Here we are at Katz and Dogz in Hamburg Ottensen.

I trained to be an environmental engineer.

After the company I worked for restructured I used my settlement to open the shop.

I looked for 6 months for suitable shop space

and then found this one.

It was a new build. I measured out the whole shop -

and thought about what accessories to buy.

I then got an appointment with IKEA Business -

and planned my shop fittings with an employee there.

Some things were used for strange purposes.

I have hung my linens on IKEA's kitchen bars.

And I needed a lot of small shelves and a room divider.

I chose PAX. I can store the food in it

and it separates the storage area from the shop.

I have a Rottweiler, Paula, and a lot of people are afraid of her.

I sewed her collar myself with little flowers on it.

And suddenly everyone found the same dog totally cute.

And if Paula went up to others they said

"that looks just like a hula hula girl" and weren't afraid.

We have very high quality dog and cat food

and very unusual accessories.

Travel bowls with small skulls - you can't find those anywhere else.

I have a lot of brightly coloured products so wanted to keep

the shop simple. Everything in white.

It is unusual but I have intelligent dog toys and always play

with the dogs. Any owner can see at once how it works.

And the dogs love coming here because they always get treats.

And some don't even want to leave the shop.

Otherwise it is important for me that everything matches,

you can see into the shelves easily from the side.

I chose STOLMEN because it isn't closed off to the side.

I have lovely friends who support and help me.

Otherwise I am on my own from Monday to Saturday from 10-19.00.

And then there is the bookkeeping, new orders, clearing up.

It is hard work and I am glad for any help I get.

IKEA BUSINESS