Glamography Magazine aims to feature everyday women and their stories. Our mission is to give these women the opportunity to break out of their day-to-day, get glammed up a little, and celebrate their true, authentic selves. This is Amanda's feature from the Summer 2024 issue of Glamography:

From College Hustle to Successful Business Owner

The story of Amanda, the dynamic founder of 417 Pet Sitting, is one of resilience, innovation, and reinvention. Her journey began during her college years at Southwest Missouri State when pet sitting was merely a side hustle. A chance encounter at Panera Bread led her to her first client, which sparked the idea for a business. "One day she handed me her business card and asked if I could walk her Great Danes on Fridays. That's how it all started," Amanda recalls.

Her initial plan was far from pet sitting. She intended to graduate with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theater with an emphasis in design and construction, combined with minors in horticulture and dance. Her dream was to join a touring company in Chicago, but life had other plans. After performing in Branson and sustaining a knee injury, she shifted her focus entirely to pet sitting. This side hustle soon blossomed into a full-time career.

Building an Empire

On July 13, 2007, Amanda left her job to pursue pet sitting full time. By 2009, she had formed an LLC and hired her first sitter. The business grew rapidly, expanding through referrals from her initial client base in software development companies to include major local corporations like Cox and Mercy. The reputation of 417 Pet Sitting was built on trust and quality service, leading Amanda to manage a dedicated team for over 15 years.

"When I wrote my business plan, I included a 15-year milestone to explore franchising or licensing. By 2020, I was ready to execute this plan. But then COVID hit," she says. The pandemic provided her with an unexpected opportunity to delve deeply into the options of franchising versus licensing. "I realized I didn't want to franchise after giving the business plan to three women, in three different cities. If my name was attached, I wanted control over the quality and to keep the trust we had built. Licensing agreements seemed more suitable."

A Twist of Fate

Amanda's journey took another unexpected turn when she met her now-husband. "When he proposed in 2022, I was trying to balance being a small business owner post-COVID and integrating a partner into my life. Right after the proposal, someone approached me about buying 417 Pet Sitting," she recounts. This coincided with a job offer from a local vet office, which she saw as a sign. "It was like a God moment. Everything fell into place." In another twist of fate, as of August 1 2024 Amanda has been named the Administrative and Financial Coordinator for the Springfield Ballet putting her college degree and years of business experience to use.

At 42, Amanda found herself reinventing her career and personal life. "I've built my empire, been involved in charities and am proud to be a Sertoman. Now, I want to travel and enjoy life with my partner," she reflects. They plan to move to the Four Corners area after her husband retires in 13 years.

Amanda’s decision to sell 417 Pet Sitting and pursue new opportunities reflects her lifelong adaptability and determination. "From a young age, my path was clear: I would excel in school, attend a four-year college, and achieve great things. My dad was my biggest cheerleader, and he instilled in me the principles of financial planning and hard work," she explains.

Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

For those looking to start a business or make a significant life change, Amanda offers sage advice: "Don't ever be the smartest person in the room. Find what you're not good at and surround yourself with experts in those areas. Get involved in your community. People do business with those they know, like, and trust."

She also emphasizes the importance of having a strong support network, including a reliable attorney and accountant. "Get involved with your local SCORE office for free business advice and resources. They were invaluable when I was starting out."

A Personal Mantra

Amanda’s journey has taught her the value of self-love and embracing imperfections. "I wish people talked to themselves the way they talk to their dogs. Women need to goo-goo and ga-ga over themselves more. Every scar and imperfection tells a story," she says.

Her vibrant personality and unwavering confidence shine through in her words. "Not even the girl in the magazine looks like the girl in the magazine. Embrace your scars, your cellulite, your mommy belly—every part of you tells a story."

Looking Forward

As Amanda prepares to start her new journey as the new Administrative and Financial Coordinator for the Springfield Ballet, she remains focused on enjoying the journey. "I've got 13 years until my husband retires. We're going to travel and explore the world. Life is too short to worry about external validation. It's all about finding happiness within yourself."

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