We had the good fortune of connecting with Hala Helstien and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Hala, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Ever since I was a child, I have always loved animals. I wanted to be a vet when I grew up. I got my first job at a family owned pet store taking care of the fish, reptiles, and small animals and I loved it! Then I started working at a pet boutique in Fashion Island, Newport Beach. I loved helping clients with their dogs and cats. I learned so much working at both places that I started to have thoughts of opening my own place. So my husband and I put some money together and opened our first location in Ladera Ranch, CA in 2011. By then, I had worked in the Pet Industry for 10 years. I had 2 pugs and 2 cats of my own and I understood how special that bond is between human and animals.

What should our readers know about your business?
At Hala’s Paws, I strive to give a one on one experience to each of my customers and to give them help wherever they may need it regarding their dog or cat. I only sell high quality dog and cat food/treats, as well as unique and high quality toys, beds, bowls, apparel, and training supplies. It wasn’t easy starting out. I opened and closed the store by myself for about the first 3 years with help from my family. To grow, I wanted to create a space where you could bring your dog and bond with them. To do that, I hosted a lot of events, from pet portraits, yappy hours, to adoption events. I learned that like me, a lot of people cared for their pets as if they were apart of the family. All I wanted was to give the best to my pets and I knew other people did too.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would definitely take a walk around Dana Point Harbor. That is my favorite place to walk the dogs. Another great walk for dogs is the Oso Creek Trail in Mission Viejo. We would definitely have to make a trip to the Huntington Beach Dog beach! My dogs love to swim. The San Clemente Beach trail is another great walk with most restaurants allowing pets to eat on the patio with you. Ruby’s at the San Clemente outlets is a good dining spot!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to send a shoutout to my husband, Justin. Without him, my dream wouldn’t have come to life. He always encouraged me and motivated me to do great things. He helped build out both stores and remains my all around handy man if I ever need him. Also, my parents and siblings were a big help in growing the stores. My mom makes the dog collars and leashes that I sell and that has been a huge help. My family has always been super supportive of me and my business.

 

Website: www.halaspaws.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/halas_paws

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HalasPaws/

Image Credits
Hala Helstien

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