Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelley Vinton.
Hi Kelley, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Have you ever woken up and felt that something in your life needs to change? After over a decade of climbing the corporate ladder as a dedicated event professional in the government and healthcare fields, the burnout was real. I realized it was time to prioritize my well-being and step away from the exhausting 12-hour+ workdays and weekends. The answer was clear: I needed to turn to my passion for animals!
Hello! I’m Kelley, a self-proclaimed dog/cat whisperer and proud owner of Cudi’s Canine Crew LLC—also known as Cudi’s Canine Crew or Cudi’s Crew! I’ve called Baltimore City home for 12 wonderful years, with the last seven spent in the Canton neighborhood. My dog, Cudi (named after the talented Kid Cudi), inspired my business name. He’s been by my side for a decade and is truly my soul dog. I even have his adorable face tattooed on me! He is a typical boxer—stubborn, anxious, comically silly, and genuinely affectionate. Plus, he was an incredible foster big brother to nine pups during the COVID-19 lockdown.
From a young age, I’ve always been captivated by animals, dogs specifically. A few years back, while between jobs, I volunteered at BARCS (Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter). Walking those amazing shelter pups was not just fulfilling; it was deeply therapeutic! I gained a wealth of knowledge about proper dog handling and became skilled at reading their body language. Those experiences taught me invaluable lessons in patience and compassion, which have helped me grow.
Since launching Cudi’s Canine Crew in May 2024, I’ve been committed to delivering the highest standard of care for dogs (and cats) and their owners, and I have no intention of slowing down! My extensive experience in managing teams and corporate events is a strong backbone for our thriving business. Moreover, I learned so much from my fabulous dog walker, Kristin from Aloha Dog Walking, who took wonderful care of Cudi when I was working my life away. She set a benchmark for the care I aspire to provide my own clients. Having been a client myself, I truly understand what pet owners are looking for in a pet care service.
I’m excited to embark on this journey and can’t wait to connect with fellow animal lovers!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There was a learning curve at first, for sure. I went from having an HR and accounting team handle everything for me to doing everything myself.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Welcome to Cudi’s Canine Crew, where your furry friends are our top priority! We’re thrilled to provide exceptional dog walking and personalized pet care services for both dogs and cats. Our team is fully insured and bonded, giving you peace of mind while we look after your beloved pets. Our offerings include dog walking, drop-in visits, boarding, housesitting, transportation, and even wedding pet care!
But that’s not all—our passion for photography shines through as we capture the unique personalities of your pets! We love turning those memorable moments into stunning keepsakes, from custom ornaments to framed pictures, making them perfect gifts for the holidays or just because! We also enjoy supporting fellow local women-owned businesses, teaming up for exciting giveaways with fantastic partners like Banjo’s Bows and Leia’s Treats.
At Cudi’s Crew, we believe in pampering not just the pets but their awesome humans, too!
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
My background in events and marketing has truly been a game-changer for me. As a solo entrepreneur, building my “village” has been essential. I started by enlisting friends as “brand ambassadors,” who spread the word on local Facebook pages. Thanks to my strong relationships with my neighbors, they’ve referred me to their friends and community members. I always carry business cards and love attending local events to broaden my network. Remember, it’s important to meet people where they are—especially on their phones! A social media presence is key in today’s digital world, and my clients love to repost the fun pictures we take daily.
Pricing:
- Dog Walk (15 mins): $20
- Dog Walk (30 mins): $25
- Dog Walk (45 mins): $30
- Wedding Pet Care: starting at $300
- Housesitting: $65/24 hrs.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cudis-canine-crew.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cudis_canine_crew/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559272892192&mibextid=LQQJ4d
