Dagsmark is my fourth dog related company. It all started with a hobby and a passion for dogs. I started as a part-time entrepreneur for the first time in 2005 after first training dogs through association activities. I thought, why not to start my own dog training school? Later, I left my career in the academic world as a researcher and teacher behind and became a full-time entrepreneur.
Dagsmark was founded in 2016 by five people to respond to a clear need: Finland lacked a producer of domestic dog food even though the domestic food was already booming in the food market. There was a gap in the market, the timing was good and it was natural for me to join in – after all, it was about dogs.
Entrepreneurship is a growth process. You must face your fears while pursuing your dreams.
In start-up companies, the early years are often one constant cash crisis. You must be prepared that everything takes more time and money than you expected. When you’re doing big things and growing quickly, you must put out fires constantly, and you can’t fully predict which path you’ll be taking. You must have certain plans and understand the field, but without crazy courage nothing new would ever emerge! In a start-up company, growth is expected, but in other types of firms it may not even be pursued.
The freedom of an entrepreneur and the opportunities to implement my own dreams, attracted me to become an entrepreneur. Entrepreneurship is a growth process also for the entrepreneurs themselves. You must face your fears while pursuing your dreams. Many have limited experience at a young age, and the stress and pressure can become unreasonable. I recommend everyone to find a mentor who understands the type of business in question, acts as a supporter and who you can tell your worries to. It’s worth investing in mental well-being, otherwise you might burn out easily.
While your own business is important, you must not fall in love with it.
While your own business is important, you must not fall in love with it. You must be able to give up when needed if it does not work out, and to admit the facts and move on one experience richer. I sometimes ask myself, “what is the worst that could happen?” You might lose that dream of your own business, but life doesn’t end there. It’s important to try, many don’t even dare to do that.
