Andrea Skys operates multiple SistaSista Clothing & Jewelry locations, including one in her hometown of South Milwaukee.
Now the entrepreneur is branching out from fashion to furry friends by opening ChowChow Treats and Accessories at 907 Milwaukee Ave., South Milwaukee.
In fact, it’s right across the street from SistaSista, 916 Milwaukee Ave.
Despite the proximity, “chaos” is the word Skys chooses to describe balancing his time between two different business ventures.
ChowChow is open Tuesday through Friday from 2 pm to 8 pm, Saturday from noon to 6 pm and Sunday from 2 pm to 6 pm Customers can also order online at www.chowchowpetsupplies.com for delivery or curbside pickup.
ChowChow features standard pet food brands like Purina and Blue Buffalo, but also offers some unique cuisines for the discerning pet including Yup Pup (where hemp is very popular) and AG Alchemy’s Pro Bakery Bites with probiotics featuring flavors like red velvet cake, peanut butter and jelly, chicken and waffles and more.
“It’s upcycled people’s food,” Skys said.
She also carries Rachel Ray’s cat food line along with Meow Mix and 9Lives, to name a few.
Skys estimates that about 98% of his inventory is 100% natural. He wants to offer a variety of common and suitable products so that everyone can get what they need. If he doesn’t have what a customer is looking for, he will try to get it.
“We want to be a community pet supply store,” he said. “Right now, we are accepting requests.”
ChowChow also offers pet shampoo, itch spray, and Dr. Know’s Pet Balm, which Skys says is “our biggest seller.” Also sells pet toys, collar and leash combos, beds and other accessories.
Skys is looking for local vendors who also make pet food, treats and products. One partnership already formed is A Green Dog Grooming in South Milwaukee with a flyer that goes out to every pet shop customer.
Starting two businesses in the same city has allowed Skys to gain a lot of experience dealing with city staff who she says are “amazing” with help and follow-ups.
“That’s why I stay in South Milwaukee, for that kind of support,” he said.
Skys works full-time in Ascension and plans to start a pet-focused podcast
Skys said she hopes a community pet store like this will help pets “reach their full potential.” As part of that effort, she is currently taking classes to learn about pet needs for things like vitamins, tick treatment, flea issues, etc.
“The course is similar to what a veterinarian takes but not as intense,” Skys said, adding that he wants his employees to take the course as well so they know customer questions.
Skys plans to bring in specialists such as dog groomers to hold shop talks along with other events.
“We just want to make sure people are taking care of their babies,” Skys said.
Aside from his multiple business ventures, Skys, who still works full-time as a pharmacy tech for Ascension, is also planning to start a podcast.
The show, which is yet to be named, will be recorded in ChowChow’s back room and will be uploaded to most common streaming platforms like Spotify, YouTube and more. Skys plans to discuss pet care, which household cleaning products are safe for pets, and more.
SistaSista has been operating in various locations for several years, but ChowChow only opened in early April 2023. The ultimate goal for Skys is to fully focus on her business ventures but that can be a daunting prospect. hope of leaving a full-time job.
“I pray for it,” he said. “God is preparing me. You have to step out in faith and trust God.”
Contact Erik S. Hanley at [email protected]. Like/follow his Facebook page, The Redheadlinerand follow him on Twitter @ES_Hanley.