Wags RENEE WANTS TO KNOW
What’s it like to own a pet boutique?
of Fun
by Renee Roberson Photography by Renee Roberson
Left: Wagamuffins Dog Boutique features everything from treats, home decor and accessories. Right: Owner Megan Meiran.
Have you ever thought to yourself, “I love animals so much I’d love to own a pet store!” Megan Meiran, owner of Wagamuffins Dog Boutique, had that same dream until fate decided she should make it a reality. The Mooresville resident is originally from Pennsylvania and was living with her parents and helping take care of her grandfather while also working a corporate job. About five years ago, Meiran, who owns two female rescue dachshunds, began creating and selling dog bandanas, bows and bow-ties to sell through an Etsy Shop. They quickly grew in popularity. She envisioned what it would be like to own her own storefront. Her grandfather ended up passing away and leaving her a small inheritance, and then she was laid off from her job. She thought to herself, “This may be the time to see if I can make a go of pet boutique business.” This year, the storefront Wagamuffins Dog Boutique turns two. It started out on Main Street in downtown Mooresville but has recently moved to a smaller, more efficient space on North Broad Street. Meiran, who works as the sole employee, sells her homemade dog accessories, treats, harnesses, leashes, as well as a variety of products from at least 20 local vendors from the Charlotte area. All products are made in the USA. 68
LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS | JULY 2021
One of the things she’s most proud of is the way owning and operating her store has allowed her to be an advocate for other pet nonprofits and rescues, hosting them in the store so they can share information with customers. Some of the recent events she’s participated in include a sneaker recycling drive for Save the Clefts Rescue, a donation collection for Lake Norman Humane, a holiday drive for Big Hearts Big Barks and much more. She shares information on fundraising events on the store’s Facebook page for Wagamuffins Dog Boutique and the Instagram page, @ shopwags. The store is pup friendly and she says Saturday is the busiest day. But she loves meeting the pets and their owners when they come in and is happy for any bit of assistance she can offer to help get the word out about all the pet organizations in our area. Meiran also gives a large amount of credit to the Downtown Association of Mooresville for all the support they’ve given her since the very beginning. Up next, she’s already hard at work helping organize the Downtown Mooresville Weiner Race later this fall. Wagamuffins Dog Boutique 176 N. Broad Street, Mooresville www.shopwags.com
