Today we’d like to introduce you to Renada Sharp.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Pets have always been passionate part of my life. After 25 years, of caring for pets, in 2022, I decided to start a pet care business named Shadow & Company, named after my beloved boy, who passed away in February 2026. I started the business with only a few clients. By word of mouth, my business, took off. Running a business alone and wearing all hats, I wanted to give up at times but through perseverance, I am where I am today.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road has definitely not been smooth. When I began, I didn’t have anyone to assist me with all the clients. I handled every aspect of the business alone. Scheduling myself to meet the needs of my clients, that was the hardest part. I never let it show to anyone, that I doing everything solo. At times, I had to hire sitters to care for my boy, as I took care of my client’s pets.
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?
I own a pet care business. I provide services to people that require a professional, to care for their pets. Whether they are at work, traveling or needing a night out. I provide walks, drop-ins and housesitting/overnight services. If you spoke with my clients, they would tell you I am known for having extremely high standards, meeting or exceeding their expectations and I treat their pets, as my own. I send birthday cards to their pets and also cards to their parents for allowing me to care for their babies. I am known for caring for pets that require that extra special care: senior pets, pets needing medication such as insulin and pills. What sets me apart from others is that this is not a job to me, or something to do for extra cash. This is my life, my love, and I am genuinely passionate about what I do. I wake up every morning, knowing that pups are waiting on me and wags their tails like helicopters, when they see me. I wake up every morning, knowing that a kitty cat can’t wait to see me with 1000 meows and purrs, telling me about their day. I’m proud of the growth I’ve made in just a few years, starting this business all alone, with no one to assist me. Pushing through those times, when I wanted to give up due to exhaustion and lack of help. Looking back, I’m proud of myself for not letting those struggles stop from achieving my goals of having a successful business. I wouldn’t have it any other way.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
The role of luck has played a part in some aspects of my life and business. They sort of mesh together. The business is my life, and my life is also part of my business. Having wonderful clients that trust me and depend on me to care for their pets, that is the luck, because they referred me to others. Bad luck has also come from those referrals, not all the time, but some and learning from those experiences. Those experiences have improved my knowledge and skills of running your own business.
