Kristen Lewis and her sister Courtney Hill grew up working at Land of Paws, a pet store her parents co-founded in 1993. Their mission — to provide the Kansas City community with an upscale pet store that offered exclusive pet services and supplies led with extraordinary customer service.
“There was nothing like it at the time,” Lewis recalls. “I remember being 12 and helping my mom decorate these fabulous store window displays late at night. It was so much fun, but lots of work. She has always been such an important role model for us. By having the store, our parents created this amazing opportunity for us to learn first hand how to work hard.”
Today, Lewis divides tasks with her mom and sister for both Land of Paws locations, in Overland Park and Prairie Village. She appreciates how every day of work is different.
“One day, we might be researching a new pet food or a fun new pet product and the next, helping one of our loyal customers,” she says. “You never know what the day will bring.”
According to Lewis, their mix of products and services, customer service and commitment to providing quality products makes Land of Paws unique.
“We search high and low for one of a kind pet products,” she says. “Having been around so long, we really know what pets love. We also pride ourselves on researching pet foods. We do the work for the customer so when they shop with us, they know they are only getting the best for their pet. We have an exceptional staff at both locations that set us apart as well. They go above and beyond everyday to provide our customers with the best service possible.”
The customers, and their loyalty, are key to their success.
“[W]e are so blessed to have such loyal two and four-legged customers,” she says. “We have gotten to know and love them over the years and appreciate their loyalty. They are the reason we are still going strong.”
Since her dad Dr. Mark Daly is a veterinarian, animals were an important part of their family life growing up. Now, Lewis has two dogs that continue to play a significant role in her own family, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This pandemic has affected everyone in so many ways and the unknown of what is ahead is so stressful,” she says. “However, the love of a pet is something that is constant and never changing. The unconditional love they give us is the one constant we have right now and I know that provides me comfort. I know my dog Stewart is always to curl up next to my feet every night. Lulu, my 18 year old yorkie maltese mix, loves to sit in the sun and watch after my three children.”