Meet Jasmine Sauser: Pet Care Service Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jasmine Sauser and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jasmine, what’s the most important lesson your business/career has taught you?
The most important lesson my business has taught me is that no one will do the work for you. Being a small business owner usually means you are a social media marketer, manager, CEO, payroll personnel, customer service representative, spokesperson, and so many other roles. It is easy to think that when you start a business you will have more free time, more money, more freedom, etc. but that’s not always the case. You might have more freedom to do what you please with your passion, but it doesn’t guarantee money or time. Those things can be achieved but not without serious hard work, discipline, strategy, planning, time management, and other sacrifices all made by you! There will be resources and people you can lean on for help when you need it (you are never truly alone even if it feels like it) but this is your business, your career, and your passion so you have to be the one dedicated to it. No one will do the work for you to succeed. If you want it you make it happen. 

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I believe what sets me apart from others is that my business truly is my passion and it shows. I am passionate about animals and almost, if not all, of my clients have told me that is why they chose me over competitors. They can feel the love I have for animals when I meet them, talk about them (or to them ha), and when I respond to any inquiries/concerns they might have when starting out. Since I started The Bark Brigade in 2015, I was a student-athlete in college, and now currently finishing my Masters of Business Administration. I was balancing studies, sports, training and the business in the beginning and it was HARD! I was exhausted but I loved it, because I had hopes that it would be a full time career that helped people and pets alike. Now, while balancing a masters and my business I can say it is a full time career I worked hard for and am so proud of. Last, I would like the world to know that during this crazy pandemic when I wasn’t able to work. My amazing clients took care of me, even though I was not providing my services and they were home with their pets. I built something so special to them that they were willing to take care of me while we were on lockdown. I have an amazing group of clients that I believe are a reflection of my love for what I do, for the brand and business I have created.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
In Whittier there is plenty to and my personal favorite is walking around the historic district. I just love the homes, the trees, and how peaceful it is up that way so thats a must! Guildhall, is kind of like a great nerd bar where they have video game streams on, bookshelves of board games to play with your friends and partners, and most important good drinks and food. Greenleaf street is another favorite of mine. There’s great little stores, cafes, bars, restaurants that make me feel like thats the heart of Whittier. My favorite spot in uptown is definitely the movies, I would go there every day of the week if I could. They have affordable days and a little arcade too. I have a love for boba milk teas so Uno Tea House is also a must if you are in town! The Lambert trail is finished now so its a beautiful place to get some exercise and just be outside. And last Whittier is filled with various parks and they all have something to offer, even the little ones. Everyone should try to visit a few parks here. They are great for reading, playing, exercise, and to get a nice mental break when you’re overwhelmed.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I am so blessed to have an amazing support system. My main supporters are my father, mother, and step-father. My dad has created two successful businesses and has taught me that I do not have to be confined to societal standards of “work”. I can be and do anything I want to do. He is the one that brought about the idea to start my own pet care business because it’s what I love, its what makes my heart feel full, while also giving me more freedom than a 9-5. He is also the man that taught me it takes sacrifices to make that happen. Next, my mother and step-father have been the encouragement and support along the way. I can call them right now and say I need help picking out the layout for my business site and they would immediately help me. Knowing I have people I can ask for help and lean on is important when you are running a business all by yourself. I have a whole group of people ranging from my granny to my boyfriend who have given me ideas, helped me with problems, given me some much needed motivation to get to where I am now. My loved ones are the reason I am who I am and why I can call myself a successful small business owner. I am so grateful to have so many people that love and support me and they deserve the biggest shoutout!

Website: Www.TheBarkBrigade.co
Instagram: TheBarkBrigadeCo
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebarkbrigade1/
Yelp: https://m.yelp.com/biz/the-bark-brigade-Whittier-2