Your pet business, Your way

Hosted by Rachel Spencer

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275

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May 2026

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About the show

Welcome to Your Pet Business, Your Way - the podcast for pet professionals who want to grow their business without following someone else’s rulebook. If you’ve ever felt bent out of shape trying to do content “the right way” or pressured to keep up with trends that just don’t feel like you, this podcast is here to help you do things differently. I’m Rachel Spencer - journalist, accredited coach and mentor, author, and creator of the Pet Business Content Planner and Companion and the Pets Get Visible membership. I work with brilliant people in the pet industry who want to put themselves out there, get seen, and make a difference - without burning out or trying to be someone they’re not. Each week you’ll hear stories, strategies and mindset shifts to help you feel more confident, consistent, and in control of your content. You'll also hear from inspiring pet professionals who are doing things their way. There are no quick fixes or copy-paste strategies here. Just thoughtful ideas, inspiring stories, and plenty of encouragement to help you build your pet business in a way that feels good, sustainable, and true to you. Come and connect with me on Instagram @rachelspenceruk

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May 12, 202620 min

Behind the scenes of the Your Pet Business Your Way podcast and why it's stopping

In this episode I'm talking about why this is the final episode of the Your Pet Business Your Way podcast and why I have decided to stop it for the foreseeable future.”I wanted to be really honest with you about why – not in a big, dramatic way or in a really sad way – just upfront and honest, because that's what this podcast has always been about.”I'll be sharing what goes into creating each episode, from the costs and tech to the time it takes to do the interviews, the edits, the transcripts, the blog posts and the social media.”And I hope that by talking about bringing this podcast to an end, it gives you a little nudge to let go of something in your business that you’ve been doing just because you feel you ‘should’.Topics and timings:0.00 - Welcome and announcement that this is the final episode of Your Pet Business Your Way1.30 - Why the podcast is ending after six years and 270+ episodes3.00 - Breakdown of the time involved in solo vs interview episodes3.40 - Full workflow: recording, editing, transcript, blog post and show notes5.10 - Creating and hand‑editing video clips from Riverside for social media5.50 - Making the podcast accessible with transcripts, blogs and detailed notes6.50 - How blog posts give each episode long‑term SEO value and website traffic7.40 - The podcast as a library of assets (audio, blog, show notes, social posts)8.20 - Why I don't just hand everything over to AI or a VA9.20 - Issues with fully AI‑generated show notes, timings and names10.00 - Professional writer standards and wanting everything to sound like Rachel11.10 - Realisation that podcasting reduces coaching enquiries and income12.00 - How promoting guests shifts focus away from my coaching work13.40 - “Grass grows where you water it” – choosing where time and money go15.00 - Personal challenges: relationship ending, bereavements and house moves15.50 - Turning 50 and acknowledging the emotional toll of recent years16.20 - Emotions Coaching Practitioner training and what it involves17.10 - Other commitments: 2027 planner, Sunnyside Cottage and family business18.40 - Choosing a steadier life with more time for dog, friends, family and outdoors19.20 - Accepting that 270+ episodes is enough and it’s okay to stop adding moreLinks mentioned:Podcast search page: https://rachelspencer.co.uk/podcast/Work with me: https://rachelspencer.co.uk/work-with-me/Pet Business Content Planner: https://rachelspencer.co.uk/shop/Sunnyside Cottage booking page: https://baytownholidaycottages.co.uk/our-cottages/property?s=sunnyside-cottage-robin-hoods-bayAnt McGinley - how to start a podcast: https://rachelspencer.co.uk/start-podcast-ant-mcginley/Emotions Coaching training with In Good Company: https://www.igcompany.com/emotionscoachingLet's connect on social media:https://www.instagram.com/rachelspencerukhttps://www.facebook.com/rachelspencerukhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelspenceruk/

