Business: Artemis Animal Clinic

Location: Santa Barbara

Established: 1995

What prompted you to open Artemis Animal Clinic?
I opened my business because I interviewed at about 30 veterinary clinics in the central coast and couldn't find one that I'd enjoy working with. I really wanted to have a woman as a boss, and most clinics in this area were owned by men at that time. I saw chiropractors and psychologists with their own businesses, and I thought, "Why not me?" It was meant to be a three year experiment. Later, I realized that businesses generally take seven to 10 years to mature!

What role did WEV play in the opening of your business?
I had a lot of the funding required to start a practice; I was able to get loans for equipment, pharmaceuticals and even tenant improvements. Unfortunately, I couldn't qualify for a loan for working capital, which is really critical for the inevitable cash flow crunches. I was amazed that as I completed my education, my signature alone qualified me for thousands of dollars in student loans, but when I wanted to start a practice, there was no cash available. I was also able to work in emergency clinics at night and my own clinic by day to help with the cash flow as I built up the new practice.

The Santa Barbara City College Business Development Center recommended WEV’s Small Business Loan Fund, and I was happy to apply and so grateful to receive the funding from WEV. It really took the pressure off for the first few years until the business became profitable.

What advice do you offer others who might want to start their own business?
It's not for the faint of heart. It can be a grueling journey. People are used to that weekly paycheck, and when it's your own business, sometimes it just doesn't happen consistently and can be really frightening. You’ll learn patience. You’ll wait and watch and get good objective advice as to whether you should keep at it or let it go. You’ll learn to watch the rhythm of your business and how to build it up and market yourself. Network. Get a really good accountant from the beginning. Go in and talk to bank loan officers; even if they can't give you a loan, they know a lot about businesses and getting money.

It is incredibly fulfilling when it works. It is all yours, and you get to decide everything. You really did it. Take good care of yourself. Don't underestimate how difficult and stressful this process may be. It's a birth and takes everything you have. Good luck, always live your dreams, work hard, be persistent, have courage, be proud of trying and don't be afraid to fail. It's worth the journey.