Pet store owner Toni Marsh had reason to celebrate twice this month – first to mark the 10th anniversary of her West Sussex business and then to rejoice in winning a ‘most loved local business’ award.
Toni admits it has been a challenging decade running The Pet Pantry in Selsey High Street, but wouldn’t change it for the world.
And becoming one of the UK’s Top 20 Most Loved Local Businesses has put the icing on the cake.
“Ten years ago I became the official owner of The Pet Pantry,” said Toni. “I cannot believe it has been an entire decade since the slightly naive, 20-something me took over the reins of my local pet shop – I guess time really does fly when you’re having fun!
“I won’t sit here and say it has been plain sailing – it hasn’t been. Working for yourself is hard. I don’t have an off switch. From the moment I wake up to the moment I go to sleep (and the moments where I wake up in between) I am thinking about or working on something to do with the shop.
“There’s obviously been a few big issues that have made it a tough time for businesses in the last few years, including a worldwide pandemic and cost of living crisis. But would I change any of it? Definitely not! I’m the one that gets to make every single decision about the business and I don’t have to run it by anyone, I actually can’t imagine having to have a boss now.
“I wouldn’t be where I am though without the support of all my family and friends around me and all of my lovely, loyal customers. I’m also very lucky to have some incredible suppliers and friends in the industry. They are all really are just the best.
“I’m having a weekend of celebrations and giving myself a big pat on the back before getting back straight into work mode and planning my next steps, I’m just getting started.”
UK’s Top 20 Most Loved Local Business Awards are organised by ShopAppy, a website designed to support independent retailers, and are run on Love Local Day (February 14). ShopAppy asks customers to vote for their favourite local business before compiling a list of the Top 20 companies.
“As it’s voted for by the community, this award means the world,” said Toni.
For more information about The Pet Pantry visit www.thepetpantry.co.uk
