Meet Elikia Olfelt-Johnson | Dog boarder and groomer.

We had the good fortune of connecting with Elikia Olfelt-Johnson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Elikia, what do you attribute your success to?
Honesty. I strive to always be who I truly am! In all situations. There is no point in acting, talking or adopting someone else’s personality in order to please a potential client. Don’t assume the type of people someone will get along with. Always be yourself and true to yourself. Your actions of who you are is your business card. What care you give or do is your mission statement. Always be honest and if the fit is right, the business will thrive. Don’t change yourself. Always be honest , even in moments where you are unsure.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
In 2018 I dropped my two dogs off at a dog boarding business in Arlington . I forgot something so I ran back in and witnessed my younger dog get smacked by an employee. I was done !!
I started basic research on what was needed to start by own dog boarding and grooming business. I started to look for a property with land and a house + a second building I could turn into the business.
I found a property in Benbrook texas. It was a blank slate property. I was thrilled to let my artistic side take over and build this business with 100% my touch.
My father who has many talents helped me with all the drywall, painting, new flooring. He installed and grounded all the electricity. All permits passing with the city in wonderful timing. He installed the grooming bath and all the lighting fixtures. He did the plumbing work and all the new insulation. A wonderful new HVAC system was installed as well.

I am ever grateful to him and his hard work. He always tells me “projects to improve your life and business are how I show love”.

This whole process of building and improving my business has taught me a lot about patients, love and self worth.
My small business is by appointment only, which means no dogs are here for boarding or grooming and left unattended. Most boarding places have a base price for boarding and upcharge per square foot of the cage they reside in. They upcharge on extra play time – weather with other dogs or an individual.

At puppy paradise boarding is one price, dogs are in and out of the boarding facility, depending on the weather as much as they want. There are large crates for people who want their dogs crate at night or puppies at our crate training, there are cots with dog beds that are sterilized between use for dogs, and couches. I accept a limited amount of boarding dogs per day to ensure that each dog gets the attention and love they deserve and to create a more home like environment versus a large boarding facility that reflects basically what a animal kennel would look like for animal services. Overpacked and understaffed and not very tidy. I am in no way trying to be little in the other facility, but since this is mine, this is how I have created it and this is what clients have said they love about puppy paradise.

Pictures and videos are always sent to owners of their babies within minutes r their arrival for boarding. Clients love this.
This business has been a huge labor of love, and I’m incredibly grateful for the people and the encouragement that I have been given along the way. This has been a journey filled with friends and family support and most importantly kisses from all the amazing dogs that come here!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
This is a very interesting question, I would definitely start with a hike at Grapevine Lake. Pick them right up from the airport and start with a hike, the lake has wonderful areas to hike around and I really enjoy that area.

Definitely would come and have them visit my home and my small business, puppy paradise, here in Benbrook Texas.

I’m a fan of local and authentic food, definitely have to pick up some tacos from taco San Andrea’s food truck off Crowley Road and 20. Sundance Square is a wonderful place to go for water fountains, live music, sitting outside and enjoying the downtown life if you’re into that. Otherwise I would definitely take them on a wonderful horse ride around Benbrook Lake, which is where I live next to. It’s about an hour and 45 minute wonderful trail ride around most of the lake that goes through part of a national park. It’s tranquil, beautiful, very heartwarming to see wild nature in its elements. I love farmers markets the Clearfork farmers market is very small but very quaint, it’s a dog friendly area and people just seem to be so excited about life around there. Picking fresh vegetables from my own garden and creating a truly 100% organic farm to table meal is definitely on the list. I also really enjoy the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, downtown Dallas has some wonderful museums as well. Deep Elm is a great place, if you like graffiti and live music and very interesting food. Personally, I’m more of an outdoor person so swimming or hiking the Brazos river is wonderful, although on horse ride it’s even more beautiful.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First and foremost I’d like to thank God for blessing my life in constant ways.
Secondly, I’d like to recognize my father.
I was not raised in the United States. I was raised in multiple countries in Africa. My father has been the best example of a father, a mentor and a best friend. He has always encouraged me to pursue any of my wild dreams. With his love and encouragement, I have been fearless and a success seeker. I love you Papa.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/puppyparadiseboardinggroom?igsh=NWY1bWhtc204ZzNy&utm_source=qr

Other: Puppyparadiseboarding@gmail.com

612-222-0005

Image Credits
This is funny, lol I guess I have to credit myself and my phone with the timer ha ha, besides my wonderful father Galen Johnson