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

Hi Madison, what’s one piece of conventional advice that you disagree with?
“You need to have everything ready before you start a business.” The fun thing about starting your own business is all about learning as you go. I did not have 100% of what I needed when I opened, and that drove other business owners around me absolutely insane. Now should you have a plan? Sure. But do you need to stick to it and think so black and white? Nope! Life is a huge grey area, and that absolutely translates into a business plan, as well.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I was born and raised in Arizona up until I was 18 and moved to NYC for college. I then came back wanting to have my dog daycare somewhere in the East Valley area (to start) since I knew this area the best out of the rest of the Phoenix-Metro and have seen immense growth within my time gone. We plan to make Desert Pups a franchise throughout the Valley, Southern California, and even New Mexico. It has NOT been an easy process. From getting the building to permits with the City, it has been a hassle, but nothing short of a blessing.

Desert Pups is a 7-day-a-week dog daycare and boarding service. Our daycare hours vary during the seasons, but we are open every day to provide your dog with the socialization and exercise they need to be healthy, well-rounded pups.

Our boarding services are unique to the area as we provide 24/7, cage-free boarding. This means someone is here 24/7 and your dog is never left unattended. A staff member spends the night with your dog in a bedroom that we have designed to be paw-fect for several dogs to snuggle up on a bed with the staff member for their overnights. We even provide dog beds and blankets on the floor if they are not particularly snuggly. We also honor parents’ requests if they do want their dog crated during the night, but they will have their crate in the bedroom area with us. We are also veteran, first responder, healthcare, and educator friendly and we offer discounts to any of those mentioned.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would make sure to take us to Downtown Gilbert for amazing food. There are restaurants for everyone there, from Lolo’s to Postinos, you won’t be disappointed to where you choose. Going kayaking in the Saguaro Lake is always a great decision, especially during these warmers months! I love walking around my puppy, Hollywood, at Tumbleweed Park in Chandler in the evenings. And then for entertainment, we can head on over to Downtown Underground Mesa where it’s a fun and hyped bar on top and a really amazing comedy club under!

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?
I am so thankful for the strong businesswomen in my life. My mother has been my rock. She has been with me every step of the way from looking at properties to figuring out what paintings we should hang up. I am so thankful for her patience and love while bringing my dream to life. My work mentor, Katie Mander, did all of my branding and you have her to thank for such a cute website and Desert Pups logos! My father, my church, my sister, and my nephews have put in the heavy lifting when it came to working inside the shop with me to get it to where it is now! And I would be nowhere close to sane without my employee, Serena. Her love for the dogs and every little thing she does around the shop does not go unnoticed. I have been blessed with incredible people.

My best friend through all the chaos, Emily. She was the one who told me to keep going the days I wanted to give up. She gave me the words I needed to motivate me on the days I was at my limit with finicky people and permits. My boyfriend, Tim, is infinite with his patience, which I needed during these last few months. His love and joy for Desert Pups reminds me of my own love and joy for it, as well. 

Website: www.DesertPups.com

Instagram: @DesertPupsAZ

Facebook: www.Facebook.com/DesertPups

Youtube: @DesertPupsAZ

Image Credits
Vanessa Siler of Transform With Vanessa Photography

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