Isha Lakhani: Former Tennis Player, Woman Entrepreneur, and Founder of Happy Furr Friends
At Sugermint Media, our aim is to bring to our young women entrepreneurs community some of the inspiring and motivational stories from the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
As part of this endeavour, we invited yet another passionate entrepreneur Isha Lakhani, Founder of Happy Furr Friends & Woman Entrepreneur for an exclusive interview with us.
Who is Isha Lakhani?
Isha Lakhani is a former Tennis Player & Founder of Happy Furr Friends. Ms. Isha Lakhani began her journey as a prolific tennis player who fetched many accolades for India. Today, the former Asian Games runner up is shuttling for another dream that she deeply believes in.
Since childhood, Isha felt a special connection with animals, a bond of warmth, love and care that saw her parent more than a dozen pets.
She always harboured a desire to transform her personal passion into something much more significant, and that is how Happy Furr Friends was born.
A pet store with a difference, Happy Furr Friends is not just a shopping outlet but an all-inclusive retail experience.
It houses the finest of pet essentials and accessories, provides spa and salon services, and boasts of a delectable in house bakery.
Apart from being comprehensively involved in Happy Furr Friends, Isha is also a professional Tarot Card reader.
In her spare time, she spends the day by pampering her pets, enjoying the most diverse of movies and indulging in a wholesome bout of meditation.
Tell us a little about yourself
Isha Lakhani: Hi, my name is Isha Lakhani, been a sports player all my life, a former India no 1 tennis player, represented our Nation several times for Asian Games, Fed Cup, etc & been Asian Games silver medalist in Year 2006. With regard to my educational qualification, I have done B.Com & Diploma in Interior Designing.
How did you get your idea or concept for Happy Furr Friends?
Isha Lakhani: Since I was a young girl, I used to be a pet lover, and would adore dogs or cats, even the street animals for that matter. I used to smile at them and try to create a connection with them.
I have always desired to start a pet store since the past 10 years but was so involved in something or the other that I couldn’t.
I always wanted to be into the pet industry and have amenities like a spa, food, pet accessories, etc.Additionally, I also wanted to have a healthy bakery where we provide healthy and freshly baked pupcakes, woofless, jelly, etc which is healthier than our food, yet like a cheat day for our little furry babies.
And most importantly, I wanted to be a part of the league wherein I could build special relationships with the pets who come to us. All said and done, I can finally say that I have accomplished my dream of having a pet store.
What service(s) or product(s) do you offer at Happy Furr Friends?
Isha Lakhani: The store would provides the following services:-
I] Pet Shop
Isha Lakhani: Pet food, pet treats, toys, chew sticks, accessories, hygiene care products like dental care products, training products like litter sand for cats, puppy pee pads, grooming products like shampoos, conditioners
II] Bakery
bakery products like donuts, cupcakes, freshly baked pet cookies
III] Salon & Spa
Pet Massage, grooming, bath, haircuts, nail cuts, hygiene care
What is unique about Happy Furr Friends?
Isha Lakhani: Honestly, every pet store is a dream for pet lovers who wish to show their affection through an initiation like this.
Everyone has a different way of showing love and care. We are also here with the intention to provide love and care in our different ways.
This company has been my passion project. I am always available in the shop with complete involvement; be it in a store, grooming session, or bakery products for that matter.
Off late, I have seen many people starting a business but their involvement has been quite less.. I feel that my presence in the shop and availability for my clients are the highlight of my venture.
What made you choose this type of business?
Isha Lakhani: The love for pets and to be a part of the pet industry
How many employees in Happy Furr Friends?
Isha Lakhani: Currently 3 employees
What’s your company’s goals?
Isha Lakhani: Our main goal is to make the world a better place for pets.. Additionally, right information and guidance to the clients is the crucial point.
Also a lot of times, due to lack of knowledge on the web, the clients are misled. Our goal is also to educate the clients with the right information and guide them by helping them choose the right products for their fur babies so that they lead a happier and healthier life.
How do you build a successful customer base?
Isha Lakhani: As mentioned above, helping & educating the customers and providing their pets with professional services that will further help us build a strong and long lasting relationship.
Who has been your greatest inspiration?
Isha Lakhani: This may sound cliche but my biggest inspiration is to be better than yesterday, to keep thriving throughout.
There are multiple times wherein I feel negative but then, I remind myself to try and have a positive approach in life. Maybe my career in sports keeps me going and motivates me to stand strong.
If you had one piece of advice to someone just starting out, what would it be?
Isha Lakhani: If one wants to venture in the business space then one has to be well-educated about it. I have been working 12 hours+ a day without a single break since its commencement. It’s important to have a team and delegate work, but your availability in the beginning of the start up is very crucial & important.
Does your company help the community or society
Isha Lakhani: Yes, I have been feeding strays for a very long time.
Instagram Link: https://instagram.com/happyfurrfriends
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