ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — At The Tailgait Market, Brynn Berryman spends her days surrounded by wagging tails and the people who love them.

Berryman has worked at the locally owned pet supply store for about five years. Though the shop doesn’t emphasize formal job titles, her role centers on keeping the store stocked, organized and welcoming for customers and their pets.

“We don’t really do titles,” Berryman said with a laugh.

“She keeps the store looking perfect,” her boss said.

Before joining Tailgait Market, Berryman spent years working in corporate retail. That changed during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the company she worked for went out of business.

Around the same time, she had begun shopping at Tailgait Market and striking up conversations with employees and owner Andrea. What started as friendly chats eventually turned into an opportunity.

“I was looking for a change out of corporate retail and getting back into small business, which is where I started,” Berryman said. “And getting closer to pets, which is something I’m passionate about.”

She joined the store part-time and gradually transitioned into a full-time position.

For Berryman, the best part of the job isn’t just the products on the shelves — it’s the animals and the people who bring them in.

“Obviously the dogs,” she said. “Getting to pet and play with all the dogs is great. But it’s also getting to know our community through their pets and helping support the people who live around here.”

When she’s not working, Berryman enjoys taking advantage of everything Asheville has to offer — from craft fairs and concerts to outdoor events and farmers markets.

“I love supporting local arts and music,” she said.

She also spends plenty of time with her own dogs: a 17-year-old hound mix and a 6-year-old Staffordshire terrier.

For Berryman, working at a neighborhood pet store is about more than selling supplies — it’s about building connections.

“You really get to learn your customers and their lives,” she said. “There’s a fun connection that happens, and you get to support them, too.”

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