Hey there, and welcome to the "About Me" page of Keota Services! I’m Annaliese Lazzara, the founder of this company. I grew up in Spring Hill, Florida, near Tampa, in a loving and supportive household with my parents, who are incredibly important to me.
In the summer of 2021, as I was preparing to start my senior year of high school, I moved to Fountain Hills. Before moving, my grandmother suggested that if I completed my last year there and lived with her, I could benefit from in-state tuition for college. Naturally, I listened to her advice and made the move. While my parents stayed in Florida, I attended Fountain Hills High School and began working at DJ's Bagel Cafe.
Leaving my parents behind and starting this new chapter as a teenager was tough, especially considering my family’s past struggles. When I was 12, my father suffered a devastating motorcycle accident. He endured broken bones, a brain injury, and hearing loss, which left him in constant pain and unable to work. My mother took on all the financial responsibilities, working tirelessly and enduring immense stress. Her strength and resilience deeply influenced me. As their only child, I did what I could to help, whether that meant supporting my dad or pitching in around the house. It was tough to see them struggle, and it took away precious time we could have spent together. Despite these challenges, my parents faced their difficulties with remarkable strength and always prioritized my needs, even when it meant setting aside their own desires. Their unwavering support allowed me to pursue my dreams, including moving to Arizona and going to college.
After graduation, I enrolled in Scottsdale Community College in 2022 while continuing to work at DJ's. During my second semester, my grandmother's health began to decline. I took on the responsibility of caring for her—cooking, managing household tasks, running errands, and ensuring she was as comfortable and content as possible. Tragically, she passed away in the summer of 2023. We had been incredibly close throughout my childhood in Florida, and our bond only deepened when I moved in with her during my senior year. She was and is my role model—loving, supportive, and full of wisdom, always providing advice, whether I wanted it or not.
Her passing left me in a difficult place. Being away from my parents during this time made it even harder; I felt alone and uncertain about my future. I struggled with finding direction, changing college majors, and feeling lost. My dad suggested starting a house sitting and pet sitting business as a potential career while keeping a more general degree as a backup. I decided to give it a try and switched majors, but I still didn’t feel fulfilled with the direction my life was taking at that time.
Then, a few months later, I met Gavin, who completely transformed my outlook on life. When I visited my parents for Christmas, they saw how genuinely happy and ecstatic I was. I ended up coming back to Arizona early to be with Gavin and his family, who quickly became a second family to me.
As I went back to school, I found myself getting frustrated. It felt that my efforts weren’t leading anywhere, so I decided to quit and focus on starting the business my dad had suggested, with a broader mission of helping others in need, just as I had helped my father and grandmother.
Despite initial resistance from my parents and some family members who doubted my decision, I was determined to pursue what I wanted. Being as strong-headed and stubborn as my grandmother, dad, and mom were and are, I wasn’t going to let anything stop me. Gavin and his family provided unwavering support, and their encouragement was instrumental in helping me follow this path. Eventually, my parents came to understand my reasons and fully supported my decision, although some family members continued to have their doubts.
Gavin played a huge and crucial role in getting Keota Services off the ground—helping me build the website, brainstorm ideas, offering constant support, and being there for me every step of the way. Although there have been challenges and changes along the way, my commitment to helping others has never wavered. I see my grandmother and father in all my clients; they’re looking for someone who not only cares about their pets and home but also genuinely wants to help, understand them, and support them through their needs. I strive to ensure that each time I meet them, they feel truly happy and satisfied with the help they receive.
Thank you so much for visiting my page and learning about my journey. Your support means the world to me. With Keota Services, my goal is to continue making a positive impact on the lives of those who need and want it, while also building strong relationships with clients and the community.
With love and appreciation,
Annaliese Lazzara
Keota Services
