Spotlight on Naomi Smethurst of Terrace Trails and Tails

In December 2019, the ThriveNorth program successfully completed its five-year mandate. Managed by Futurpreneur Canada, the program helped young entrepreneurs in Northern B.C. launch and grow their businesses by connecting them with resources, financing and mentorship.

After living in British Columbia for the past 11 years and in Terrace for the last three, Naomi has always been an active person with a passion for hiking and spending time outdoors with her dog, Duke. Ever since adopting Duke from a local shelter, she realized she wanted to do something where she could spend more time with him, which is what inspired her to start her own business, Terrace Trails and Tails.

The thought of owning her own business was very appealing to Naomi and with the overwhelming support from friends and local organizations when she talked about her idea for Terrace Trails and Tails, she knew she was heading in the right direction. “I was ready to try something new at the time, and I often wished I could take a mid-day break to take my dog on a long walk during the work-week as he looked quite bored watching me at the computer all day,” she explained. “I decided that starting a dog walking business would be the perfect fit for Duke and I.”

Terrace Trails and Tails is an off-leash dog walking service where Naomi picks up and drops off all the dogs and takes them on an hour long hike. This allows the dogs to get exercise, explore, make friends with other dogs in the group and learn basic socialization. Naomi also works with basic training techniques with the dogs on their hikes.

Starting her business in Terrace, British Columbia has come with many benefits including the overwhelming friendliness and support of other local businesses and individuals, Naomi explained. “I have received nothing but positive feedback and encouragement from so many people in Terrace, I feel very lucky to live and work in such a supportive community.” With the help of Futurpreneur, and other dog walking and training businesses like Dog Days and K9 O’Hana, Naomi has been able to build a business she is proud of an enjoys every day. Terrace Tails and Tails just recently celebrated their one year anniversary and continues to steadily grow.

Naomi’s piece of advice for other aspiring entrepreneurs is: “Stay positive and understand that it takes time to grow a business. Ultimately, the best advice I can offer is to just go for it!”