Entrepreneur Interview: Karen Hanton

February 21, 2023

As part of our upcoming International Women’s Day event, we had the pleasure of getting to know one our guest speakers Karen Hanton, Founder of Pets Pyjamas –  a platform that helps people to find dog-friendly hotels, cottages & country houses across the UK. PetsPyjamas supports and works closely with a few chosen charities and strongly encourages those who want a pet to source one from an animal rescue centre. She is also the inspired partner of sustainability site Positive Luxury.

 

What inspired you to launch your own business?

I wanted to ‘create’ something and whilst I learned a lot in corporate life early in my career, I perhaps never really fitted a mould.

 

How did you fund the business in the early stages?

Bootstrapped and mortgaging my house multiple times.

 

As a female founder, have you ever been confronted with gender-related roadblocks in your career?

I was brought up with two older brothers so I suppose I learned very early on how to give as good

as I got! Seriously though, I can’t honestly say I have been acutely aware of roadblocks but could

just be my good nature expecting that playing fields are level. Or being good and giving as good as I get!

 

What do you think gives a brand longevity?

Authenticity and usefulness to your customers and never, ever losing sight that without them there is no brand.

 

What would your top marketing tip be to grow a business that is niche?

Make sure you seek out the experts in the niche and get them on your side as they are the influencers in your sphere and can probably make you or break you (or at least make life easier for you).

 

What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?

Only invest in things you understand. I wish I’d taken it 😉

 

Quick Fire

  1. Favourite dog-friendly accommodation spot? Gallivant Hotel opposite Camber Sands which has the best beach and sand dunes anywhere in the UK for humans and dogs.
  1. Who is your role model? Not sure if she’s a role model but I am a huge admirer of Dame Alison Rose, CEO of the Nat West Group who is running a huge business very successfully, and is using her position to spearhead climate change/challenges. See here.
  1. One thing you couldn’t live without? My dog Wilson, a spirited Parson Jack Russell terrier. It makes me happy just looking at him!
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