May 5, 20261 hr 16 min

Shelina Duke The Poodle Trainer on swapping the classroom for dog training

When Shelina Duke started learning to train dogs back in 2020, it was just to help her own three barking poodles during lockdown.She was shielding at home with chronic asthma, and those three dogs needed some serious help with their behaviour.She didn't expect that teaching herself from a WordPress book while isolating would lead to building a thriving, global, poodle-only, force-free training business with clients around the world.Shelina spent four years juggling full-time teaching as an assistant head teacher, 10 dogs, and running a growing online membership before finally leaving school in 2024.She's won three Dog Trainer of the Year awards, qualified and shown Edith at Crufts, and built a business that fits around real life - school runs, clubs, and caring for 10 dogs - without cramming her diary full of one-to-ones.She's also navigated a serious head injury, chronic illness, the sudden loss of her sister, and becoming a guardian to her young niece.In this episode, Shelina talks about how she taught herself to build a website and membership from scratch, how she grew from local all-breed classes to a global poodle-only business, why she's so committed to kind, force-free training, and how she deals with the trolls.Plus her mission to help both poodle guardians and other pet pros build businesses that work around real life, not the other way around.Topics and timings:0.20 - Episode intro and sponsor message from the 2026 Pet Business Content Planner sponsor.1.45 - Shelina’s story overview, from shielding teacher to global poodle trainer.3.26 - How it all started, from assistant head teacher to dog trainer: shielding in 2020, three barking dogs and deciding to learn dog training “just” to help her own dogs.5.55 - Shelina’s experience of chronic asthma, nine attacks in 11 days, steroids and the fear of COVID that kept her shielding at home.8.10 -Using shielding time to build a new future: teaching herself WordPress from a book, creating a website and setting up her first membership.10.57 - The poodle family: how she went from four dogs to ten, and how Arthur, Albert, Edith and Ophelia each came into her life.18.46 - Reaching ten dogs: adding Ophelia, her first standard poodle, and completing the four‑poodle crew.19.50 - How her business changed from Go With The Flow - all breeds, local classes and agility - to poodle‑only, online‑first training.21.22 - Growing the free poodle Facebook group into the thousands and launching her first poodle‑only membership (mostly US‑based owners).24.04 - How Shelina stepped away from earning around £50k as an assistant head and beginning to plan how her poodle business could replace that income.25.36 - What life looked like doing both - long school days, evenings and weekends filled with 1:1s and classes.27.50 - Shelina's head injury: severe concussion, damaged vestibular nerve, migraines, nausea and learning to live with balance problems.31.44 - How her life changed overnight following her sister’s sudden death and becoming guardian to her four‑year‑old niece.35.58 - Changing her mindset from “I have to” to “I get to do this” to cope with grief, parenting and business responsibility.38.05 - Having the best job - spending her days with her own poodles and poodles on screen all over the world.39.29 - The Shelina effect and why her clients love her approach.40.30 - Turning a hobby into a real business: challenges, masterclasses, membership and testing different offers.42.50 - Using AI to organise her ideas into clearer content, messaging and launch plans.44.40 -What makes a difference in terms of messaging and focusing on how behaviour feels for the owner (stress, embarrassment, overwhelm) rather than just the dog’s actions.48.51 - The downside and how she deals with negative comments, one very abusive post and deciding “my group, my rules."52.44 - Switching her personal Facebook to professional mode and seeing a big jump in reach and Reel views.54.56 - What changed since 2021: why free challenges and masterclasses filled differently in 2024/25 and what she learned about buyer behaviour.57.46 - Resisting hustle culture and designing the business around freedom instead of recreating a 9 - 3 school‑style day.58.40 - How a business programme with non pet people helped with starting to think like a business owner, not “just a dog trainer.”1.00.59 - How Shelina's business looks like now: membership, live reactivity programme, self‑paced barking course and 1:1s, all fitted around caring for her niece and 10 dogs.1.06.57 - Her highlights - three‑time Dog Trainer of the Year (SE England & London), showing Edith at Crufts, mentoring pet pros and leading a mission to rethink traditional training for modern poodles.1.15.02 - How to connect with Shelina and find out more.Links mentioned in this episode: Follow Shelina on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shelinathepoodletrainer/Join her Free Poodle Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/434932511664042On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shelinapoodletrainerShelina's website: https://www.withtheflo.co.uk/Buy a planner: https://rachelspencer.co.uk/shopFurther reading/listening:Meet Kellie Wynn the Beagle LadyHow to run a dog training business that works for you with Jane ArdernWalking in your clients shoes with Helen Motteram10 reasons to be an award winning pet businessHow to get press coverage from CruftsThe rollercoaster that is running a pet businessIs my Pets Get Visible membership right for you?Should you buy my pet business content planner?

