Jessica Valentino, our NJ Mompreneur of the Week, has always loved animals, even transferring to a local college to be closer to her beloved dog Duke. So when she began working at an upscale pet boutique, Jessica knew she had found her calling. At 26, she struck out on her own and opened Wonder Dog Studio in Summit, specializing in unique pet products. It was the start of something big—over the last 18 years, the popular shop has moved around town and grown to include a behavior-based day camp, grooming, and training from an elite dog trainer (who also happens to be her brother). We caught up with this Hunterdon County-based mama to Gabe, 10, to learn what makes her hometown of Asbury so special (no, it’s not Asbury Park), what she wishes every dog owner would know, and her favorite local spot that makes you feel like you took a trip to Napa.
Please tell us a bit about yourself and your family. I live in Hunterdon County’s Asbury, a very small town, not to be confused with the shore town Asbury Park. Our Asbury is such a special place to live. We have almost 10 acres, and it is spectacular—many mornings, we wake up and see hot air balloons from the back deck, and every time there’s a rainstorm, we have rainbows over the mountains in our backyard. I’ve been a single mom since my son, Gabe (now 10), was four months old, so I’m beyond blessed to have all hands on deck regarding my family. My sister helps me full-time with my son and at the house when I’m boarding dogs, and my brother, Nick, is absolutely incredible with the dogs and heads up our business dog training team.
What’s your favorite thing about owning this particular business? I believe it’s what I was meant to do. I’ve always been a big animal person. I got my dog, Duke, when I was 16. At the time, I had a horse, and I always took Duke with me to the horse farm. He was my heart, and we were inseparable. When I first went away to college in Chicago, the dorms didn’t allow pets, and eventually, Duke started losing all his hair as a response to stress and separation anxiety. I knew what I needed to do, so I transferred to Monmouth University so we could be close to each other again. When I was 21 and still a business administration student at Monmouth, I stumbled upon a help-wanted ad for a sales associate at a high-end dog boutique, a unique concept back in the day. I got the job and worked my way up to General Manager of the store, doing just about everything except ordering supplies and bookkeeping. After 5 years, I knew it was time for me to launch my own business. I was only 26 years old then, and I’m proud to say we’re now in our 18th year.
How has your business changed in the 18 years since you first launched it? We’ve grown quite a bit since 2006 when we only had a 1,500-square-foot shop offering only retail. I’ve always been a big believer in listening to what your clients need, so we added grooming and a pack day camp and eventually moved to another location across the street. Clients were expressing that they needed training for their dogs, so my brother, who worked with Cesar Millan, the renowned dog trainer and behaviorist, came on board. Since he started, he’s been able to help thousands of dogs. It’s important to us that we don’t just put a bandaid on things—we help anxious or aggressive dogs become better behaved and adjusted to a harmonious family dynamic. A few years ago, we moved to a new location with around 15,000 square feet. Off-site, we have “the farm” where I live, where we can train client’s dogs for 4-6 weeks and provide short-term boarding for regular clients.
What do you wish everyone knew about dogs? I wish people realized that dogs are directly affected by the energy of those around them. Dogs are so attuned to their people and mirror their emotional states. If you’re nervous, act overly excited about something, or feel calm, your dog will pick up on those moods and emulate those mindsets. Dog owners should always keep that in mind when they want their dogs to behave, whether it’s bringing them somewhere new or to a vet appointment, greeting them when they first walk in the door, or even socializing.
What do you like to do in your downtime to decompress? I’m a big reader, and I also find organizing things very relaxing, but my absolute favorite way to decompress is travel. Mexico, particularly Tulum, is one of my favorite places to be, but looking ahead, I’d love to travel to Italy in 2025, mainly because it’s a Jubilee year for the Vatican, so Rome and Amalfi are definitely on my list.
What are some of your favorite garden state spots you like to visit? My son knows The Turtle Back Zoo inside and out. We go very often, and we always do the entire tour. Usually, we time it right, and he gets to help feed the giraffes. Another favorite is Ironbound Farm and Ciderhouse, which has been making hard cider and regular apple cider for several years. They just started doing farm-to-table, and their food is off the charts and the setting is among gorgeous trees and tables outside, surrounded by wildflower pastures–you almost feel like you’ve been transported to California. It’s a great place to take the whole family.
Please share some of your favorite NJ businesses. My Love Story and Great House are inspiring and true extensions of their owners’ personalities. The art, jewelry, design, and décor you’ll find in these local businesses are special, and the fact that they’re both owned by smart, hard-working, and personable women makes it a joy to shop there.
What’s your best practical advice for a mompreneur just starting? Pay someone else to do the things that aren’t in your wheelhouse or worth the time—you don’t have to do it all yourself. In the beginning, new business owners are a one-man show, putting their hearts and souls into everything, but it’s okay to delegate.
For more information on Jessica Valentine and Wonder Dog Studio, please see their website, Facebook, and Instagram pages.
