy in the Western Medical Field and U.S. Government. As a disabled individual it is difficult, if not impossible, to fit into the typical 9 to 5 job so that is where entrepreneurship enters the room. I had been working full time as a veterinary assistant when my health began suffering due to my illness. I had been part time, professionally pet sitting on the side and saw how quickly my clientele was growing. The idea to begin Sarah’s Sitting Service LLC was formed, and within a month I had quit my job and began working for myself. Now, my business began as a lifeline while I explored my new “normal” with my illness, but it soon grew into so much more. This is where my piece of purpose is discovered. The more I dove into owning and operating a small business, the more I became impassioned with encouraging other marginalized peoples into entrepreneurship so they too can build a life they love and that supports them. This became my passion and purpose in business and has continued to stay so. I believe in raising the standard of care and treatment of servicers in my industry and for all service industries.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I own and operate Sarah’s Sitting Service LLC, a professional pet, plant and house care company that provides specialized care in the client’s home. Specialized care is anything the client deems necessary to care for their pet, plant and/or home. The company’s goal is to provide the most low-stress experience, while building long term relationships with our clients and their pets. With over 4 years of experience as a veterinary assistant, I am able to care for special needs pets, whether behavioral, medical or physical. The most rewarding part of my job is building a bond with the pets and seeing it evolve over time, especially if you are fortunate enough to watch the pet grow up.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
The most impactful skills on my journey were organization, networking and determination. I am naturally an organized person, but I really honed my time management skills as a business owner. I can be very self disciplined so when I had the realization that no one was going to manage me or hold me accountable at work, I immediately stepped into the role of managing myself and my expectations. I pride myself on the reputation I have built for myself, and that wouldn’t be possible without networking. I recently got asked by a community member where I passed out my business cards and I answered everywhere and to everyone! I have given my business card to people that don’t even have pets, but they have friends that do or they need home and plant care, who knows, but it leads to further leads. Once I had built a foundation of incoming clients and returning clients, I utilized the determination I had to succeed and continued to strive for improvement within my business. I must have changed my rates at least 4 times over the first year of business because it was difficult to recognize how much I was really worth when I began my LLC. Trust me when I say this, you are worth so much more. Ask for what would make you happy to do the job, without expectation of a tip, and stand firm in your pricing because it is not worth doing if you are not to be compensated appropriately.
How would you describe your ideal client?
My ideal client is seeking a luxury service that provides detailed, specialized care by a professional educated in vet med, animal behavior, home care and plant care. They have expectations of a low-stress experience and returning to a clean, well kept home and happy pets. I am always striving to go above and beyond for my clientele, and my ideal client appreciates that. Throughout the past two years of business, I have learned to stand firm in my pricing and offerings because the right client for my company will respect my business practices as is.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sarahssittingservicellc.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahs_sitting_service_llc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarahssittingservicellc/
- Other: https://nextdoor.com/pages/sarahs-sitting-service-llc-denver-co/?init_source=org_pages
Image Credits
Sarah Jones
