It’s the beginning of March, and spring is just around the corner. For most people, this means a new beginning. But for my business, spring of 2012 is most likely the end of the line. When I launched my small business, Tiny Growl, in January of 2008, I had what I believed was a good idea, but I had no idea where it was going to take me.
Four years later, I can look back and give myself credit for having taken an idea from thought to fruition. Unfortunately, my invention – The ScooPup Pocket – did not become the next big thing in the dog product world, but that’s OK. I learned a remarkable number of things about business, the internet, marketing, the dog world, and about myself. It was a good stretch and any dog will tell you, stretches are always worth taking. I also met an amazing assortment of dogs and dog people along the way.
So, was it all worth it? Yes, absolutely. Do I wish things were different? Of course. I wanted my business to be successful, not just to generate income, but to have the means to help all those dogs out there that weren’t as lucky as my boy Riley. Since I’m a dog lover and animal advocate, this was the driving force that sent a creative, artistic type like me into the business world, albeit with some trepidation.
Word to the wise: if you are a creative, artistic type, be careful where your heart leads you. In my case, jumping into the world of dogs and dog lovers with my heart on my sleeve opened me up to things that I wasn’t prepared for. It’s a cruel world out there for a lot of dogs, and the deeper you involve yourself as an advocate, the deeper the heartbreak and the feelings of helplessness. For someone like me who wants to be able to protect, help and heal every dog in need, it nearly sent me over the deep end.
It took a couple of years, but eventually I realized that even if I had all the resources in the world, it’s just not possible to save every dog. It’s a sad fact, but one that I have to learn to live with. But this is not why I’m giving up. My business was never was able to grow beyond modest sales and I just don’t have the resources or the energy to keep up with the all of the networking that’s essential for a one-woman, small business owner like myself to make my business get noticed in a big way.
Big thanks to all who helped and supported me along the way, and if I can ask one more thing of you, I’m having a going out of business sale at tinygrowl.com through the end of March, 2012. Please pass it on and get ’em while you can. I still think it’s a useful product and I’m still walking Riley with one of my prototype ScooPup Pockets every day. And even though things didn’t work out the way that I’d hoped, I will always be able to say that I tried and I will never have to wonder “what if..?”.
Oh, this breaks my heart, but I am so proud of you! You had a great idea, made a fabulous product and took a risk. This is just the beginning, baby.
You put your whole heart into your product and your project, Bette. I know you will go on to greater enterprises in your life! I wish you much luck and love along the way!
Bette,
you are an inspiration to many people. Sorry to hear you are closing your business. Look forward to hearing about your next adventure!
Best regards,
Edgar
Thanks for sharing the above experience…I feel very much the same way and after 12 years of my heart being ripped apart do to my own volition) I too have begun to change my direction… thanks for sharing your heart …
I’m so proud of you Bette for directing your talents towards helping dogs. Raising awareness and compassion for animals is a deeply personal involvement and no easy task. The right and challenging thing to do is to get involved, and YOU did it with gusto. Thank you! So you know, most people I know in animal advocacy are highly creative and well educated – so really, you’re in good company. 😉
Bette – You are a small business hero! You took a dream and made it real. Most folks don’t get past the point of thinking they have a good idea. You developed it and launched a business…that’s success! And, you did it with a heart for animals – another score! It’s been hard for all small businesses during this economy and I know that factored into your business as well. While this is sad news, I’m proud to know you and like Edgar says, can’t wait to see what’s next! I’m going to spread the word on your last month of sales. Here’s to you, your heart, your creativity and your spirit! WOOT!!
I agree whole-heartedly with all the previous comments. Bette, I am so proud to have followed you through this endeavour – which you started, not to make a mint, but because you had a good idea to help dogs and keep our world a little cleaner.
You found the business and technical skills to make so much happen – Congratulations Bette, what a wonderful woman you are.
Bette,
It was a pleasure to meet you at the Two Million Dogs Walk in 2010, though our association was brief. I was really impressed with your enthusiasm and ability to organize the masses, and then run with a good idea! I am sure those qualities will take you far.
Your example was an inspiration to me, as a fellow animal advocate.
Please keep in touch! You may visit our organization, the Animal Hospice, End of Life and Palliative CAre Project – you may read about us at AHELPProject-dot-org
You can drop me a line through the website Contact Us page.
take good care of yourself,
michelle nichols
Animal Hospice Advocate
PartnerstotheBridge.com
Bette,
Thank you so much for taking this journey and sharing it with us. I know you will continue to be an animal advocate. My dog thor and I are cheering for you. You are such an awesome person.
I miss you.
Joe
Thanks everyone for your support and kind words. It’s been a week and a half since I announced my decision, and I’m beginning to feel a little better about it. Although I’ll be shutting down the website at the end of the month, we’ve decided to put everything in the attic for a year or two. Who knows, we may be back.
Bette – please know how much I admire your guts and stamina for going the long haul with Tiny Growl! You’re dedication and creativity is amazing! You gave it your all and that’s all any of us can do. Thanks for sharing the journey with us – and my best to you on your future endeavors! Cheers to you!
I didn’t know about Tiny Growl until seeing your blog but am sorry to hear about the end of your enterprise. I hope the knowledge of the experience will lead to genuine success in the future. Indeed the suffering so many dogs endure is enough to send one over the edge. It is a situation that human society created, and I suspect needs to be confronted with until far-reaching political change is achieved.
What an ispiring post! thank you so much for sharing your story with us, and I am pretty sure that you will continue to be an animal advocate