Episode 73. A Candid Conversation about Racism with Pet Professionals

Here's the truth: it felt very vulnerable for all of us on today's episode to have this conversation about this difficult topic. You'll hear from each of the guests about what caused them to feel vulnerable about coming on the podcast and talking about this subject. My vulnerability came from being afraid I'd mistakenly ask my guests an inappropriate question or perhaps even offend one of them with something I'd ask or say, because I may not know the "right" thing to ask or say when it comes to race. But, in spite of my discomfort, I decided to host this episode and I invited these courageous guests to come on the podcast -and they said yes. I'm grateful to each one of them for agreeing to join me for this conversation and for what they shared in this episode. I decided to have this conversation with these brave ladies because I wanted to learn more more about racism and, if possible, to help you listeners learn more about racism too. I wanted to learn how racism affects pet professionals. I wanted to learn more about white privilege and what that means to black people. I wanted to give black pet professionals space to let their voice be heard. I wanted to learn about the subtle -and not so subtle- ways racism affects those who are impacted by it. I want to be supportive of you pet business owners who need support during this challenging time as well as pull back the curtain on racism in the pet business industry. Besides me, there are four speakers on today's episode. Three are pet sitters and dog walkers and one person, Zuri Walker, is not a pet business owner. Even though Zuri is not a pet business owner, I felt that having her on today's episode could be helpful. Zuri is my friend and she's a transformational life coach. I met her years ago when I was living in Bali and she was living there too. I invited her to be on this episode because a few years ago I inadvertently said something racist to her which hurt her and it impacted our friendship in a negative way. I didn't mean for the comment I made to be racist but it was and I can see that now. I learned a lot from that painful experience and from Zuri sharing so openly and honestly (both then and in this episode) about how what I said in that moment impacted her. I hope when you hear what happened between me and Zuri that it may help those of you who perhaps are speaking or acting in ways that aren't appropriate but you don't yet realize it. I'm hopeful that this open and honest conversation between the five of us can create more awareness for you listeners in terms of what you say and do. The three pet professionals, and Zuri, are all bright lights and I think you'll recognize that spark in each one of them as you hear what they have to share today. I'm grateful they said yes to having this conversation with me about this difficult subject. I want to thank each one of the business owners who are courageously and generously sharing from their heart on today's episode: Kylie Holliman-Rivera, owner of Fire Hydrant Pet Sitting Co., LLC  Carmel Mims from Pet Porter Pals Tomika Bruen from Out for a Walk Pet Sitting and Dog Walking Zuri Walker, transformational life coach Thank you to the four of you for being on this podcast episode. ~Kristin Morrison   Visit the show notes page to find the pet business owner support links to items that were mentioned in this podcasat episode: www.ProsperousPetBusiness.com/podcast73 Join the Prosperous Pet Business community on Facebook Follow Kristin Morrison on Instagram Click for FREE pet business resources to help you run your pet business smarter rather than harder. Copyright © Prosperous Pet Business and Kristin Morrison www.ProsperousPetBusiness.com