September 3, 2024 | Authored By Moe Singleton
Desirée Chamorro is a first-generation college graduate. Her family had high hopes that she would join Corporate America. However, they didn’t know that her passion for dressing up her Dachshund, Sofía, would lead her in a different direction.
Originally from Florida, Desirée moved to Texas and wondered whether people there dressed their dogs like they did back home. She started selling dog outfits at a gas station, then expanded to markets and shows. Despite her family’s disappointment, she eventually decided to open a store.
Whenever she showed dog accessories to her boyfriend (now husband), he would always doubt they would sell. However, much to his surprise, they did. Desirée’s business grew gradually, inspired by Sofía’s love of fashion and looking her best, she also began taking grooming lessons.
Today, K9 Café Boutique and Spa offers artisan treats, clothes, accessories, and grooming services for pets in the area.
Here are Desirée Chamorro’s key takeaways that can help you build a long-lasting business:
Small Business tip #1 from Desirée…
“Identify your business needs specifically.”
Desirée realized early on that perseverance is crucial for maintaining a small business. She understands that daily challenges can be overwhelming, but after experiencing many ups and downs, she also knows that apart from personal drive, good employees are essential for the success of a business. Desirée emphasizes the importance of retaining good employees, as they are hard to find. She acknowledges that without the dedication and belief in their work from her staff, she wouldn’t have been able to take the leap to purchase property outside of the shopping plaza and begin construction on their new canine café. Desirée is proud of this new location, as it will provide a luxury experience for pets and owners. She credits her incredible staff for supporting her continuously, and they will play a vital role in the launch of this new venture in the pet business.
Small Business tip #2…
“Trust your instincts.”
Desirée understands the importance of listening to your inner voice. Whether it’s generating new ideas to keep the business fresh and relevant, or building a team and fostering a collaborative work environment, trusting your own moral compass can drive your success.
Small Business tip #3…
“Failure is the opportunity to begin again more intelligently.”
– Henry Ford
One’s ability to overcome failure ultimately depends on understanding what isn’t working and making a change. Desirée’s attitude towards failure was shaped by an experience when she was trying to secure her first fully owned brick and mortar location. After investing $10,000 in the property, she was denied the loan by the bank after a year of paperwork and testing. Despite feeling defeated, she took a week to process and then began seeking a new solution. This experience taught Desirée the importance of hiring the right people, creating a culture that aligns with her vision, and offering unique products and experiences to stand out in a competitive market.
Small Business tip #4…
“Build your network & put the right people in place.”
During Desirée’s challenges in closing on her new property, she reached out to people she knew. Desirée also talked to a friend in the banking industry, who helped her with her financials because ‘the math wasn’t math-ing.’ It took Desirée six months, but she eventually got the land. She learned that it’s not always what you know, but who you know. Reaching out to everybody she knew; Desirée was finally able to achieve her goal. Desirée relied on her network for help with her business, which added to her personal growth. She also learned that flexibility is another important key to success and defining the legacy of your business can anchor your success.
Desirée’s final business tip #5 comes courtesy of her State Farm® agent, Crystal Fuller:
“Take the time to learn the different types of small business insurance. That can help you protect your business.”
In 2016, Desirée participated in a Memorial Day show to promote her company. Unfortunately, a tornado hit and wiped out all the tents including hers.
Crystal is a State Farm agent who embodies the State Farm mission to help people manage the risks of everyday life, recover from the unexpected, and realize their dreams. When Desirée called to inquire about the policy coverage for her small business, Crystal and her team assisted her in filing a claim to help her get back in business.
Having reliable people who support your business, especially in tough times is paramount to a company’s success. Desirée says that to recover from something like that without insurance would have been devastating.
But that experience motivated Desirée to procure her store plus a grooming salon that could pamper dogs as well. Fast forward, Desirée is now the proud owner of three stores and is opening a fourth.
Desirée credits her father for teaching her perseverance, dedication, and sticking to what she believes. She says, “When a person owns a business, they have to take the good with the bad, but the key is to not look at setbacks as failures. You just have to look at those things as learning experiences and continue to grow your business.”
State Farm agents can be there to help, even if it means getting up early and working hard beside them. That is the importance of putting the right people in place and having a good neighbor.
Visit NBCU Open Doors to learn more about Desirée Chamorro’s story and to access resources to help your business grow.