April 28, 202636 min

Behind the scenes at Sunnyside Cottage Robin Hood's Bay

This is a behind-the-scenes look at what I've learned from running a dog-friendly holiday property for the last three years.Having a holiday cottage has always been a dream for me and getting the keys for Sunnyside Cottage in Robin Hood's Bay in April 2023 was so exciting.In this episode and blog post I talk about what has happened at Sunnyside over the last couple of years, the changes I've made at the cottage and the impact of that.The last time I did a behind-the-scenes episode was in 2024 and I've learned a lot and changed lots of things at the cottage.I talk about what's worked in terms of visibility, from going viral to working with influencers and how I've been working on developing my skills when it comes to standing out and attracting guests.And I also share information on the people I've had supporting me, from Instagram advice to putting new windows in, because there is no way I could do this on my own.You'll find all the links to the people and businesses I mention at the end of this post and if you're interested in staying send me a message.Topics and timings in this episode:0.00 – Episode introduction and what this behind‑the‑scenes look at Sunnyside Cottage will cover1.45 – How Sunnyside connects to the “Your Pet Business Your Way” message and an introduction to the pet business planner3.40 – What’s inside the planner: audience tracker, awareness days, diary, income trackers and “Pause and reflect” sections5.30 – Recap of year one at Sunnyside: doubling income and testing visibility strategies on her own pet business7.10 – The wider climate in 2026: cost of living crisis, war, rising costs and why customer experience matters more than ever8.40 – A big refurb year: new windows, Floors for Paws, carpets, bathroom, decor, pointing, sofa, mattresses and lighting11.45 – Money talk: spending over £25k on the refurb, other running costs and why losing only a few thousand still feels like a win13.00 – Investing in guest experience: photography, handmade treats, branding, dog robes, bowls, welcome packs and dog‑friendly touches15.00 – Visibility foundations: social media, blogging, awards, press coverage and choosing not to have a separate cottage website16.10 – Awards and media: PIF Awards, Dog Friendly Awards, SBS, Yorkshire Post, Yorkshire Living, Your Dog and more coverage18.00 – Working with influencers: Kate from Dotty4Paws, Sal from Woof Wag Walk and how repeat visits showcase updates19.40 – Hosting The Yorkshireman, short‑form video, YouTube content and the impact of influencer collaborations21.00 – Training investments: TikTok training with Alex McCann, why TikTok wasn’t the right fit and repurposing what she learned22.10 – Instagram membership with Camilla at Pink Storm Social and how it has shifted her content strategy23.10 – Reels that performed well: Blue Monday, Christmas in Robin Hood’s Bay, dog safety at Sunnyside and the power of consistency24.40 – The Storm Chandra viral reel: what happened, why it took off and the “iceberg” of work behind one lucky post26.20 – The hidden work: almost 30 years in journalism, major investment in learning and the reality behind visibility wins27.20 – Tough feedback: being called “stupid” for being generous, “desperate” for being visible and why she continues anyway28.40 – Reach vs results: 3M+ views, audience growth and still only one direct booking from Instagram29.50 – A realistic view: why press and viral content don’t equal instant fully booked calendars (and why she keeps testing)31.00 – The importance of support: Sam and Sian from Baytown Holiday Cottages and why they’re more than “just agents”32.00 – Juggling a new business with grief: getting the keys to Sunnyside while caring for a dying uncle34.10 – Crisis moments at the cottage: boiler issues, leaks, broken locks and the value of a trusted local team36.20 – Why reliable on‑the‑ground support is crucial when the owner isn’t local or is facing big life events37.30 – More supporters: photographers Kerry from Fur and Fable and Liz Gregg, and how their shoots elevated Sunnyside39.00 – Brand partners: The Canine Menu, Leo Charley and Me, Send the Dog a Bone, The Dog and I and Jess’s Sunnyside illustration41.00 – The trades team: windows, stonework, flooring, plumbing, electrics and handyman work that transformed the cottage42.30 – Gratitude for guests: feedback, repeat bookings, social shares and what “home from home” means at Sunnyside44.00 – Final reflections: running a dog‑friendly business in challenging times and staying focused on guest experience45.10 – Where to find Sunnyside Cottage online, how to book and how the Pet Business Content Planner can support other pet businesses.Further reading/listeningLessons learned from my first year running Sunnyside CottageDoing visibility my way at Sunnyside CottageShould you buy my Pet Business Content Planner?The rollercoaster of running your own businessThe Theo Paphitis SBS award and how it can help your pet business10 reasons to be an award winning pet business

