Must Love Specialty Dog/Cat Shops!

Stilettos to Sweets talks to the young entrepreneur who has pioneered doggie day care in the Philippines, Mr. Oliver Tan.

First of all, congratulations on your new project, the second branch of Pooch Park! And thank you very much for agreeing to be featured in Stilettos to Sweets!
It's a pleasure! Thank you also for featuring Pooch Park.

Can you tell us what exactly is Pooch Park?
Pooch Park is a dog and cat day care and boarding facility. We also provide professional grooming services, basic obedience training, funeral services, pet supplies, and more!

How did you start it? Was it a need that you felt you needed to address?
It started with a need. The need for a place to leave my dogs somewhere for a couple of hours when I bring them and I have to do errands. Then from the day care idea, other services soon followed.

The first shop is in Julia Vargas, I know that it's not inside a mall, was it difficult to attract clients?
It is very difficult to attract clients in the beginning. However, through consistent high quality products and services, we were able to maintain our high customer retention rate and customer referrals.

How does it feel that you have already opened up your second branch?
It really feels good. It is hard but it is very challenging, exciting, and fulfilling opening my second branch. It's really a dream come true.

You are a breeder of Miniature Schnauzers, do you still breed until now?
Yes I still breed Miniature Schnauzers. However, I only breed once a year to maintain and safe guard the health of the mom and pups.

Back to Pooch Park, the Metro East branch is actually bigger than J Vargas, and you finally have a vet clinic. Why so?
Pooch Park drives to provide solutions to customer needs. Therefore, we aim to be a one stop shop for all your dog and cat needs. I've really wanted to have a vet clinic for the longest time, but the first branch doesn't have enough space for it. So when I opened the Metro East branch, I made sure to include it in our services.

Pooch Park is known for the quality of products, services and how you treat your clients, both humans and animals, what are we suppose to expect from the second branch of Pooch Park?
Customers can expect the same high quality of products and services. We always give very high importance to your pet's health and care. Customers are also assured that Pooch Park will continue to innovate and improve its products and services to further share love and care to animals and at the same time provide services to pet owners.

What can you suggest to dog owners who are a bit hesitant to bring their dog to specialty stores like you?
Please do not hesitate to approach Pooch Park. We treat customers as our friends and their pets like our very own. Also, our products and services are reasonable priced.

What tips can you give to people who would like to purchase their very own pet?
For first time pet owners, research on the breed that you're interested in. Every breed has different characteristics. These characteristics must suit your lifestyle. For example, a lolo or lola would not like a siberian husky that needs lots of exercise. An active person who wants to take his or her pet to hikings or trekkings would not like a shihtzu for those activities.

Any last words to your current and future clients?
I want to thank all our supporters, our clients, for believing and supporting Pooch Park. It has been a wonderful 2 years. They make us want to attain more so we become better. To those who are still curious and are interested in what Pooch Park is, I would like to invite you in behalf of the staff of Pooch Park to visit us in any of our two branches. It's worth the travel, and rest assured we will treat your dogs and cats with utmost care.


Pooch Park Doggie Day Care
J Vargas- #181 Auto Depot, Julia Vargas Ave., Pasig
910-5036 or (0922) 9663320

Metro East- Level 4 Robinsons Metro East, Marcos Highway, Pasig
6477025 or (0922) 3024566

Planning A Wedding Hassle Free!

Stilettos to Sweets presents Ai Acosta, a wedding planner shares her thoughts and tips on weddings, planning, and a whole lot more!

How long have you been in the events planning industry?

4 years last May.

What made you decide to start your own company?

I was getting married that year so I needed enough time to fix my wedding. My bestfriend also offered to open the business with me so I resigned from my job and everything started from there.

Before being an events planner, what were you doing?

I was with Robinsons Malls, as Sponsorship officer of the Ad and Promo Department.

What or who were your inspirations?

I think the idea of weddings and every highs and lows that comes with the preparations are what continuously inspires me to stay in the business.

What is your most favorite event to plan?

Weddings.

It seems like a lot of people are getting married nowadays, I was just wondering, how many weddings have you handled to date?

To date, maybe 70 weddings. I don't do a lot. I try to limit it to a maximum of 3 in a month just so I still have enough time and energy to really manage the details.

Does planning a wedding really entail hardwork?

Yes it does. Especially nowadays that there are so many add-on details or new ideas that come up which makes it really more tedious for the couple.

Usually, why do couples get an events planner?

They normally get "on-the-day" coordination to make sure all the details are executed the way they want it. It's wise to get a coordinator so the couple can truly enjoy their party because someone is there to take care of the back end. Sometimes, they also get the recommendations of the coordinators in terms of the suppliers they can book.

Do you always get along well with your clients?

Haha... so far, yes. Even with their families. :) I am lucky to have had couples who are fun to be with. So it's not much of an effort to keep the mood light so we actually enjoy the coordination process.

What was one of your most favorite weddings and why?

Probably my Cauton-Hernandez (Baguio) wedding...which was my first (and most likely my last - for Baguio) Out-of-town wedding. It taught me a lot. I consider it a great accomplishment.

What happens during the "planning" stage?

For OTD coordination, it is assumed that almost 90% of the suppliers have been booked. When I come in, which is 1-2 months before the wedding day, the couple turns over the contracts to me. There will be a series of meetings and phone calls to finalize the details.

What is your most favorite thing about planning an event?

I like the creative part... like helping the couple create a certain look and feel for their wedding. But I'm not a stylist ah.

How about your least favorite?

When couples constantly change their minds and defy their own rules. But of course, I can't complain. :)

There are so many events planner whether freelance or companies right now, what do you think sets you apart?

Hmmmm... I really don't know. I think my relationship with my clients is very personal so the kind of service I give is personal. I am ready to put in extra effort to get the job done.

What are your plans for the future?

Honestly, I am contemplating on studying Hair and Makeup and keeping wedding coordination bookings to a maximum of 2 a month.

What advise can you give to people who are aspiring to be an events planner (like me *hint hint* :p)?

When going gets tough, just look back to why you went into the business in the first place. And to take each wedding as a learning experience. Because I've been in the business for 4 years, but every time, I learn something new, and I embrace that opportunity.

Finally, what tips can you give couples who are about to get married?

Stick to your budget! Hehe! I always find myself the devil's advocate when my couples overspend on details that in my opinion can be discarded.

Ai Acosta

http://aiacosta.multiply.com

0916-6181150