INTERVIEW: Bronwyn, Little Paws

We interviewed Bronwyn owner of Little Paws and a new member of the Rangiora Venus Club. Bronwyn has been an absolute star referring the club to her friends. As a thank you to Bronwyn we asked to interview her to find out a little more about her business, her experience of Venus and her thoughts on being a businesswoman.

What does Little Paw’s do?
Little paws Ltd manufactures the unique Paw-ta Pouch.  It is a baglike pouch similar to that of a mother kangaroo for carrying puppies/toy, small breed dogs/small animals.
How long have you been in this business? Little paws was launched in September 2008.

Who is your main target market?
My main target market is: owners of puppies, small dogs, breeders of lap dogs.

What do you love about your business?

• I love having the personal contact with owners of dogs.
• I’m dedicated in helping pet owners enjoy their pets – I receive great pleasure in assisting/seeing bonding, contentment and a close relationship between owners and pets.
• I also find the lifestyle of my business exciting and rewarding.
• My business is under my control and fits around my personal life (which includes many animals!).

What has been your main marketing over the past 12 months?
Trade Shows / markets / live demo’s as well as being out in our local community at events with pup in paw-ta pouch.

How long have you been a member of the Venus Club?
I am very proud to say I’ve been a member of the Venus Club since October 2009.

What were your reasons for joining the club?
I was totally inspired by meeting Lisa (Frankland, Christchurch Facilitator). Her enthusiasm, energy, drive and passion for helping women in business thrive was amazing. (I had to experience it !)

How are you finding referral  marketing as a way to grow your business?
Very effective and an inexpensive way of advertising my business.  Word of mouth about your business from a fellow member who believes in you/who knows you personally is a strong tool to advertise your business.

What do you think the key to referral marketing is?

I believe the key to referral marketing is to have extensive knowledge about other member’s businesses as well as believing in their business as much as they do.

How many referrals have you received from the members so far? Approximately 10 referrals so far from members.

What value have you received so far from being a member of the Club?
I have enjoyed huge personal growth and confidence.  Being part of a strong, dedicated business community of ladies who have knowledge, experience and wisdom has enormously helped me personally and professionally.

What challenges have you experienced by being a woman in business?
Being a first time business owner I was lacking confidence and knowledge. I believe it takes women in business longer to gain/prove credibility in the marketplace, I also feel they sometimes have to work harder to achieve the same status.

In what way has the Venus Club been able to help you with those challenges?

• Seeing members involved and committed to helping each other
• Hearing about members experiences, failures and successes has helped me grow my business
• Learning from members who share their knowledge, strategies about what does and does not work in business
• Realising that women can achieve in business

Any advice you have for women interested in choosing referral marketing to grow their business?

GO FOR IT  – dedicate yourself – you won’t regret it.

Any other comments you would like to add?

I am passionate about my business and the Venus Club.  I definitely have no regrets in joining Venus Club.  I have had much pleasure in watching friendships and business relationships grow, business step up the ladder to higher levels. Exciting.

She who gives freely and willingly will receive generously.

Feel the FEAR of a women in business, use the fear to drive you forward and UP.


A little information about Bronwyn’s business Little Paws:

Paw-ta Pouch has been designed to quickly replace the natural mother with human parent – it is a baglike pocket similar to that of a mother kangaroo. The Paw-ta Pouch helps with separation anxiety and is an ideal replacement of the natural mother to ‘human’ parent. Pet is warm, snuggly and reassured by human heartbeat.

You can have your pet with you in situations which at times would not be possible, or practical for a young animal on a leash. It is safer than carrying pet in arms or hands. Paw-ta Pouch helps as a training aid – pet quickly bonds with owner.

• Pets are nurtured
• Pet is not left home alone for long periods
• Fully washable with care label attached
• Great gift – lightweight and easy to post
• Comfortable, hands-free pouch
• Internal swivel clip attaches to pet collar
• Fully adjustable – one size fits all

North Canterbury
03 313 4446
email: littlepaws@slingshot.co.nz
www.littlepaws.co.nz