April 21, 202643 min

Taking My Three Cats from side hustle to franchise and why Wendy Thomson Melling believes Cats Deserve More

When Wendy Thomson Melling started her cat sitting business back in 2017, it was to earn a bit of extra cash caring for creatures she loved.She didn't expect that in just a few years she'd be able to ditch her old career as an accountant and set up a franchise business caring for cats across the country.My Three Cats first started in Warrington, Cheshire, and now Wendy has 350 clients across Warrington, 18 sitters on the team, and FIVE franchisees already operating in Blackpool, Bury, Preston, Sidcup and Orpington and Lowton, Atherton and Leigh.We recorded this interview in March and in just two months, Wendy had two new franchisees come and join her.Wendy and I have known each other since the 1980s when we went to St Wildrid's Primary School in Grappenhall, and when she started My Three Cats we worked together on a press release.That was back in 2021 and it was the fastest story published - we had the call and her story was online the same day.We've worked together more closely for a few years now in Pets Get Visible, and watching everything she has done growing My Three Cats, then starting her Cats Deserve More and now franchising has been amazing.In this episode Wendy talks about what it was like leaving a secure job in accountancy to standing on stage at The Cat Show Live and all she's learned.Topics and timings in this episode: 0.20 - Episode intro and what to expect.1.53 - Sponsor message - Pets Get Visible.2.59 - Wendy intro.6.13 - Starting cat sitting after her divorce in 2017 to get some extra cash to take the kids on holiday.8.23 - How cat care has changed over the last 10 years.10.31 - The Cats Deserve More campaign Wendy started.15.17 - What the really fast growth has been like for Wendy.18.35 - Wendy's experience of the franchise process.20.35 - Behind the scenes of a franchise business.23.15 - Taking a leap of faith with a huge stand at The Cat Show Live and talking on stage.24.15 - Her first franchisee joining after her talk.27.06 - What it's like working with her daughter.29.49 - How coworking has helped Wendy focus and have a routine.31.53 - What's worked in terms of visibility for Wendy and the importance of showing your face as a pet care brand.33.18 - Having the confidence to pitch to the press.34.58 - Getting comfortable on social media.37.08 - Having a steady plan and putting the brakes on to avoid burnout.40.16 - Going back to The Cat Show Live in September 2026.43.12 - How to find out more about Wendy.Links mentioned in this episodeIf you’re a pet business owner looking for support, community, and confidence to put yourself out there, come and join us in Pets Get Visible at www.rachelspencer.co.uk/pets-get-visibleFind out more about The Cat Show Live on September 12th 2026 here: https://thecatshowlive.co.uk/Want to connect with Wendy and My Three CatsWebsite: www.mythreecats.co.ukLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendy-thomson-melling-143910211/Further listening/reading: Katie Gwilt from the Kat Lady on running a cat business you love!Victor Carpio on Dragons Den and creating a toothbrush for catsBleu Stessia’s mission to boost cat health with My Cat GrassClaire Harris from Pets2Places on franchising and pet travel safetyHow to write a press release for your pet businessShould you buy my pet business planner

April 14, 202628 min

Behind the scenes of the 2026 Pet Business Content Planner launch

Are you planning to launch a new product or service and want to get an idea of what to expect?This episode is a behind the scenes account of launching my Pet Business Content Planner for 2026.This is a product I created in 2025, so this year was the second year and I wanted to put this episode out to give an insight into the work involved.I'm sharing a 'warts and all' insight into my planner launch as I think hearing how it's actually gone - the wobbles, the grit, the moments of doubt - is more helpful than a polished success story.If you'd like to listen in to me talk very openly about the experience, this episode is for you.Topics and timings in this episode:0.00 – Episode introduction and what this behind-the-scenes is about.1.40 – Why I created a planner and how planning supports my clients.3.15 – The first planner, why I wanted it to be different and the scrappy 2025 launch.5.40 – Developing the 2026 planner.8.20 – The different elements of the planner this year, including the 12 'Words for when' exercises.9.45 – Sourcing awareness days and collaborating with my designer Kate Hendry on the structure.11.25 – PR and media coverage I secured for this year’s planner launch.13.15 – Talks, workshops and collaborations I did with pet industry communities.15.05 – My charity campaign for StreetVet.17.00 – Email campaigns, sales, pricing changes and deciding to let people “choose what you pay.”18.50 – Coping with slower sales, social media overwhelm and the role of AI.19.10 – Remembering my dad and keeping going when things are tough.20.40 – My Costa Coffee wobble with Maria and remembering my belief in the planner.22.30 – Creating the Planner Club: co‑working, quarterly planning and accountability.23.55 – Feedback from Elizabeth and how the Planner Club helps pet business owners.24.06 – Thank yous to everyone who helped shape and support the planner.To order a planner head here: https://rachelspencer.co.uk/shop/Further reading/listeningShould you buy my Pet Business Content PlannerHow to use the Pet Business Content PlannerHow to create a Pet Business Social Media CalendarHow to create a repeatable content planThe rollercoaster of running a businessThe confidence experiment and how to be more braveBuilding habits in your pet business you can stick toCreating a plan that matches your strengths, skills, goals and values

