Courtney D. McWilliams – P.O.W.E.R.ful Women

CEO (Canine Emotional Officer), MaryMac’s Doggie Retreat

 

Q: What can you tell us about MaryMac’s Doggie Retreat?

MaryMac’s Doggie Retreat specializes in caring for dogs that have anxiety or depress. We understand how hard it is to find a dog sitter that’s why our pet nannies are trained in anxiety reduction. We have five services that are great for all dog overs, House Pawty, Day Pawty, Slumber Pawty, Hotel Pawty, and Bridal. Yes, Everything is a pawty! We are in New Orleans, and dogs want to pawty too. MMDR is really cool because we follow the doggie daycare model 2.0 which provides smaller group setting, enrichment activities and daily behavioral report. Did I mention that we offer calming treats too to help reduce you dog’s anxiety? 

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Q: When did you launch?

Fall of 2015  

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Q: How were you inspired to start your business?

I was inspired based of a need I had myself. I needed a dog sitter that understood pet anxiety and depression. There was no service like this available in New Orleans outside of trainers and veterinarians. I knew I wasn’t the only one with this problem. 

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Q: What were the biggest obstacles for your business and how were they overcome?

My biggest obstacle thus far has been location. The company started as an in-home pet sitting services that has grew tremendously. Now I am in the process of expanding and looking for a new location as my model focuses on small environments. 

 

Q: What local resources have you used?

I have used several local resources such as attending networking groups, the urban league (women in business program), and hiring a business coach. 

 

Q: What is your big focus right now?

My big focus is making sure that each and every dog that I serve feels comfortable and that I can reduce their fear and anxiety of being away from their owners. I find value in reassuring dog parents that their dogs are stress free and happy. 

 

Q: What is the best advice you ever received?

To get out of my comfort zone and that I am the “BEST” person to market MaryMac’s. 

 

Q: What success have you had in the last year?

So much that I can not name. Since opening MaryMac’s, I have been able to transition into Professional Speaking, MMDR has been highlighted in several publications world wide, I have launched two products (the calming treats and soothing bath bombs), and the most important piece, I have been able to make traveling fun again for dog owners by helping to reduce their dog’s anxiety. 

 

 

View the full video with Courtney here 

 

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