Check Out Christina Calautti’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Christina Calautti.

Hi Christina, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My start wasn’t easy or ‘normal’ but it has given me the resilience and dedication to get me where I am today! I have loved animals my entire life. I always had so many pets as a child and teen. I later went to school for fashion in NYC and was in that industry for many years. I loved styling people but wanted to do something more meaningful to me. I found myself in an unhealthy relationship in my personal life and wanted the independence and freedom to be my own person and put my skills to work. So, that’s what I did! I went headfirst into owning a business without prior owner experience or help. It all happened in 2020 before everything changed in the world. Although many stressful events such as the riots, moving locations, and starting from scratch was immensely stressful, I knew I had to make this work and be the boss lady I knew I had in me. In a lot of ways, the things that happened in 2020 brought me to where Specks and I are at now. The rebrand and new location brought my entire vision to life. Through lots of trial and error, I found what works for my business and what doesn’t. I love being able to put my fashion background into my business now and also do what I love, which is being around pets and other pet lovers every single day.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
As I mentioned earlier, it was definitely not an easy road. I have never owned a business before and till today, I don’t know what it’s like to own a business in ‘normal times’ since I took over the business in early 2020. I had to really learn the behavior of what people want and need especially during these tough times. I’ve had to change the business model quite a bit to find its sweet spot. But I always say, if you really really want it to work, you will make it work. I didn’t have a social life for the first two years building Specks, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I learned so much about business, myself, and life. It has given me tremendous growth that I am so thankful for.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Specks Pet (formally Mr. Specks) is a second home sweet home for your furry loved ones. We offer a full grooming spa, daycare for all sizes and breeds, and a beautiful boutique filled with pet goodies. We are most known for our sincere customer service and creating great friendships and long-lasting relationships with our wonderful clients.

Our boutique filled with pet goodie paradise is also a big factor for our growth. This past year I’ve been honored to be featured in Vogue with our lovely friend Paris Hilton, an Uber Eats Commercial, Hilton For The Stay Commercial, I collaborated with hotels such as Cipriani to design pet programs for their customers, and much more. We’ve been a part of amazing rescue dog events and community projects such as Doggie Daze Beverly Hills. We love to keep active in the community and help wherever we can.

If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I was not an easy child LOL! Growing up I was very sassy and not the easiest to deal with. Bless my parents for their patience. As I got older, I was very into fashion and beauty. I went to Cosmetology school during high school, so I went to two schools at once and graduated with two degrees. I was always a bit different than the rest of the crowd in my hometown high school and it was ‘weird’ for me to go to two schools to other students. While others were focused on what parties to go to and who is more popular, I really wanted to get my career started and got my first job at 16 years old. I begged my mother to work at her designer optical wear boutique so I can make money and learn. I guess you can say I have always been a bit of an old soul and wanted to get my life together as soon as possible. Sometimes I think I grew up too fast, but I don’t know where I would be if I didn’t take the path I chose!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://speckspet.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speckspet/
• Twitter: https://www.tiktok.com/@speckspet
• Other: https://linktr.ee/Speckspet?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=7efd23cb-ace7-4d17-97d9-ee2335b18fd6

Image Credits
Professional images by Vanessa Athens