April 7, 20261 hr 18 min

Katrina Bayliss on neurodivergence, burnout and supporting your clients

Would you like to improve your understanding of neurodivergence?It might be in relation to your own experience, or around how you support your clients.Katrina Bayliss is The Neurodivergent Dog Coach and she supports pet professionals and dog people in improving the way they communicate with their dogs and one another.Katrina has the most fascinating background, from working in nightclubs to counselling and psychology.But it was her dog Milo and experience of anxiety that let her into the industry after discovering agility, and becoming very good at it.She wanted to learn more about her dog, and this fascination led her to become a trainer.Then, back in 2022, Katrina had an ADHD and later autism diagnosis herself.It helped her put together many missing pieces of what she describes as the jigsaw of how she saw the world, her work and also how she supported people as a pet professional.Katrina talks about her experience and why traditional dog training and business advice often don’t work for neurodivergent people.According to a report by Skillscast, 15% of people in the UK are neurodivergent and ADHD is estimated to affect 3-4% of UK adults - around 2.6 million people.Katrina explains how our emotional state and unmet needs impact our dogs’ behaviour, and why making services neuro-inclusive is essential if we want to help both ends of the lead.We also discuss social media overwhelm, whether or not you might want to get involved in things like heated Crufts debates, people-pleasing, and the pressure to be polished and perfect online.Plus how Katrina is building community through her Neuro Inclusive Dog Hub, Dog Agility Unmasked, her podcast, and new low-cost membership for neurodivergent dog pros.Topics and timings in this episode: 0.20 - Episode introduction1.45 - Sponsor message - Pet business content planner.2.57 - How Katrina found herself in the pet industry.5.44 - What Katrina did before starting her dog training business.10.39 - What it’s like to understand both ends of the lead as a psychotherapist and a dog trainer.14.04 - Making the connection between the clients who share the same approach as you.16.02 - How Katrina’s diagnosis changed her work.20.30 - What it was like communicating her new approach online.44.03 - The kind of response she had from the dog training community.28.33 - When the ‘aha’ moments happen with her clients.34.38 - How the world has changed and people are looking for a more holistic approach.39.14 - Taking care of your needs as a pet professional to build a more sustainable business.41.40 - Deciding where you spend your time in person and online to take care of your wellbeing.47.45 - Putting boundaries in place to protect you, your time and your energy.52.59 - Why overworking sometimes leads to health problems as our bodies try to tell us to stop.55.29 - Being mindful of making decisions from a need for acceptance and doing what you’re told you ’should’ do.58.04 - Why Katrina made a community for neurodivergent pet owners and professionals.1.00.01 - Katrina’s podcast and how that’s been received.1.03.45 - The downsides of social media.1.06.10 - The trust recession we’re in during the age of AI.1.07.14 - Katrina’s new membership community for people looking for more support.1.16.23 - Letting go of the need to be perfect.1.17.00 - How to connect with Katrina.Links mentioned in this episode:Buy the Pet Business Content Planner here: https://rachelspencer.co.uk/shop/Learn more about Katrina on her website: https://dogsanddivergentminds.com/about/And listen to her podcast here: https://open.spotify.com/show/7rpgGoun9BGrtcZgoAS595Further listening and reading:Sasha Louise Smith on harnessing your strengths to build a business you loveShould you buy my pet business content planner?Navigating comparisonitis as a pet pro with Kate HoyleFinding the right pet business communityMaking a million on TikTok shop with Gemma from The Herbal Dog CoClayton Payne on lessons from 30 years in the pet industryThe confidence experiment and how to feel more braveHow to use the pet business content plannerHow to have a pet business reset

