Starter Company Plus Spotlight: Jesse Bettio of Mountain Bliss
Meet Jesse, the Owner of Mountain Bliss, a gorgeous overnight local pet boarding and dog walking business that treats your pets like they are family. With an acre of land on the top of Blue Mountain, Jesse provides an oasis for your pet along with quality care service. For her, hiking in the forest all day with pups is truly heaven on earth. As a certified fitness instructor, she will get your pet in excellent hiking shape and ensure they have the best sleep of their life.
To learn more about Jesse, Mountain Bliss and what fires her up, check out the Q+A below.
What is your favourite part about being an entrepreneur?
It is truly a dream come true to do what you are passionate about for a living by creating and executing your vision from the ground up. My heart and soul is happiest when I am running my business.
What inspired you to start your business?
My dog of 12 years suddenly passed away from liver failure. I was devastated and so was my other dog, 6-year-old golden retriever named Valentine. I had an epiphany! With my land size and passion for animals, I could create the space for local pet boarding that was needed for my neighbours and colleagues. It’s been the BEST decision. My sweet dog Valentine loves the company and our pet guests love her sweet kind nature and are immediately at ease in the space. It’s a win-win. She truly inspired me and I think she loves all the benefits that come with running this business.
What services or products do you offer?
Overnight pet boarding
Option 1: Overnight stay at our chalet where your pet has their own private bedroom (family style boarding)
Option 2: Overnight check-ins from the comfort of your home. Jesse will come in the morning and night to care for your pet while you are away.
Dog walking service: Options are private walk or group walk. Lasting roughly 30min-45min in length.
Who do you look up to for ideas and inspiration?
I’m very thankful for the relationship I have with my mentor in Toronto. She has been in the industry for over 10 years and has become a very dear friend. Ultimately, she inspires me every day with excellent guidance and support.
What is your favourite thing to do with your boarders?
Hikes! I LOVE going on nature walks with my guests. They love it too. There’s so much to see and do on nature trails and it’s never the same experience twice. Always exciting. We truly live in such a gorgeous area. From babbling brooks, hikes by the waterfront, scenic views on the top of Blue Mountain or appreciating the sunlight peeking through the trees, it’s such a beautiful experience hiking in the forest.
What differentiates your business from others?
I think the magic is in the home feel. It’s not clinical but comfortable. My guests are treated like a member of the family with kindness and respect. I also LOVE to take adorable pictures of my pet guests or walkers and send them to my clients while they are away missing them. Furthermore, I have received a lot of compliments of how good my photos are and how much they appreciate seeing updates of their babies.
What advice would you give someone that is thinking of starting a business?
DO IT! Take the leap of faith. It’s worth it.
What has been the most valuable takeaway from engaging with us at the SBEC?
The support system! I feel so encouraged to fulfill my dreams in business. In turn, I’m very grateful to be surrounded by like-minded individuals who truly understand the entrepreneurial spirit.
Who is your biggest cheerleader (and why)?
As a single mom to two young children, a 3 and 4-year-old, I see how much they love watching me do what I’m passionate about. I practice what I preach to my children: believe in your dreams and go for it.
Why South Georgian Bay? What keeps you here?
It’s absolutely GOREGOUS living up here! We live in paradise. It’s a true Canadian dream. Even after all these years I am still head-over-heels in love with this area. So grateful to be a local.
What are you favourite local spots to visit on a day off?
I love going to the gym at F45 Blue Mountain where I happen to also be a fitness instructor. When I want to feel spiritual: The Rock Shop is a wonderful place to visit. And Press Juice Co is an adorable healthy food spot that is so delicious.
What was one new experience you tried that was completely unknown or uncomfortable to you at the time you tried it?
Learned how to solve a Rubik cube for fun. It was challenging at first to learn the algorithm (took me 3 hours to solve it the first time) but once you get the hang of it, it’s an excellent way to relax and unwind. Fast forward, I can now solve it comfortably in a minute every time.
What crazy activities do you dream of trying someday?
Successfully do a backflip on my trampoline. I keep practicing whenever I have a moment over the summer. I am doing to get there one day! With practice makes progress.
What movie can you re-watch repeatedly? The Goonies! Such a classic.
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Connect with Jesse:
Website: www.MountainBliss.ca
Instagram: @MountainBliss2023
Email: jesse@mountainbliss.ca
Phone: (705) 999-7977