Meet Margo Chism, Founder & Owner of Sandy Paws

Real Women of Charleston Series

Q: Tell us a little about your profession & why you do what you do: 

A: My name is Margo Chism and I am the Founder/Owner of Sandy Paws! Sandy Paws is a personalized pet care business in Charleston founded in 2021! We specialize in drop-ins, walks, overnights, pet taxi services, exotic animals, wedding care, etc! We can really do it all! 

Q: When not at work, where can we mostly find you?

A: When I’m not walking dogs, answering emails, working pup events, meeting new clients, or caring for other animals… you can find me at The Works, traveling somewhere monthly, biking with my JRT Parma, coffee dates/working out with my husband, or wine nights my friends!

Q: Where is your favorite place to dine in Charleston?

A: This has to be the hardest question on here!!!!! Used to be Cru Cafe & Herd Provisions (RIP)… But I love 167 Raw, High Thyme, Obstinate Daughter, Avondale Wine & Cheese, Graft, Melfi’s, Huriyali, Holey City Bagels!! (I could go on and on!!!)

Q: If you could lounge anywhere in the world, where would it be?

A: 3 spots specifically: Costa Rica, Marrakesh, Barcelona. 

Q: What does comfort mean to you?

A: My dog, silence, binging a tv show, and thai takeout! 

Q: What might you say to someone who needs a little pick-me-up?

A: If someone needs a pick me up — ‘a special treat’ aka their favorite food or coffee is usually a good place to start! I am an acts of service person and a very tough love person!

Q: If you didn’t have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time?

A: Well I LOVE sleep. My sleep score every night is over 90! So if I didn’t have to sleep, I would probably spend more time with my dog or cook more food! 

Q: What makes you feel most empowered?

A: I’m a control freak, so I feel more empowered when the day goes on as planned and scheduled. Once the day ends for me around 7/8pm, and everything went ‘semi’ as planned — I feel very accomplished and empowered to take on the next day! 

Q: How do you recharge?

A: I am a super social person, but I 100% have to have my silence and quiet time. I love solo walks (with my dog of course), talking on the phone to my mom, lounging on the couch, and drinking coffee!

Q: What is the first thing you do when you get home from work? 

A: My work schedule is a little different. If I’m not out walking dogs or staying at a pup’s house… I’m answering emails, working on the next best thing for Sandy Paws, or chatting with the staff or clients. I love to come home and make a big lunch and just sit after a long morning! 

Q: What makes you most uncomfortable? 

A: This was the last question I answered. I don’t like disorganization or not knowing what’s next. I turn into fight or flight mode and panic! 

Q: What’s one thing you would change about yourself? 

A: I think the things I would change about myself are some of my strong suits, but I would love for them to take a ‘chill’ every once in awhile. I would love to not be such a control freak, I’m really hard on myself/others, and I would love to not have to sleep so much to operate lol!

Q: What’s your favorite recipe we need to know about? 

A: I’m Italian, so my family’s red sauce recipe is something I pull out in a whim for friends or family visiting! It’s the best, and perfect for all occasions! 

Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

A: Pay yourself first. My poppy used to say that all of the time. His name was Parma (named my dog after him, but he went by Tommy growing up), and he had a list of “Parma-isms” that everyone knew! 

Pay yourself first means…you’re prioritizing yourself, your well-being, mental health, and personal growth! I have some daily non-negotiables and ways I like to do things, and that just helps me to be the best version of myself for Sandy Paws, my husband, friends, and family! 

Q: What is one thing you cannot live without?

A: Dogs. I haven’t gone a day without seeing a dog, talking about a dog, wanting a dog, helping a dog, etc … probably my whole life! I grew up with my grandparents who bred/showed Rottweilers and Dobermans… so I was exposed to that lifestyle at a very young age. 

Q: What is your favorite thing to sleep in?

A: My husband will agree with this. I can sleep anywhere and sleep in anything. I probably fall asleep at night in 5-10 minutes, so truly anything! 

Q: What is your bucket list trip and why?

A: I’d love to see parts of Asia. I’ve never been over there at all, and would love to spend time exploring their cultures and food! I love any type of Asian/comfort food — so I would love to do a long trip there some day! 

Q: What kind of driver are you?

A: I hate to admit it, but my friends and family would laugh at me if I lied. I’m a terrible driver… always have been and I hope to not always be! Working on it! 

Q: What do you need to rant about or get off your chest?

A: I will probably ruffle some feathers about this one….

Stop buying dog breeds that you think are cute, popular, and fun, and then don’t take the proper care/needs into consideration! Every dog is different, just as every human is. Certain dog breeds need certain lifestyles, homes, etc. Some people do dogs a huge disservice by putting them into environments where they cannot thrive or grow.

Q: What’s your secret weapon?

A: My ability to talk to everyone. It can be annoying to be out with me sometimes because I definitely feel like I have to talk to every dog, baby, acquaintance, etc. I love people and I love to meet new people!!

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