Meet Aiyana Smith

Today we’d like to introduce you to Aiyana Smith.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
From my earliest memories, caregiving felt like my superpower, bringing me joy while giving back in spades. At 15, I landed my first gig at a local pet boutique, surrounded by premium pet goodies and wagging tails!

That’s where my fascination with animal nutrition took off, and I became the go-to guru for pet parents seeking the best for their fur babies. But, oh, the twists and turns of fate! Despite dreaming of a career in veterinary medicine or pet nutrition, the siren call of creativity lured me to the curious world of hair styling in Southern California, where I grew up.

For 8 years, I lived for the joy of sculpting strands and witnessing the pure delight on my client’s faces! But alas, the physical demands of the job caught up with me, leading to the big move out of Los Angeles and into Denver in 2014. There, amongst the Rocky Mountains, I found my true calling within the animal community.

Now, here’s a plot twist you won’t see coming: I used to be terrified of cats! Blame it on a childhood scratch that left me scarred. But, ever the fearless adventurer, I started volunteering at cat shelters, conquering my fears one meow at a time.

Fast forward through a myriad of roles—from pet adoption specialist to assistant manager at Kriser’s Natural Pet—I found myself moonlighting as a pet care maven, roaming the streets of Denver with a pack of furry companions! That’s when I knew that becoming a professional dog walker was what I wanted.

I left Denver for a few years to travel, all the while providing pet care to pet owners in need, but in 2020 I found myself back here with a lot of time on my hands and no job. That’s when I stumbled upon a stroke of pandemic-induced genius: Ziggy and Friends Pet Care was born. So, here I am, charting my own course, fueled by a passion for quality pet care!

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Running a small business has been an exhilarating roller coaster ride filled with both triumphs and challenges. One of the biggest hurdles I’ve faced is striking a balance between the demands of entrepreneurship and prioritizing my personal well-being. It’s easy to get caught up in the fast-paced life of caring for my client’s pets, and forget to nurture myself.

In the early days, I bought into the myth that success meant sacrificing every waking hour for my business. But after hitting burnout, several times, I realized that for me, sustainable success requires a completely different approach. Learning to set boundaries and carve out non-negotiable time for self-care has been a game-changer.

Yet, even with these measures in place, I occasionally find myself overwhelmed by the whirlwind of responsibilities of a business solo owner, battling bouts of anxiety and depression. Fortunately, I have an incredible support system that gently reminds me of the importance of slowing down.

After all, I can’t give my best to my business, my team, and my furry friends if I’m not at my best mentally and physically. So, while the road hasn’t always been smooth, navigating these challenges has only made me more resilient and determined to thrive in my industry!

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
We’re not your average pet care service – we specialize in the quirky, the wild, and the downright goofy pets. From the reactive to the super shy, we love them all! What sets us apart is not just our expertise in handling these special furballs, but also our identity as a queer and BIPoC-owned and operated business.

We take immense pride in serving marginalized communities and providing a safe and inclusive space for pet parents from all walks of life. It’s not just about the pets; it’s about the relationships we build. We prioritize open communication and strong connections with our pet parents, ensuring that every pack member receives the love and care they deserve. That’s what truly sets us apart – our commitment to both the pets and their humans.

And finally, we don’t stop at pet care services alone! I’ve recently decided and am thrilled to expand our offerings to include handmade pet accessories and toys! From stylish bow ties to interactive cat toys, each item is crafted with love and care, adding an extra touch of joy to your best friend’s life. It’s just another way we’re bringing our love of animals and creativity to the pet care world!

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I absolutely love walking dogs in Denver! With the breathtaking mountain views, expansive fenced dog parks where our pups can frolic freely, and a colorful community of pet-friendly businesses happy to support their local dog walkers, it’s a paradise for both pets and humans.

Now, if I had to nitpick, it would be the traffic. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve survived the notorious jams of places like Los Angeles and New York, so I know what real traffic chaos looks like. But navigating the city from one client to another can sometimes feel like a game of dodging cars. Nonetheless, it’s a small price to pay for the joy of strolling through this pet-loving haven.

Pricing:

• Daily Visits – 20 Min, 40 Min, 60 Min – $25, $35, $45
• Cat Care – 15 Min & 30 Min – $20 & $25
• Sleepovers (in your home) $100/night
• Boarding (in our home) $85/night
• Additional Charges $5-$25

Contact Info:

• Website: www.ziggyandfriendspetcare.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ziggynfriendspetcare/

Image Credits
Katie Messer (https://katiemariephotography222.mypixieset.com/ and @katiemariephotography__ )