Turning a Love for Dogs into a Thriving Biz

Mazel Pups Podcast

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This heartwarming episode of the Mazel Pups podcast features Sammy Leighton, a passionate Jewish entrepreneur from Fort Lauderdale, FL. Sammy shares her journey from dreaming of having a dog as a child to running her successful dog-walking and pet-sitting business, The Dog Walker FL. Listen in as she introduces her beloved rescue dog, Zuli, and talks about her warm feelings for Judaism, especially the sense of community and family-centric holidays like Hanukkah.
We then explore Sammy's path to entrepreneurship, tracing her early aspirations and the professional experiences that led her back to her true passion. From her childhood lemonade stands and dog walking ventures growing up in the New York suburbs...to her college years as a hospitality major...to her career in sales, Sammy's story is one that many people will be able to relate to. Discover how a desk job that wasn't very satisfying and multiple dog walking requests inspired her to embrace the outdoor life she loves, eventually leading her to establish The Dog Walker FL.
Finally, Sammy opens up about the challenges and growth of her business and she shares her strategies for balancing work and personal life. Learn about her initial marketing efforts, the importance of building a solid client base, and her future goals, including potential expansion and franchising. Sammy offers valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, emphasizing the benefits of starting your business as a "side hustle" - until you can afford to leave your job.
This episode is a treasure trove of insights, inspiration, and love for both pets and community. Don't miss it!

I hope you enjoy listening to the Mazel Pups podcast as much as I enjoy making it. If you have an idea for a future episode or want to be in touch, email me at [e-mail].
If you want more of Mazel Pups, you can:
* Follow on Instagram @mazelpups
* Follow the Mazel Pups Facebook Page
* Join the Mazel Pups Facebook Group
* Check out the Mazel Pups Store with fun Jewish dog-themed items for dogs & humans (mazelpups.com.shop)
And you can now pre-order (at a discount) the PAWSITIVELY JEWISH 2025 CALENDAR, which features super cute dogs dressed up for & celebrating Jewish holidays, as well as including Jewish & Israeli holidays, dog holidays & national US & Canadian holidays. (PrintArtKids.com/Calendars)
Finally, I'd love it if you'd subscribe to the podcast and give the episodes you've listened to a "thumbs up."
Thanks for listening!
Rabbi Robyn

Chapters

1. Turning a Love for Dogs into a Thriving Biz (00:00:00)

2. The 4 Questions (re: Dogs & Judaism) (00:01:53)

3. Journey to Entrepreneurship (00:06:08)

4. Balancing Work & Dog Walking Business (00:16:23)

5. Challenges & Growth in Business (00:21:10)