Meet Kristen: Owner of House of Paws Heritage Nursery

Kristen is one of those rare people who, after just two minutes of conversation, makes you feel like you’ve known her for years. Her warmth, authenticity, and down-to-earth nature immediately put you at ease. Beyond that, she’s a young entrepreneur whose talent, drive, and passion are not only impressive—they’re inspiring. Watching her build a thriving business with such heart and purpose is a reminder of what’s possible when you truly love what you do.

Background 

Kristen is the founder of House of Paws Heritage Nursery, a North Carolina-based dog breeding business that specializes in toy poodles and Shih Tzus. With deep roots in dog breeding through her grandmother, Kristen launched her own program in 2019, officially beginning breeding in 2020. Her business emerged from a personal passion for animals and a desire to do things the right way in an industry sometimes clouded by unethical practices.

Her HBCU: North Carolina Central University

Kristen is a proud graduate of North Carolina Central University, and she credits her time there with shaping her into the woman she is today—both personally and professionally. The values, support, and community she found at her HBCU continue to influence her journey. Go Eagles!

How She Started Learning Her Craft 

Kristen credits her early interest in dogs to her grandmother, who bred Apple Head Chihuahuas. But it wasn’t until college that her interest turned serious. After bonding deeply with her first dog, she became intrigued by the breeding process and sought mentorship. She learned through hands-on experience, long hours of research, and deep dives into genetics—understanding traits, temperament, and the importance of ethical breeding practices.

What She Loves About Her Job 

Kristen genuinely loves her "fur babies" and takes pride in raising dogs in a home environment. Each dog in her care is treated as family, with its own bed, bowl, and attention. She offers FaceTime and in-person visits to prospective owners and maintains transparency throughout the entire process. She believes in making dog ownership a supportive, community-centered experience, not just a transaction.

Biggest Challenge 

One of Kristen’s biggest challenges has been dealing with the misconceptions surrounding breeders—especially the stigma of "pandemic breeders." She entered the field before the COVID boom but still faced skepticism from some who assumed she was part of the trend. Despite that, Kristen remains committed to her mission. Her genuine love for dogs drives her every day, and she can’t imagine doing anything else. Breeding isn’t just a job for her—it’s a calling.

Typical Day/Week 

Kristen splits her time between her home-based dogs and those in Guardian Homes. A typical day includes hours of cleaning, feeding, training, and enrichment. She makes sure each dog gets individual attention, even taking them on social outings to places like Tractor Supply. The day starts early and includes everything from sanitation to one-on-one bonding—a full-time commitment that reflects her love and dedication.

Building Community Through Social Media 

One of the keys to Kristen’s success has been her savvy use of social media. She has curated an engaging Instagram presence that offers heartwarming glimpses into life at the nursery—from tiny, hand-sized puppies to sweet moments of mothers feeding their litters. Her feed also features joyful scenes of new pet parents meeting their pups for the first time, creating a sense of excitement and trust for potential adopters.

Meanwhile, her Facebook page serves as an active hub for ongoing connection. It’s a space where pet parents stay in touch with Kristen, share updates about their dogs, and connect with other families who have adopted from House of Paws. The result is more than just marketing—it’s a growing community rooted in love for dogs and responsible breeding.

Advice to Other Black Women Who Want to Do What She Does "Be transparent and do your research," Kristen advises. She emphasizes the importance of knowing your breed, understanding genetics, and seeking mentorship. She also urges future breeders to stay grounded in ethics: "This is not about charging for ego. It's about creating a healthy market and supporting pet families with honesty and care."

Future Goals

 Kristen plans to continue building a legacy through House of Paws. Some of her dogs are nearing retirement, and she looks forward to expanding her Guardian Home network. She hopes to mentor others, especially young Black women, who want to enter the breeding world with purpose and professionalism.

Fun Fact All of Kristen's dogs are named after foods or places. Her Shih Tzus might be named after sweets, while her toy poodles have names like cities. It’s a small but meaningful way she adds personality and charm to her already vibrant canine family.