Teddy Tawil and Irving Fallas, the co-founders of Happy Tails, a dog daycare in Tribeca, New York, have turned their side hustle into a successful full-time business. With a background in the wholesale industry, they noticed a need during the pandemic for a place where pets could socialize and have fun outside of their homes. This realization, coupled with their own dog Magic’s inspiration, led them to start Happy Tails.
The duo took the first steps to get their side hustle off the ground by purchasing a 1994 Dodge Caravan, gutting the inside, and offering a unique service of taking dogs on hikes and exploring new areas. They also utilized social media, particularly Instagram, to share live updates with owners and attract a wider audience who enjoyed seeing happy dogs in action.
One of the challenges they faced early on was not separating their personal and business phones, leading to a constant stream of calls and messages. They advise others to invest in separate phones to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Additionally, transitioning from a mobile service to a physical storefront presented challenges in maintaining cleanliness and odor control in a compact urban environment.
Despite these challenges, Happy Tails has seen consistent monthly revenue from the start, with each van generating over $10,000 a month. Since expanding to a physical space, they have experienced significant growth, with a projected revenue of over $2.3 million within their first year of operation.
Tawil and Fallas dedicate a significant amount of time to their business, working seven days a week to build the best team possible and ensure the happiness of both dogs and their owners. They find joy in the daily interactions with customers and the rewarding experience of seeing dogs make friends and enjoy the facilities at Happy Tails.
Their best piece of actionable business advice is to pre-sell products or services before launching, as this not only generates revenue but also validates demand and creates a loyal customer base. They also emphasize the importance of timing and staying attuned to customer needs and trends to ensure continued success.
In conclusion, Teddy Tawil and Irving Fallas have transformed their passion for pets into a thriving business that brings joy to both dogs and their owners. Through dedication, innovation, and a customer-centric approach, Happy Tails has become a beloved destination for pet lovers in New York City.
