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

Hi Karine, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
I would have to say it’s the relationships, trust and bond I build with my clients. Human and canine!

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 have found my dream job and prior to starting my business, I never dreamed it was possible to actually love what you do as they say. After a career in social work and most recently working as an employment specialist for people with disabilities, I always found deep meaning in my work but never was able to find the joy and happiness I yearned for. I now run a successful one woman pet transport business and found a niche that fulfills my dreams and serves a certain population of pet owners who otherwise would struggle to get their (mostly dogs, but I have driven cats and even Guinea pigs long distance before!) pets from one place to another, whether its because they have two seasonal homes or a re moving cross country for a new job, etc.

When I fist started out there was a lot to learn about pet transport in general. I had experience with animals, as a veterinarian assistant for a short time after college, had experience with my own animals and I have a genuine love and respect for them that I know they feel. Over time and with the help of others along the way which includes word of mouth from my valued customers I built up a clientele and business that gives me meaning and purpose. I feel that what sets me apart from others might be my open and honest approach when it comes to business. Relationship building, trust and respect for my customers and their animals and getting to be myself along the way have brought a sense of fulfillment that I was never able to find elsewhere.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Although I only spend half my time in the Atlanta area (I go between my fathers home and my house at home with my husband) one of the things I appreciate most about Atlanta is the surrounding natural beauty. Being that my favorite sport is “hiking” our week would include hiking at Amicalola Falls and a night or two at the Lodge, A visit to the Atlanta Botanical Gardens, The Illuminarium, and for daily exercise a walk up and down the Indian Seats Trail in Cumming, where my dad, brother, sister-in-law-and nephew live. If it were not for my husbands Train Engineering job, driving our commuter rail line in South Florida, he and I would be living year round in Cumming with the rest of my family. Until he retires, I have to split my time between Florida and Georgia. My business transporting dogs allows me the freedom to be a “dual-citizen” of both Florida and Georgia. Another reason why it is my dream job, because the more time with family, the better as far as I am am concerned! My husband and I tried very hard and for very long time to be parents but it just was not in the cards for us. It took me a very long time to accept the reality that I would never be a mother, but now I am am an Aunt to my darling nephew and a doggie auntie to the lovely dogs I get to see over and over again! I would not be able to do this if things had turned out the way I thought I needed them to and thus have found true happiness which is why not only is my new career a dream job, it is truly meant to be in every way. (Sorry i think I got a little off track there!)

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My husband and family of course. As well as my SCORE mentor

Website: https://tlkpettransport.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tlkpettransport/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tlkpettransport/

Image Credits
Karine Shashoua

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