March 31, 202624 min

How to have a spring reset in your pet business

Did you come into the New Year feeling all fired up and filled with energy about your pet business and what was going to happen in 2026?Then, as we were flung into wars, political upheaval, economic uncertainty, did it feel like you skidded to a bit of a halt?If you’re nodding along, that’s ok, it’s totally normal to feel like this.There’s a lot going on in the world right now. And when you’re running your own business, all of that takes it out of you in a way a regular paycheck never would.Consumer confidence is down and people feel less confident spending money on things that aren’t absolutely necessary.So it can be tempting and totally natural to feel despondent and think: “What’s the point? Nobody wants to hear from me. Everything is rubbish.”This blog and podcast episode is about picking yourself up and getting back on the bike, and doing the things you need to do to keep moving forward.You can listen in on the player link below or read the key points as a blog post.I also cover how my Pet Business Planner can help you. At the time of publication – 31st March 2026 – I did have some copies remaining.You can order one here (or pre-order for 2027 if you’re listening or reading in the future. (https://rachelspencer.co.uk/product/pet-business-content-planner/)Topics and timings in this episode: 0.20 - What to expect from this episode.0.46 - How you can have a reset at any time of the year.1.30 - The upheaval that’s going on in the world at the moment.2.20 - Consumer confidence dropping during times of uncertainty.3.24 - Reflecting on the first quarter of the year.3.54 - How to figure out if you’ve been talking about your work enough.5.24 - Case study - Kim from Leo, Charley and Me6.19 - Working out who your dream customer is.6.40 - Why you can have a reset whenever you like.8.31 - What I’m doing to boost bookings in my cottage business.9.18 - Why saying no is important too.9.55 - Practical steps on how to do a reset10.25 - Reflecting on what’s working and doing more of it.11.30 - Working out what you want to do less of.12.36 - Deciding on the activities that are the most valuable when it comes to how you spend your time.14.17 - The magnifying glass of misery.14.45 - Deciding on the important things you need to talk about and using the awareness days.16.03 - The reason I created a planner to support you with all of the above.17.03 - Taking what I learned as a journalist to help you come up with ideas.18.21 - How the Words for When exercises work.20.40 - Using the days to pitch to the press.22.04 - Why PR is important in the world we’re in now with AI.23.45 - How to get a copy of the planner.Links mentioned in this episode:Get a copy of the pet business planner: https://rachelspencer.co.uk/shop/Download my free social media calendar: https://rachelspencer.co.uk/calendarRead the Nielsen report on Consumer Confidence: https://nielseniq.com/global/en/news-center/2026/consumer-confidence-down-three-points-in-february/Listen to the Kate Toon podcast on AI and digital marketing: https://therecipeforseosuccess.com/final-guest-how-marketing-and-seo-have-evolved-in-11-years-with-rand-fishkin/Further reading/listening:How Kim from Leo Charley and Me boosted her visibility The confidence experiment and how to feel more brave as a pet professional Why I am an accredited pet business coachHow to navigate stop start periods in your business How to use the Pet Business Content PlannerShould you buy my Pet Business Content Planner

March 24, 20261 hr 17 min

Sweary bow ties and not caring what people think with Kerry Whitney from Franky's Bowtique

