We had the good fortune of connecting with Chris S. and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chris, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I worked in the veterinary field for over 15 years before deciding to leave to try something different. I went to school to become a Safety Officer and received numerous certifications. However, because I didn’t have 10+ years of experience, it was difficult to find employment. Getting rejection after rejection took its toll on me. One day, at the beginning of 2020, I just sat and thought of the things that I love and do well. This brought me back to my love for dogs. I decided to hire myself and create a business that caters to dog parents. As I began to form Gastro Mobile Dog Wash, COVID-19 hit the U.S and non-essential businesses were shutting down, including pet grooming shops. I knew more than ever my business was needed because dogs require basic services, such as baths and nail trims. As a pet parent, I know it can make one uneasy to drop your pet off for hours at a dog wash facility. I worked tirelessly to convert an 18 foot trailer into a mobile dog wash spa. I provide the convenience of driving to your home for your pet’s spa day. My trailer is cage free and your pet is immediately returned to you when services are completed.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Gastro Mobile Dog Wash is family owned and operated. We pride ourselves on treating your furry family members as our own. I didn’t have social media for the first 6-8 months of starting my business. I was never the social media type, and thought it was a waste of time, so I was hesitant to create a page. Most of my advertising was literally me walking up and down neighborhoods handing out my business card and word of mouth. However, we live in a social media world! Many of my clients wanted to share my business on their personal page and I finally decided to create an Instagram profile. It has been helpful in the sense that I can reach more people and I enjoy to share pictures and videos of my clients. I believe you can see the genuine love I have for dogs and it’s refreshing for pet owner’s to see their pet adore the spa treatment.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Houston is so diverse, but I’m a creature of habit. My favorite spots are my home and working on my business.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My family’s love and support has been a big source of encouragement for me. To know that I’ll be able to leave my children with some sort of legacy when I’m no longer here, is heart-stirring.

Instagram: gastro_mobile_dog_wash

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