Six years ago, I embarked on a mission to create HouseMyPet.com, a platform designed to connect pet owners with trusted, professional pet businesses. Unlike other pet-sitting sites that often feature a mix of hobbyists and amateurs, HouseMyPet.com stands out by exclusively matching pet owners with verified professionals. Our platform ensures that every business listed is vetted for reliability, expertise, and a commitment to high standards of care. This focus on professionalism means that pet owners can trust they are getting the best possible service for their beloved pets, rather than relying on individuals with limited experience or questionable credentials.

However, turning this vision into reality was far from straightforward. My journey was marred by significant challenges, particularly when working with advisors, mentors, and professionals such as web designers, project managers, and marketers.

I invested over £40,000 into marketing and development efforts, but the promise of a high-quality, functional website remained unfulfilled. Continuous delays and broken promises meant that the websites created were often broken and dysfunctional. As a result, the marketing investments intended to drive traffic and build credibility became a waste. The marketing campaigns, rather than showcasing a polished product, highlighted ongoing issues and failures, leading to embarrassment and eroding the trust of potential users. The frustration of managing these problems while facing the public was immense. Each delay and technical failure not only squandered my financial resources but also deeply damaged my credibility, making it a heartbreaking struggle to rebuild and move forward.

Recounting these experiences is difficult, but it's crucial to share them. The frustration of being disrespected and exploited was immense. Additionally, I faced unprofessional behaviour and inappropriate advances from some men in the industry, which compounded the challenges I faced. It often felt as though my assertiveness and ambition were viewed as threats rather than strengths, with a persistent undercurrent of jealousy or sabotage hindering my progress.

Despite these setbacks, I refused to let them define me. I remained steadfast in my commitment to my vision, using each obstacle as fuel for my determination rather than letting them deter me. Although it sometimes seemed that my journey might have been easier if I were a man, I chose to press on with unwavering resolve and professionalism.

Today, I am proud to say that HouseMyPet.com is a reality, built on my unwavering vision and resilience. Our business is thriving, and we now boast a vibrant community of over 12,000 members in our Facebook group who fully support House My Pet. We are not just a directory; we are building a global community with a strong following in the USA, UK, Australia, and various European countries.

This journey has taught me the importance of staying true to oneself and maintaining high standards. On Women’s Equality Day, let’s recognize that women in leadership often face undue criticism and resistance. Assertiveness in women is frequently met with hostility, while similar traits in men might be seen as necessary or admirable. The journey can be further complicated by underlying jealousy and sabotage.

My story is a testament to the power of persistence and self-belief. Women, like men, deserve to lead with confidence and respect. Let’s strive for a future where equality in leadership is the norm, not the exception.

I also want to highlight that not all experiences have been negative. I’m fortunate to now work with a fantastic web developer who is part of our strong in-house team. Finding the right people to support you is crucial, and persistence will eventually lead you to your team.

Let’s continue to break down barriers and support each other in the pursuit of equality and empowerment.