Business Owner Profile: Purrfectplay

Pam Wheelock created a line of all-natural, organic pet products, produced in Indiana.

Good morning Pam. How did you come up with this idea?

Purrfectplay started as a home based business. We were disappointed with the quality of the cat toys we could purchase, so we started making our own. We started with two catnip toys, and a wool ball for kitties– we have grown a lot since then and now make dog toys and gifts for people.

How many people do you employ currently?

Myself, a web designer, and 4 part time employees.

How would you describe your business mission?

Purrfectplay is simply dedicated to producing the best toys possible for your pets while keeping you informed about the negative effects synthetics and chemicals play in undermining your pets’ health and the welfare of our planet. We design our pet toys to be durable and fun, using only organic natural fibers to produce them. If Mother Nature didn’t create the fiber, we don’t use it.

How are the products made to get these results?

Designed for durability and efficient production. We use only the best organic natural materials and stress quality in our production.

What are the next steps of your expansion?

We want to continue to grow carefully, using the input from our customers to better understand the direction this growth will take.

Do you think small businesses have an effect on the community?

Yes, how much so depends on the size of the community. But, just knowing people who own or have started small businesses is great for moral and to stimulate independent expansive thinking in any community. Hope for new innovative ideas and for creating something from inside yourself.

How has your business changed in the past few years?

We have expanded our product line to include dog toys and gifts for people. We have more confidence in our direct to customer approach. We are braver.

It is inspiring that you found confidence through your success. For you, what’s the best part of being a business owner?

Following my heart and using all of my skills while working to get new skills. I am never ever bored!

Now about the way you run your business. What drives you to do better every day?

Our customers mostly but I am often pushed to achieve because some people think a small business can’t make it, or that a small business run by a women with employees who sew can’t prosper. I don’t believe these things, so I work harder and try to be smarter.

Do you have a daily routine that keeps you focused?

Yes, I walk my dog, have coffee, read my emails and then plan my day. Having a home based workshop means I must strive to stay focused. Being really busy helps here.

Some advice you could give to someone starting a business today?

Start small, put one foot in front of another. Take small risks that build on each other. Don’t put together a business plan until you know what business you have. If you plan before you do, you will only be guessing and if you guess wrong you will have some trouble moving in a better direction, especially if you have a business plan linked to loans that specify where and how to spend the money.

What are some of your favorite small businesses?

Twisted Limb paper company, Pompeii Soap company, Near Sea Naturals

What is the best advice you could give to someone starting a business today?

If you have a great idea, or even just an OK idea, try it out in a small way– see what happens, what resonates for yourself. Grow it. Don’t take out a loan unless you have to. Keep your day job if you can. Don’t forget, in this economy, cash is queen.