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Healthy Spot Keeps Santa Monica Green
By Marissa Heflin
Andrew Kim and Mark Boonnark have taken great strides to ensure that the popular buzz words “eco-friendly” and “green” genuinely reflect what their pet boutique, Healthy Spot, is all about. So far, their work hasn’t gone unnoticed.
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| Andrew Kim (left) and Mark Boonark, owners |
At press time, Healthy Spot, in Santa Monica, Calif., was slated to become the first pet store in that city to be Green Business Certified. The Santa Monica Green Business Certification Program is a collaboration between the city, the Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Chamber of Commerce and Sustainable Works.
“They actually approached us and asked us to participate in the program because they felt we were on the leading edge of our business practices within the pet industry,” Kim says.
In order to become Green Business Certified in Santa Monica, businesses must meet specified criteria for conserving resources, preventing pollution and minimizing waste.
Among the green features at Healthy Spot: a wall made of recycled wood; skylights to minimize the use of electric lighst; energy efficient indoor lighting; an electronic thermostat; a tankless water heater;; and the use of recycled paper products. Healthy Spot has also incorporated an employee ride-sharing program.
Kim and Boonnark, friends from college, agree that while their previous corporate jobs were financially rewarding, the work wasn’t fulfilling. Kim had been working at a hedge fund doing equity research and Boonnark worked in advertising with a full-service agency.
“It was a good environment and a good start for my career, but I didn’t see myself continuing that path for the long term,” Boonnark says.
Kim’s passion for healthy pet diets ignited during the 2007 pet food recall. He became concerned about the health of the puppy he had recently brought home and began researching pet nutrition.
“I sought to create sort of a Whole Foods for dogs, where consumers can come in and know that the owners have spent time and partnered with them to find the best possible nutrition and care for their dogs,” Kim says.
Boonnark quickly climbed on board. He says the death of his 13-year-old golden retriever from cancer opened his eyes to the health and care of pets.
The pair decided to start with a primary focus on nutrition and found what they consider to be the “best in breed” of each product line.
Healthy Spot also offers eco-friendly dog toys, dog beds composed of recycled materials, organic apparel and all-natural grooming products.
“We set core values for our business practices,” Boonnark says. “In terms of the environment, that was definitely a key focus because it translates not only in our practices but in our products as well.”
Kim says he believes the popularity of eco-friendly products will continue to grow.
Despite the current recession, Kim says, Healthy Spot has been able to offset any losses with new customers.
“We haven’t felt the economic pinch,” Kim says. “I think it’s because we’ve had a supportive base of customers, and it’s not just because we cater to them. I think the products have had a tremendous impact on their dogs’ health and well-being.”
Customer loyalty may also be attributed to the various services Healthy Spot offers, such as a small-dog day care, puppy preschool, dog training, grooming and spa treatments, anesthesia-free teeth cleaning, pet massage therapy and Reiki treatments.
Healthy Spot is also very active in the community with both non-profits and local businesses.
Although running Healthy Spot requires a lot of time and energy—the pair often work six to seven days per week—Kim says he doesn’t think he could go back to the corporate world.
Asked if he had concerns about burnout, Kim says he hasn’t felt that way yet.
“One, we are running a successful business; we are growing in this economic climate,” he says. “Two, what we are doing I feel is very important. We are educating customers about proper nutrition and care. Our tag line is ‘For Your Dog’s Mind, Body and Bowl.’ It’s beyond what you put in the bowl. It’s about proper training, socialization, proper grooming and maintenance. We really want to celebrate the relationship between you and your dog.” |