• Menu
  • Skip to right header navigation
  • Skip to main content

Pet Boss Nation logo

Bringing Profits to Pet Businesses

  • Why We’re Different
  • About Us
  • Our Programs
    • Pet Boss Club
    • Pet Boss VIP
  • Resources
    • Podcast
    • Blog
    • Favorite Tools
    • Book Candace
  • Contact Us
  • Member Login
  • Why We’re Different
  • About Us
  • Our Programs
    • Pet Boss Club
    • Pet Boss VIP
  • Resources
    • Podcast
    • Blog
    • Favorite Tools
    • Book Candace
  • Contact Us
  • Member Login

January 16, 2022 By //  by Maddie St. Gelais

Episode 3 | Diversity in the Pet Industry

with special guest, Lashonda Geffrard, Founder of the Black Pet Business Network

Listen On Your Favorite Platform: Apple | Spotify | Libsyn

Or Listen Here

My guest today says less 4% of pet professionals are people of color. If you’ve ever been to a pet industry trade show, pet consumer expo or conference you may have noticed that it’s a bunch of white people. 

Black-owned brands, businesses and pet professionals are underrepresented in the pet industry. In today’s podcast episode we talk about it, we celebrate new initiatives and provide some resources to explore how we can do our part in supporting these awesome pet bosses.

Lashonda Geffrard is the co-owner of a pet grooming salon in Ocoee, FL called The Paw Shop. She’s had a record year in 2021 and even just purchased a new mobile grooming vehicle to expand into those services this year. 

On top of running a successful salon and charity, last year, Lashonda launched the Black Pet Business Network, a non-profit bringing together like-minded pet industry business owners, professionals and influencers with the mission of growing strong black pet brands. I love her spirit and courage to step up as a leader. 

Download Podcast Transcript

Guest Links

  • Black Pet Business Network
  • The Paw Shop
  • Paws of Hope Florida

Racism, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

  • Online Racial Equity Workshops – Educate yourself on systemic and learned racism. These online events will help you learn more — and inspire you to take action — on racial injustices and inequality.
  • Paradigm – DEI Tools & Expert Consulting: They help you build a company people are proud to work for. Their comprehensive suite of technology, tools, and consulting are designed to transform your organization, cultivating a culture where employees from all backgrounds and identities can do their best work and thrive.
  • Pet Sustainability Coalition 
  • Adrian Archie – Pets+ 
  • Pet Business Professor – Race & Ethnicity in the Pet Industry

Financial Resources for Minority Pet Business

We find small businesses have more success with bank lending when going through a small, local community bank vs a large bank. They will want to see personal and business tax returns, income statements etc. They will tell you exactly what they will need. You will need a business plan and cash flow projections. They really won’t even dig into it that much, they just want to make sure you’ve thought all these things through, so don’t let it hold you up on getting started

  • SBA Loans
  • SBA Minority
  • SBA Woman Owned Business
  • Women Owned Business Grants
  • Minority Business Grants 
  • Minority Business Development Agency
  • Microloans for Minority Business Owners

Black Owned Pet Businesses to Discover

  • Black Equestrian
  • Black DVM Network 
  • Dog Father of Harlem – Brian
  • Cattitude Street Strutters – Taryn Hunter 
  • Diva And A Dog – Ashley Brooks
  • PetnMind Franchise
  • Little L’s Pet Bakery
  • House Dogge
  • Pawstries in Detroit
  • Chopped By Lam

Join Us Online

  • Find us on Facebook
  • Join our Free Pet Industry Facebook Group
  • Follow us on Instagram
  • Read our Blog

Rate, Review and Follow or Subscribe!

“I love listening to Candace and the Boss Your Business Podcast!”

If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more pet professionals — just like you — have a successful pet business. Listen on Apple Podcasts? Go to the show, scroll to the bottom, find the purple stars, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let us know what you think!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, please follow the podcast. I may just add some bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Follow and subscribe now!

Note: Not all podcast platforms allow for ratings and reviews.

Filed Under: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Inspirational, Interviews, Podcast Tagged With: Black Pet Business Network, Lashonda Geffrard

Are you on the list?

Let’s stay in touch! Join the Pet Boss list to get inspiration, updates and education sent directly to your inbox. 

Previous Post: «Candace D'Agnolo with balloons and looking surprised Episode 2 | Actually Successful or Accidentally Successful?
Next Post: Episode 4 | Candace’s Pet Business Journey – From Struggle to Selling Success Candace D'Agnolo holding the door open of her retail store»

Site Footer

  • facebook
  • youtube
  • instagram

hello@petbossnation.com

Copyright Pet Boss Nation Copyright © 2023 · All Rights Reservered
Privacy Policy · Disclaimers · Terms of Service · Website by Houndstooth Media Group

Candace D'Agnolo standing next to a brick wall in an overgrown area holding a balloon in one hand and a needle in the other

No thanks, I'm not interested!