When did the business launch and who’s behind it?
I launched the business in 2021. I’m the owner and head stylist and run the business with a small team who share the same love for dogs and animal welfare.
What inspired you to start the business?
I’ve always had a deep love for animals – especially dogs, from a young age. After working as an Operations Manager for many years, I realised I was missing a connection and purpose in my day-to-day life. I wanted to do something more hands-on, where I could genuinely make a difference. Grooming gave me that. It allowed me to combine my creativity with caring for dogs, helping them feel comfortable, happy and confident.
Are you a pet owner?
Yes. Growing up, I always had pets – rabbits, cats, guinea pigs and German Shepherds. I now have two small dogs – Hulk, a Chihuahua Maltese cross, and Love – my Toy Poodle. They are my babies and honestly, my entire world.
What three challenges did you face when setting up the business?
- Starting from scratch with no clients and building trust
- Learning how to run a business, not just groom
- Managing time, especially in the beginning – and doing everything alone
If you had the chance to do it all again, what would you do differently?
I would invest in education and mentorship earlier and focus more on putting systems around client communication, policies and terms & conditions in place from the start to make the business run smoother.
What is your USP?
What sets us apart is the level of care each pet receives. We don’t rush grooms, everything is tailored to the dog’s coat, temperament and needs. We also educate owners, as grooming is about long-term care, not just appearance. We’re constantly improving too, attending seminars, grooming conferences, and keeping up with new techniques to ensure we offer the best possible service.
What tip would you offer to an entrepreneur thinking of starting a pet grooming business?
Don’t undercharge your work. This profession is extremely difficult and requires a lot of skill and patience. I often see new groomers feeling pressured by clients or competition to lower their prices, but it’s so important to charge your worth. That allows you to reinvest in your training, education, and better equipment – which ultimately benefits both you and the pets in your care.
What would you say to your 15 year old self?
Trust your gut and always be yourself, which I feel like I’ve done. I wouldn’t change my journey because it brought me here.
But if I could give advice to younger people, I’d say take time to explore who you are. Try different things, understand what you enjoy, and what you’re naturally good at. That’s often where your real strengths and future opportunities come from.
Finish this sentence… I like being based in Wandsworth because…
It’s such a dog-friendly borough, with a strong community of owners who really care about their pets.