Today we’d like to introduce you to Janet Kim.
Janet, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I’ve loved dogs my whole life. I remember borrowing the Dog Encyclopedia from the library when I was little and reading through it with my sister and begging my dad to take us to our local animal shelter, so we could go look at all the dogs. This is an obsession with dogs stayed with me as I grew up, graduated from college and entered a career in Early Childhood Education.
I absolutely adored working with young children and their families. I stayed at this school for 11 years and went from being a Teacher to Coordinator to Assistant Director and then Director. There was something about understanding the needs of young children, creating a program that supported their daily growth and life and putting together a crackerjack team of amazing teachers that resonated with me. Throughout all this, I continued to expand my life with and knowledge of, dogs — walking them, dogsitting and being a foster parent.
Then in June of 2014, I adopted my dog, Owen. He very quickly became my #1 priority. I brought him to work with me every day, took him on adventures on the weekends, researched the best food I could give him and just generally became even more obsessed with dogs than I had already been. At a certain point, I realized that I was always busy running around at work, ensuring that I was crafting the very best school program for young children, but that my child (haha!) was only sitting around an office all day. Then, I started thinking about all the other dogs who sit around all day. At this point, I revisited a dream of mine that had first popped up in my heart over a decade ago: opening a dog daycare and boarding facility.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It most definitely has not been a smooth road. As with any endeavor, there have been many ups and downs as I traversed new territory. I knew dogs, I knew how to run a business, but signing a lease, dealing with construction, working with the city to get permits and pass inspections was all new to me. Also, the time it takes to get all of that done is no joke and messed with my self-imposed timeline (and budget). I’d say that three things ended up being lifesavers: 1) Understanding that some things are out of your control and to just go with the constant rollercoaster of good and bad moments, 2) Keeping your chin up, gritting your teeth, and keep pushing forward, and 3) Leaning on the power of friends and family who are constantly there to help support in any way.
If there is anyone out there who is going through this process right now and would like to reach out to talk, please let me know! I am more than happy to pass on any knowledge/experience that could help.
Oh Hello Dog – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
We are a dog daycare, boarding, and retail facility in Downtown Los Angeles. We have two cage-free play areas — one for small dogs and one for large dogs. We also offer private suites for dogs who would do better hanging out on their own or with their siblings. Our focus is on managing dog play so that dogs get what they need while also maintaining good play behaviors. We also value the parent-daycare relationship and strive to work with dog parents to help dogs live their best life! (Also, we have a 10 car parking lot in DTLA!)
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I believe that success is a living and breathing thing. You hit a previously set goal, but then keep moving on to the next item on your list because life is about constantly working on improving or growing your work.
Pricing:
- Half Day of Dog Daycare – $25
- Full Day of Dog Daycare – $35
- Boarding – $50
- Private Suites – $75
Contact Info:
- Address: 1228 E. 8th St.
Los Angeles, CA 90021 - Website: www.ohhellodog.com
- Phone: (213) 265-7445
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: ohhellodog
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/ohhellodog
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/oh-hello-dog-los-angeles
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