When Kerry Whitney split up with her boyfriend, lost her dad and had to move back home to her mum's, it led to her starting her dream business.It was back in 2015, and she'd just started an Instagram account for her Pug Frank, and started making him fun bow ties as a way of coping with her grief and the upheaval she'd experienced.Things grew, she started sending out her products to other dog owners, and decided to make it into a business.Then she added in some sweary bow ties to stand out, and it took off.From viral posts with the C-bomb, being featured in the Daily Sport dressed as a giant penis, getting her products in Pets At Home, experiencing burnout and taking a year for herself and coping with trolls, Kerry has seen it, done it and got the Dogs Not Sprogs t-shirt.We talk about so much here - there's a bit of oversharing from me, and Kerry announces her dream new range, sweary harnesses which will be on sale from March 2026.Kerry is a friend who I value so much, she's supported me through a lot, and I'm so pleased to share this podcast. I hope you love what she has to say.Topics and timings:0.20 - Episode overview.1.50 - Episode sponsor - pet business planner.3.16 - Kerry introduction.4.35 - What Kerry did before Franky’s Bowtique.5.31 - Getting her first Pug Frank and going on Instagram.7.00 - Losing her dad and beginning making bowties as a way of managing her grief.9.17 - Growing on Instagram, gifting her products and building her business.10.14 - Moving back home after her relationship broke down and back to her mums.13.35 - Putting out her first sweary bowties and going from the F bomb to the C bomb.17.45 - Growing her community and brand reps and having raving fans!19.48 - The most bonkers stuff Kerry has done to get her business and products out there.23.11 - Appearing in the Daily Sport dressed as a giant penis.24.17 - Pitching to UK retailers and getting her products in Pets At Home.28.23 - What it’s like to go viral.31.10 - What it’s like to get nasty comments and how Kerry turns them into ‘content gold.’33.08 - What it’s like behind the scenes when orders go crazy from viral posts.35.16 - What happened when Gemma Atkinson bought a bandana for her dog.36.45 - How Kerry totally ignores all social media advice and is herself.38.05 - Kerry’s advice to anyone who is holding back on social media and why the shouldn’t tone themselves down.38.53 - No-one is safe from the savagery of social media.40.47 - Not being afraid to fail publicly.42.03 - Kerry’s experience of burnout and taking a year out.46.16 - Thoughts on resilience and having a strong business that could continue when Kerry felt low.47.17 - Copycats and how they fire you up to be stronger.52.29 - Keeping going and standing out.54.02 - Kerry’s health transformation and how that’s impacted on her business.58.13 - Getting a part time job and how that’s helped her with her business and feeling more positive.1.01.02 - My own emotionally fragile time and what I needed to do to pick myself up.1.05.14 - How Kerry stops herself comparing to others and self care, Mel Robbins and sunlight first thing!1.06.54 - Kerry’s new dog harness range.1.08.15 - How the money for the harness range came from an insurance policy from her late father.1.14.23 - What her dad would think and how good things can come from challenging times and loss.1.17.12 - How to find out more about Kerry.Links mentioned in this episode:Pet business content planner: https://rachelspencer.co.uk/product/pet-business-content-planner/Visit Kerry's website: https://frankysbowtique.com/Follow Frank and Brenda on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frankandbrendaruletheworld/Follow Franky's Bowtique on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frankysbowtique_ltd/Follow Franky's Bowtique on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@frankysbowtiqueFranky's Bowtique on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FrankypantspetboutiqueFurther listening/readingShould you buy my pet business content planner?How to use the pet business content plannerDealing with copycats with Debbie Humphreys from Redhound for DogsPutting your personality into your marketing with Alex McCann from AltrinchamHQStuff the social media rules and do things your way with Colette AdwinCreating a business that works for you with Jane ArdernHow to create a pet business social media calendar

March 17, 202630 min

The confidence experiment and how you can feel more brave in your pet business

Confidence is an area that comes up as a challenge with the pet business owners I work with over and over again.When you're running a business on your own, you're already doing really brave things and taken the big risks.Yet, so often, things will make us question ourselves.I ran a workshop and a 'confidence experiment' in my membership to look at this, in particular asking people to ask themselves, 'Why do I feel confident doing some things but not others?'And more importantly, 'What can I do about it?'What came out of both was so interesting, and there was so much helpful and supportive advice shared, so I wanted to put together a podcast and blog.Key topics and timings:0.20: Episode overview.0.50: What is confidence and why I chose it as the theme for March in Pets Get Visible.2.01: Why I felt wobbly about covering this topic.3.29: What confidence means to different people.4.14: Why you don’t have to feel confident to do the brave thing.4.37: The areas where pet pros would love to feel more confident.5.06: Where people feel at ease with pet pro examples.7.53: Taking notice of where you feel confident and what’s different.9.24: The reasons that lie underneath us lacking in confidence.10.51: How HALT works and how being hungry, angry, lonely, tired and hormonal impacts on confidence.11.43: Acceptance and commitment theory and how this applies to confidence.13.29: Heather’s story and how she became more confident on video.18.33: What would be in your recipe for confidence?19.11: Examples of what people have in their recipe for confidence.23.39: Brave examples from the community.26.01: Acceptance and commitment theory.27.34: My Pets Get Visible membership and Pet Business Content Planner and work with me options.Episode sponsor: Pets Get Visible membershipWe're doing more experiments like this - breaking down the things that get in the way of visibility and making them manageable for you.You'll get access to the workshops, the resources, the community, and most importantly, the reassurance that you're not the only one feeling this way. Be around other pet business owners who get it, who are doing brave things, who are cheering each other on.Head here to find out more about the membership: www.rachelspencer.co.uk/pets-get-visibleFurther reading and listening:Is my Pets Get Visible membership right for you? Should you buy my Pet Business Content Planner?How to feel more confident as a writer with Rikki SullivanWhy I am an accredited pet business coachThe rollercoaster of running your own businessThe importance of looking back to see how far you've come What kind of pet business coach is right for you? Choosing the right pet business membership

