From Suits to Snacks: How One Woman Left Corporate Law to Build a Natural Dog Haven

Guest blog by Sami from Harley’s Place, Faversham

Hi! I’m Sami — former corporate PA, now proud owner of Harley’s Place, a natural dog shop tucked away on Standard Quay in Faversham, Kent.

Leaving the London law world might sound dramatic, but after years of the corporate grind and a particularly toxic work environment, I was ready for something real. Something joyful. Something with paws.

A Very Different Kind of Office

Around the time Covid started loosening its grip, I quit my job and went to work at the boarding kennels where my Staffy, Harley, had been a regular.

Oh my days — it was hard graft. As an unfit 49-year-old thrown into the deep end of kennel life, it was also the most fun I’d had in years. Surrounded by everything from majestic Rottweilers to mischievous Pugs, I noticed a common thread: many of these adored dogs were eating poor-quality food.

One pair of Greyhounds even arrived with a frozen bag of homemade spag bol (yes, onions, garlic bread and all). It was like stuffing a Primark purse into a Louis Vuitton bag.

Falling Down the Nutrition Rabbit Hole

Curious — and slightly horrified — I started researching canine nutrition. One thing led to another and suddenly, I was enrolled in a diploma course. The more I learned, the more passionate I became about helping people give their dogs a better life through real, functional food.

Later, I added a holistic health diploma too, exploring natural approaches to flea treatments, gut health, teeth cleaning, and more.

The Birth of Harley’s Place

People began reaching out for help. Friends asked about diets, supplements, shampoos. They wanted to do better, but didn’t know where to start — or who to trust.

So I opened Harley’s Place. Zero retail experience. One tiny shop. A LOT of faith. I stocked it only with ethical, small-batch, planet-conscious brands. Six months was the goal. Nearly two years later, I’ve never looked back.

The Joy of Stinky Stuff Island

My favourite part of the shop? Stinky Stuff Island — a gloriously grotesque treasure trove of natural chews. But it’s not just about smell or novelty — everything serves a purpose:

•  Buffalo trachea: rich in chondroitin for joints
•  Seabass straws: packed with omegas
•  Rabbit ears: Mother Nature’s dewormer
•  Camel collagen: for skin, coat, and joints
•  Danglers: (yes, really) a brilliant source of protein

Treats That Actually Nourish

Every good dog shop needs biscuits, and for me, Life of Riley was the only option. Their clean ingredients and beautiful presentation — especially the pawtisserie range — fit perfectly next to the tea room by my window. No mystery-meat bones in yellow boxes here!

Helping Dogs Live Better for Longer

When Harley started slowing down, I knew what to do. A few changes — salmon oil, pumpkin powder, seaweed, probiotics, and hydrotherapy — turned back the clock.

He’s now 13, still chasing balls and climbing stairs, without a single pharmaceutical. He’s not perfect (his singing is criminal), but he’s thriving.

Come Say Hi

If you’re ever in Faversham, come visit us at Standard Quay. There’s always:

•  Snacks in the jar
•  Water in the bowls
•  A cool floor to sploot on

I’d love to help you help your dog live a longer, happier, more natural life.