AFTER enjoying a curry with her husband, Amanda Peel had a light bulb moment and so started her new business venture.

While dining at Tadley Tandoori, in Mount Pleasant, conversation turned to the vacant unit downstairs from the curry house.

Quickly Amanda and her husband were talking about business plans and within three months Claws N Paws was open.

The new pet supply store offers a wide range of different pet food and accessories.

“It is only a small store, but there is a lot in there and we have plenty to offer our customers,” said the 41-year-old.

Opening its doors on September 11, Amanda said there was between 70 to 80 visitors on the opening day, and things have not stopped since.

She added: “It is really busy all the time, whether its helping a customer in store or dealing with the stock we need a placing orders, there are days when you hardly get a moment to sit down.

“But the response to opening the store has been amazing, and all the customers have been wonderful and given really nice comments about the shop.”

This is a completely new venture for the Baughurst resident, who up until two weeks before opening the store she was working as an officer manager and had worked in accounting her entire working life.

However, she is no stranger to pets being the owner of two miniature dachshunds, three chickens, an indoor aquarium with tropical fish and a pond for koi carp.

She continued: “I am by no means a dog nutritionist, but I am quickly learning the things I know.

“There have been times when I have relied on the knowledge of some of the customers, but they have been supportive and can see that I am passionate and learning on the job.”