Unleashing a Passion for Paws: Adele James’ Journey with Barking Mad

Her story is one of transformation, from a seasoned professional in travel, recruitment, and hospitality to a self-employed entrepreneur who traded boardrooms for barks and found her true calling.

From Corporate Corridors to Canine Care

Adele’s journey didn’t begin with dogs, though her heart always seemed to nudge her in their direction. For 15 years, she thrived as a travel agent, crafting dream vacations for others while honing her knack for detail and client care. Later, she dipped into recruitment before landing a role as Sales Support Manager for the Radisson hotel group in the UK. It was a position that demanded poise under pressure and sharp business acumen.

Yet, beneath the polished surface of her corporate life, a quieter passion simmered.

“I wanted to work with dogs,” she recalls, her voice carrying the warmth of someone who’s finally aligned her days with her soul. When she stumbled across Barking Mad while researching self-employment options, it was as if the universe had handed her a leash to a new adventure.

A Leap Fueled by Passion and Promise

What drew Adele to Barking Mad wasn’t just the chance to cuddle pups for a living, though that’s undeniably a perk. It was the franchise’s promise of structure wrapped in freedom: stellar reviews, robust training, and a support system that felt like a safety net for her leap into entrepreneurship.

“It was an opportunity to work with dogs straight away, knowing I had the full support and great earnings potential,” she says. For a woman who’d spent years navigating the rigid rhythms of corporate life, this blend of passion and practicality was irresistible. Barking Mad offered more than a business; it offered a lifeline to a life she’d long envisioned, one where her love for animals could flourish without the constraints of a 9-to 5.

Resilience in the Face of Risk

Running a Barking Mad franchise isn’t just a job for Adele; it’s a reinvention. Gone are the days of feeling undervalued in a hierarchical maze. Now, she’s the architect of her own empire, a one-woman powerhouse delivering top-tier dog care while building deep ties with her community. Yet, the path hasn’t been without its hurdles.

Launching a pet business carries financial risk, late nights, and the weight of sole responsibility, challenges she meets with a steely resolve forged from years of adapting to shifting industries. For women, she notes, the stakes can feel higher, with societal expectations often tugging at the edges of ambition.

But Adele sees these as sparks, not shackles. “Be confident in your abilities and assertive in negotiations,” she advises aspiring female franchisees, her words a beacon for those ready to claim their space.

Leading with Heart and Hustle

What makes Adele a standout isn’t just her grit; it’s her glow. Passion radiates from her—whether she’s soothing a nervous pup or rallying her network of pet owners.

“Passion and enthusiasm play a crucial role,” she says, and you can hear it in the way she talks about her work. It’s not just about dogs; it’s about impact, giving owners peace of mind, fostering community, and proving that a woman can lead with heart and hustle.

“The best thing is the joy of working with pets and their owners” she beams. Picture her: dropping off a tail-wagging terrier after a holiday stay, chatting with a relieved owner who’s grateful their furry family member was in such caring hands. Barking Mad’s head office bolsters her every step, with training, marketing, and a network of fellow franchisees who share her zeal—a sisterhood of dreamers and doers amplifying her success.

A Life Redefined

Today, Adele’s life is a far cry from the corporate corridors she once roamed. She’s swapped suits for sensible shoes, meetings for muddy paw prints, and rigid schedules for the entrepreneurial freedom to steer her own ship. The potential for growth keeps her pushing forward, her earnings a direct reflection of her dedication. And while the road has its bumps, stress, uncertainty, the sheer time it demands, she wouldn’t trade it.

“Running your own business can be an incredibly rewarding journey,” she reflects, her tone a mix of pride and possibility. The flexibility to shape her schedule around her life, not the other way around, is a triumph she cherishes, especially as a woman who knows the juggling act of personal and professional demands all too well.

As International Women’s Day shines a spotlight on trailblazers like Adele, her story is a testament to what’s possible when passion meets perseverance. She’s not just running a franchise; she’s redefining what leadership looks like, one wagging tail at a time.

Ready to Unleash Your Own Journey?

Inspired by Adele’s leap into a life of purpose and paws? Barking Mad isn’t just a business; it’s a community of empowered individuals turning their love for dogs into thriving careers. Visit the Barking Mad franchise page to explore success stories, discover opportunities, and see how you can join a network that champions flexibility, support, and impact. Your next chapter could be a tail-wagging triumph, take the first step today!