Featured Entrepreneur
Melanie McLeroy
Taurus Training and Doggy Play Day
What does your business do?
Taurus Training and Doggy Play Day provides boarding, training, and doggy day care with an emphasis on behavioral health.
What do you like best about being an entrepreneur?
You have control over your life and your future.
What was your biggest fear in starting a business?
We were rarely afraid. We are inherent risk takers, so we were never afraid of failure. On 9/11 we were scheduled to close on a property that would triple our mortgage. That was a little scary, for the terrorist attacks decimated the travel and thus the dog boarding business, but we never hesitated to move ahead and trust in ourselves.
What has been your proudest moment in starting your business?
In general, our proudest moments have been when employees experience life successes – like buying their first car or house or the first Taurus baby. Those kinds of events represent that we have “arrived.” When our employees reach milestones in their lives, I realize that Taurus is able to support them, and it makes me and William very happy. I am also very proud when I get great feedback about our team—we have amazing people for whom I am incredibly grateful.
What is different about being a woman entrepreneur?
Women have different priorities and perceptions than men. We are more relationship and systems oriented.
What is different about you since becoming an entrepreneur?
I am willing to take more risks and be more creative about solutions to problems, because in the end it’s all up to you. I am certain that I am in charge of my own destiny
What message would you give other women entrepreneurs?
Develop “stenacity” – strength + tenacity. You have to have a combination of surge energy to react quickly to make a decision, and tenacity to develop staying power and intestinal fortitude (guts).
What are the keys to your success?
Stenacity, an ability to connect with people and meet them where they are, and an attitude that our people work with us, not for us.
Which female entrepreneur has inspired you most?
She wasn’t an entrepreneur, but my Great Grandmother saw something in me she nurtured, with certain books and things that strongly affected my personality. This subtle influence fostered creativity, independence, and the ability to dream a lot.
What do you like best about Austin Women Entrepreneurs?
Openness on the part of the members.
