When people discover that I spent more than a decade working in corporate and business banking before becoming a dog walker, they usually look a little surprised.
On paper, the two worlds couldn’t seem more different.
But the truth is, the skills I developed in banking – supporting business owners, understanding financial pressures and building strong relationships have shaped every part of what I do today.
In this special solo episode of The Pet Business Wellbeing Podcast, I share the journey that took me from the banking sector to running multiple pet businesses and creating The Pet Business Wellbeing Mentor.
Starting Out in Banking
My career began earlier than most.
At just 14 years old, I completed work experience placements with two high street banks. Those experiences sparked a passion for business that would stay with me for years to come.
By the age of 17, I was working in business banking and supporting start-up businesses. At 18, I bought my first property.
I loved helping people build their businesses and achieve their goals, but over time, I realised I wanted something different.
Australia Changed Everything
In my late twenties, I made a life-changing decision.
I sold my car, put my flat on the market and moved to Australia on a working holiday visa.
I thought I was running away from something.
Looking back, I was running towards my future.
Within weeks of arriving, I met my now-husband, Mark.
That experience completely changed my perspective on life and helped me realise that success isn’t just about climbing a career ladder – it’s about creating a life that feels meaningful.
Building a Dog Walking Business From Scratch
After returning to the UK, I found myself at another crossroads.
I knew I no longer wanted to work in a traditional corporate environment, so I decided to take a leap and start my own business.
Armed with little more than a second-hand car, a few branded T-shirts and a lot of determination, I launched my dog walking business.
I became known as the dog walker who supported the dogs that others often turned away – the nervous dogs, the sensitive dogs and those who struggled in group settings.
Without realising it at the time, those experiences laid the foundations for my future work in separation anxiety.
When the Pandemic Changed Everything
Like many pet professionals, the pandemic forced me to adapt quickly.
Almost overnight, my business disappeared.
But instead of standing still, I chose to invest in myself.
I retrained as a dog trainer, became a Certified Separation Anxiety Pro Behaviour Consultant and rebranded my business as Nathan’s Paw Trails.
The experience taught me one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned in business:
Growth doesn’t always come from doing more. Sometimes it comes from doing things differently.
Why I Created The Dog Walking Business Mentor
As my business evolved, I noticed a recurring pattern.
Many dog walkers were passionate, knowledgeable and dedicated, but they lacked support when it came to running a business.
There was nobody helping them navigate pricing, boundaries, systems, growth or team management.
So I created The Dog Walking Business Mentor.
My aim was simple: to provide the support I wish I’d had when I started.
The Birth of The Pet Business Wellbeing Mentor
As I worked with more pet professionals, another theme emerged.
People weren’t just struggling with business challenges.
They were struggling with overwhelm, burnout, imposter syndrome and isolation.
I realised that business support alone wasn’t enough.
That’s why I created The Pet Business Wellbeing Mentor.
Because building a successful business shouldn’t come at the expense of your health or happiness.
Your business should support your life, not consume it.
Looking Ahead
Today, alongside my local pet care businesses, I’m building an online ecosystem of support through mentoring, my podcast, digital resources and The Pet Business Wellbeing Circle Plus.
My mission remains the same:
To help pet professionals create businesses that feel calmer, more sustainable and more aligned with the lives they want to live.
Because no one should have to build a business alone.
If you’d like support with your own pet business journey, I’d love to hear from you.
🌿 Join the FREE Pet Business Wellbeing Circle – Free Facebook Group
✨ Register for the FREE Pet Pro Reset Experience
📥 Download the Free Pet Pro Rescue Plan
