Name of business: AL-LA Pet Service
Names(optional) of girls: Allison and Laura
Ages: 9 and 12 (started in 2010)
Interview with Allison and Laura’s mom – Suzanne!
How did the girls get started? The girls started their pet business because we got the chance to take care of my sister-in-law’s golden retriever and they loved it. They also got paid from that experience and loved that too. We encouraged them to start their own pet sitting business so that they could learn about working, making money, saving and giving.
How do they advertise? I mentioned it on our neighborhood messageboard and created a Facebook Fan Page click here. Most of the business came from the neighbors on our street that spread the word that the girls were available. The first dog they watched was a little far away and too far for the girls to get there themselves. This was not ideal, it’s better when they can ride their bikes to the house and be more independent.
What do you like best about your job? From the girls perspective they love getting to hang out with the animals. Most customers ask them to visit a cat one or two times per day but they go much more often just to play. From the mom perspective I love that it is teaching them responsibility. They go to the owners home before they leave on vacation, get directions and ask questions. Then they are responsible for not misplacing the key, locking the door when they leave the house, taking excellent care of the pet and learning how to make money while they do something they love. I am allergic to cats so it gives them a chance to play with a pet that we can’t have in our house.
How do you use your earned income?
Last year most of the money went into their bank accounts, but this year they are keeping the money and are saving for things that they want to buy. Allison is saving for an American Girl doll and Laura already has her eyes on saving for a car, thanks to the Dave Ramsey’s story on the parents matching whatever the kids save for their first car.
For Allison, earning the American Girl doll is a big deal. She has her bedroom door decorated with pictures from the catalog and we have visited the doll at the new store in the mall twice. When she actually hands over her hard earned money and brings the doll home she will remember the experience and hopefully take better care of the doll. Laura is more of a saver and loves to see her bank account increase so for her most will probably go into the bank.
Favorite Memory – I love to hear the girls get a good review from their customers. This one from our neighbor was to another neighbor and gave the girls a new customer:
Cara, I’m not sure if you know Suzanne. She lives across the street from me and her two lovely girls have looked after many pets on our street. If they’re around, they may be a good solution for you this weekend. I’m here to make the introduction and vouch for their excellent services!!
This one from another neighbor was posted on the neighborhood messageboard and also brought in new customers:
I have to give massive kudos to Suzanne’s girls. They watched our cat for us several times and the dogs are no problem to them too. They are super smart girls that asked us great questions (is there an area where the cat should not go? Is there a spot on the cat that she does not like to be pet? Those types of questions. The girls are definitely on my list for pet sitting again this year!!!
Once the business was started and the girls did a good job the word has just spread on its own.
Cara, I’m not sure if you know Suzanne. She lives across the street from me and her two lovely girls have looked after many pets on our street. If they’re around, they may be a good solution for you this weekend. I’m here to make the introduction and vouch for their excellent services!!
This one from another neighbor was posted on the neighborhood messageboard and also brought in new customers:
I have to give massive kudos to Suzanne’s girls. They watched our cat for us several times and the dogs are no problem to them too. They are super smart girls that asked us great questions (is there an area where the cat should not go? Is there a spot on the cat that she does not like to be pet? Those types of questions. The girls are definitely on my list for pet sitting again this year!!!
Once the business was started and the girls did a good job the word has just spread on its own.
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Suzanne is the wonderful mom of 3 girls ages 4-12. She’s recently sat for the exam to be a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and in her “free time” she enjoys running and coordinating Financial Peace University classes with her husband Randy. Suzanne’s goal is to open her own CFP practice and help others improve their financial position so they can reach their full potential without worrying about finances.
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I’m super inspired by Suzanne’s kids creating a business for themselves. I love that they were resourceful and found a job that they love and one that helps others. I can’t wait to hear if Allison gets her new doll. Best wishes on becoming a CFP! Great job mom!
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Great way to get the kids involved with neighborhood families. And to make money!
Awesome way to live and teach by example! 🙂
You are so right Steph! Not only is Suzanne teaching her kids about managing their money, but actually helping them practice it too!