Today we’d like to introduce you to Cynthia Antonyants.
Hi Cynthia, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I started this business on a dream to work with dogs. Ever since I was a little girl I always loved animals. I got my first dog as a little girl. He was saved from the Ohio River bank. He still had his eyes closed and his umbilical cord on. We had to feed him with a bottle. He was such a cool dog. He was a little girls best friend. Dogs give you unconditional love. Since then I’ve never not had a dog.
Fast forward to two years ago. I had worked at the same job for 11 years. But it wasn’t my dream. The little girl in me was screaming follow your dreams. So I did. I quit! Took an entire month off to plan and learn about my business. Learn from other dog gyms and pick out a name for my business with the help of my friends. Race Paws was the winner for the list of names we came up with.
I then bought a little school bus and the best slatmills on the market because my customers deserve the best.
I started out with a plain logo I could afford and this year I had a new one designed.
As soon as my slatmills came in from Europe I was teaching my own dog how it worked and he picked up very quickly.
I signed up for every event I could in the first year. I learned what worked and what didn’t work. I’ve learned new dogs don’t do well at events due to them being overstimulated. I’ve learned every dog takes patience in learning something new especially rescue dogs. I’ve learned people can be skeptical thinking their dog would never do it. But then they try and find their dog loves it! I love making a difference in our community. This past year I picked a different local rescue each month to donate to. It’s not much but I hope it made a difference.
Each week I also volunteer at local rescues and help the dogs build their confidence and give them a break from their kennel. Some dogs run and some just want love. Sometimes I receive sponsors for running rescues which is amazing.
Enrichment and exercise is a crucial part of a dog’s everyday life. I’m not wanting to replace regular exercise that your dog needs but adding a fun experience to their day.
I honestly love what I do. Just to see the excitement on my clients face when I pull up makes it all worth it. Seeing a dog go from no confidence to “I got this” is truly an experience. It’s almost like you can see it in their expression when they figure out they control how fast they want to go.
I know I can’t change the entire world but I hope to have an impact on everyone I talk to, my clients dogs and the rescues I work with.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Being an entrepreneur is definitely not for the weak. There are days where I feel like a complete failure and other days when I’m winning because I get a new client.
I know I’m still growing and patience is key to success.
I’ve learned advertising hasn’t worked for me. Word of mouth is everything.
I’ve learned sometimes you have to take a week off because your vehicle needs fixing but it’s all part of business.
I think the hardest thing in a small business is having people believe in you. There are a lot of skeptical people. I always get the “I don’t think my dog will do that” or “my dog has a back yard”. I always tell people don’t doubt your dog and the fence will eventually stop your dog from reaching their full potential.
I feel like there aren’t enough hours in the day to get it all done.
I’m also terrible with words so I do use ChatGPT. It helps get the message out there.
I’m still learning the algorithm of social media and now know how to make and edit videos.
Sometimes I add music to my videos and sometimes you get to hear me cheering on the dog I’m working with. I’m learning to be ok with hearing my own voice. I’m very much an introvert trying to live in an extroverted world.
I’ve also learned driving a big vehicle can be scary especially when people don’t give you room to stop or constantly cut you off in traffic. But I can now parallel park if I have to!
I’ve learned that commercial insurance and liability insurance is ridiculously expensive but necessary.
I’ve learned the only missed opportunity is the one you don’t take.
It’s ok to be told no because eventually you will get a yes. I’ve been told a lot of no’s when starting my business.
I love networking with other small businesses and promoting them too. Because together we will win.
I think the biggest obstacle is people still don’t know I exist.
Currently I only service Lakeland but I hope to expand soon.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Race Paws Mobile K9 Fitness is located in Lakeland, Florida. We specialize in providing exercise and enrichment in a controlled environment right at your doorstep. Our slatmills (kind of like a treadmill for people but made specifically for dogs) are dog powered. Meaning we don’t force your dog to run. We find out what motivates your dog whether that be toys, words or pets. We only use positive reinforcement. We have air conditioning for those hot days because who wants to walk their dog in Florida when it feels like 200 degrees outside?
We take pride in what we do and offer a unique experience for every dog. Whether you’re too tired to walk your dog after a long day at work, they need to lose a few pounds, need a break in the middle of the day or they’re training for the doggie Olympics.
Our services are perfect for dog reactive dogs who can’t otherwise go out in public. We work with all breeds big and small. Every dog is welcome to be our client.
Our introductory sessions are 20-30 mins depending on your dog. After this each session is 30 minutes.
We do offer veterans, first responder and teacher discounts from second sessions forward.
If you’ve adopted a dog in the past 30 days you get a free session when you sign up for a package of 4.
We also offer referral discounts when your friend signs up with us.
If we have an event and you’ve booked a session with us in the past 30 days you get a free session at the event.
We do volunteer weekly at local rescues and appreciate everyone who sponsors a run or a day at a rescue.
We are known for having the patience it takes to work with a fearful dog. For helping your dog learn something new and building their confidence.
We are proud to bring a new experience for your dog right at your front door.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I love reading. I have hundreds of books I haven’t read yet but I always find more to buy. I love romance, psychological thrillers and self help books.
I also have a free little library built from an old newspaper box.
I love a good adventure. Whether that be finding a new beach, a new bookstore, or trying a new restaurant.
Pricing:
- Introductory sessions $25 (First time clients)
- Regular sessions $40
- Sponsorship for one rescue dog $25
- Sponsorship for one hour at a rescue $100
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Racepawslakeland.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/racepawslakeland
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/17jrRLPB1u/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@racepawslakeland
