Meet Shawn Shuman | Business Owner| Bark Avenue Pet resort

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

Hi Shawn, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Wow, great question. Honestly, I was tired of the politics in Corporate America. I found myself just going through the motions and feeling stuck. I’ve always had a passion for animals, and it seemed that once I opened my mind to do other things, the opportunity to buy Bark Avenue appeared. At first, I was talking about it as if it were a dream, but it quickly turned into reality. However, I had many conversations with myself, talking myself through it! We all can get in our own way, allowing our internal voices to discourage us from our potential. I tend to get frozen in fear and stay in my comfort zone. So, I had to turn the What ifs into positives. Instead of failing, I will say, what if I succeed? The mind is powerful, and the words we speak to ourselves are important. I had to become my own cheerleader.

What should our readers know about your business?
I own Bark Avenue Pet Resort in Atlanta. I was attracted to this facility due to the unique ways they handled the day-to-day operations. Most boarding/daycare facilities have dogs outside all day in large groups. Here at Bark Avenue, we rotate smaller groups of the same size and temperament dogs in 45-minute rotations throughout the day,  allowing them to rest between playgroups and preventing overstimulating them. In addition, we offer boarding and daycare for dogs that are considered nonsocial (dog aggressive). Many of our rescue dogs tend to be shy, dog aggressive, and prefer to be alone.

Many places won’t accept them if they don’t play well with others. We do! They have a dedicated yard and are with a dog handler throughout the day.

To have a successful business, you must have a strong team. I am proud of the team I have created here at Bark Avenue. I take my time hiring and ensuring the employees feel appreciated. I invest in them, value their input, and empower them. Their work isn’t easy; my team works SO hard and loves these fur babies as their own.

My biggest lesson has been never to give up. It sounds so simple, but I think the world can make you feel beat down. It’s easy to give up but so worth it to walk through the complex parts and see the success.

My goal is to empower my employees to be their best version. To help them grow into their dreams and be there for them along the way. An environment like this creates a loving, nurturing place, and that energy extends to our clients.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

Atlanta has so many great places to see and experience. Let’s start with restaurants; my favorite staple is the Atlanta fish market! It is just consistent. The food is always good, and the service is excellent. Others include- The optimist, two urban licks, 5church, Canoe, a 9-mile station, and of course, for all my west coast friends, we must go to Waffle house!

Atlanta offers so many great environments to grab drinks with friends! Between the patios and rooftop bars, the options are many! Some of my favorites include Virtue Rooftop, The rooftop at the ponce city market, Rt60, Drawbar, and Gypsy kitchen.

Some great tourist spots that friends like to experience while visiting include- The King Center, the National Center for civil and human rights, the west midtown area, Trustist Park, the beltline, Ponce City Market, Krog street area, the streets of Buckhead, and Lennox mall for shopping. For my friends that have kids, we always venture to the aquarium, World of coca cola, Centennial Park, and of course, piedmont park to ride bikes, walk around or enjoy the many events they host.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

I have always believed that surrounding yourself with a good tribe is key to self-development and success. I have many amazing friends who speak life into me and push me to be my best. You all know who you are!

Losing my father in 2020 was a pivotal moment, and I started to dig in and try to find my purpose. He was a strong man with a big heart. He would push me beyond my comfort zone to be a better version of myself. I didn’t always understand his tough love, but now I appreciate it. It instilled resilience and strength within me.

He would always joke and ask me if I was sending a private jet to come to pick him up. I would laugh and say I wish Dad. I look back now and think, wow, he saw a success in me that I never saw. He was speaking success into me, and I didn’t even realize it. While I don’t have a private jet, I now understand what he was saying. It circles back to my earlier statement that the mind is powerful and what we speak to ourselves and to others is essential.

Website: www.barkavenuepetresort.com

Instagram: barkave_atlanta

Image Credits
Jack Manning| jaxonphotogroup