Hidden Gems: Meet Brandi Ransburg of Prissy Paw Palace

Today we’d like to introduce you to Brandi Ransburg.  

Brandi, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
In the winter of 2019, I had taken a trip to Puerto Rico as a celebration to myself for my 40th birthday. Upon my return, I wasn’t the same. Something had changed in me. I was overwhelmed by the snowstorm, and I just wasn’t happy. 

One night after cooking dinner, I got on the internet and did a search for puppies. I did not know what was going on with me, but I knew that I was in need of unconditional love. 

It didn’t take long to find a sweet puppy face. When I saw her, I knew right then and there she had to be in my life. 

Right away, I called the number from the add and picked her up within hours of seeing her picture. My children and I had fallen in love with her. It was the best decision I had made since returning home from vacation. 

The very next day, I went out and brought everything off of the rack at our local pet store’s (I even got insurance for her). 

I told myself that I would buy her a new outfit each week. She was so perfect for our family. I just wanted her to have the best of everything. 

That spring, I lost my corporate job and was deciding what my next move would be. I knew that I wanted my own business; I just did not know what kind. 

I had dived into entrepreneurship in the past, but things had not taken off like I thought they would. 

My first venture was in 2010, “The Kruz Kallecshion” (Costume Jewelry) named after my firstborn, Kruz. 

In 2014 I founded the non-profit “Lambda Psi Xi Sorority. Inc” (bringing women together who wanted to serve the community and/or didn’t pledge in college but wanted that experience. 

Then in 2016, I birthed Brown Girls Traveling (Planning inexpensive trips for women of color). 

My current venture began December 2021. I pulled my children into my bedroom and told them I wanted to create a business and I needed their help. 

It was time to create a business that would take off. With the help from my children, then 9, 11, 12, and 14 this idea of a pet boutique had to be brought to life. And now we have Prissy Paw Palace! 

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I can’t say that I’ve had many challenges. Things have actually been a smooth road for me. I have over 30 years retail experience. I’ve worked as an accountant for many years and learned how to work and program systems. I worked for DEGC and knew about entrepreneurship. Not to mention, I’ve managed and worked in banking as well; needless to say, I’ve always been good with money. I have yet to experience any challenges. And the word “No” doesn’t bother or discourage me. I’ve always been fearless. 

As you know, we’re big fans of Prissy Paw Palace. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
My business serves the community in a way that’s very unique. What is it that I do? I sell luxury & couture clothing, treats and accessories for pets. 

Those pets can be cats, dogs, monkeys, rabbits, chickens, goats, or gerbil’s… basically anything big enough to fit clothes. 

What sets me apart from others is that I have over 30 years experience in retail. I am a true animal lover, and I enjoy everything pet related. 

Also, what sets me apart from others is that I built this business in order to save my life and create a world of happiness. I lived in a fog for many, many years, and I needed clarity. 

I relied on pets for emotional support, and I can reassure you that anyone who has a pet understands this support. So, when I opened Prissy Paw Palace, I was able to create happiness in others’ lives through retail therapy and pet therapy. 

I am extremely proud of my brand. From being featured on Fox 2 news Detroit to being written about in magazines and the overall love I am receiving from the community. 

I am in love with the name of the store. I am in love with how I came up with the concept. I am completely in love with my customers. And I more than proud of how Prissy Paw Palace is being received. 

I want readers to know that I am just like them. I am the avid pet lover who loves to shop. Who loves to dress their pet. Who enjoys showing off their attire and loves showing off their pet’s attire. 

I also want readers to know that Prissy Paw Palace is open for business all year round. We are also looking to open new locations. And we are well on our way! 

I am interviewing groomers, and we are preparing for Birthday Parties (Birthday Pawties) in the Spring and a few more exciting things for your fur baby. 

We are truly excited about growing our brand and looking forward to all pet lovers to come in and enjoy the Palace. 

What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was always driven. I knew that I had something special inside of me, I just didn’t know what it was.

I was your average child, I’d like to ride my bike, cheerlead. skate, laugh, sing, and collect tapes. Yes, tapes. I was a HUGE music lover. I still am!

I also loved to dance, photography and I loved being in front of a camera. I can remember wanting to be on the show Double Dare, but I knew my parents would never take me because it was in Los Angeles. Instead, they put me on local television, “The Scene,” which aired on WGPR channel 62. I absolutely loved that!

Lastly, my first taste of entrepreneurship was in the 7th grade when the principal allowed me to set a table up in the lunch room to sell candy. Now that I look back, that “something special” in me was always there.

In so many ways I am still this child. I still enjoy music. dance, photography, laughter and anything innovative. I can see how all of these things molded me into the person I am today.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.prissypawpalace.com
• Instagram: Prissy Paw Palace
• Facebook: Prissy Paw Palace
• Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/prissypawpalace