March 10, 20261 hr 2 min

Helen Wainwright on the Dog Trainer School, doing things your way and putting your community first

Helen Wainwright is co-founder of the Dog Trainer School, a supportive online community for professional dog trainers that she runs alongside her partner Lee.Before working with dogs, Helen spent nearly a decade as a product tester and journalist at Good Housekeeping magazine, and later worked in community development.Going from glossy mags to working as a dog trainer meant taking a huge chance, but you'll hear in this chat how it turned out to be exactly the right preparation for what she does now.We talk about how the Dog Trainer School came to be, the brilliant new Dog Trainer School Approved scheme, and what Helen has learned about running a business on your own terms without burning out in the process.We also get into the stuff that doesn't always get talked about - the pressure to prove yourself, the hustle culture that follows dog trainers around on social media, what enough actually looks like.Key topics and timings in this episode:0.20: Episode overview.0.50: Sponsor message – 2026 pet business content planner.2.20: Helen introduces herself and the Dog Trainer School.3.09: Why the Dog Trainer School exists — the gap that nobody was filling after qualification.4.04: Putting together support for trainers from class plans to Canva and SOP documents.6.51: How Helen and Lee bring in their real-life experience and reassurance into the Dog Trainer School as they're still out there training dogs.8.44: Imposter syndrome in the dog training industry and why it's so common.10.14: Helen's background as a product tester and journalist at Good Housekeeping magazine and the Good Housekeeping Institute.11.32: Being burnt out and going from community development to co-founding the Dog Trainer School, and the boss who believed in her.12.36: What Helen learned in the Good Housekeeping Institute and behind the scenes on life there testing everythings from wellies to washing machines.15.46: The Dog Trainer School Approved scheme — how it works, what brands get, and why it matters.16.50: Testing out the ideas at PATS in 2025 and getting her first brands on board.17.24: How the testing works and why 30 dog trainers testing a product gives brands something genuinely valuable.19.30: The value in the validation and what's involved if you do work with TDTS.22.42: The full circle goal: getting the logo on packaging so dog owners can find ethical trainers.27.15: Standing out in a busy market and why Helen's biggest advice is to stop watching what everyone else is doing.30.19: The enoughness conversation — what success actually looks like when you work for yourself.32.10: Why you don't need to have a high ticket offer and to do what works for you.35.04: The pressure dog trainers face from family and friends who don't take it seriously as a career.38.18: The move towards taking pressure off yourself and asking 'am I happy.' 41.28: Finding a way of creating content that is fun and relatable.42.58: Working with your partner and finding the balance.44.51: Why Helen goes to the gym every day and won't book meetings over it.48.37: The coaching relationship Helen walked away from in December, and trusting your gut.50.47: Helen's recent example of staying true to what the Dog Trainer School is actually for.53.48: Being mindful of the advice you're consuming as a business owner.57.16: The importance of ensuring her clients feel like they're not a number.58.18: What's next: helping dog trainers feel more confident in the practical side of their work.59.28: Acceptance and commitment — doing the scary thing anyway.1.01.09: How to find Helen and the Dog Trainer School.Links mentioned in this episode: Website: www.thedogtrainerschool.co.ukInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedogtrainerschool/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedogtrainerschoolDog Trainer School Approved scheme: https://thedogtrainerschool.co.uk/tdts-recommendedRelated postsCreating content for your clients, not other pet pros Jane Ardern on running a dog training business where you put yourself firstSasha Louise Smith on using your strengths to build a business you loveThe rollercoaster of running your own pet businessHow to find your voice in your pet business with Rikki SullivanHow to use the pet business content plannerWhy the right pet business community mattersHow to create a social media calendar for your pet businessShould you buy my pet business content planner?