It’s still such an overwhelming feeling as I lock up at the end of the day. I smile and still can’t quite believe it’s true – Smarty Paws is my very own dog grooming salon!
You may be unaware Smarty Paws salon was actually a double unit, (to our right) never did I think when I asked (just before christmas 2016) if the landlord would be willing to split the units would he say yes!
With the total transformation the shop needed in order for it to be used as a dog grooming salon it was a long wait of 8 weeks, and having only been in for 7 months, there’s still lots more to do.
Ever since doing work experience at school, and then becoming a Saturday girl at the age of 14, I always knew it’s what I wanted to do.
To do a job I’m so passionate about and love as a career is an absolute bonus!
I was very fortunate to learn the way I did, as dog grooming can be difficult skill to achieve – and a very costly one too. I did have to obtain further training and pay out for my qualification as I wanted to be a qualified, professional groomer before I opened my own salon.
Working in 3 different salons over 11 years gave me the opportunity to see, in my opinion, what works and what doesn’t.
Being a dog owner myself, and dogs being my absolute life, I wanted the best possible set up for the them, the dogs. From the best equipment to the best products. My personal favourite part of the Smarty Paws salon is its accessibility for large breeds. Skye, my first dog, began the grooming journey with me at 14 and being my own and having the space I’m able to bring her to work with me. Recently being diagnosed with kidney disease, she perks up being able to come to work with me and keep stimulated throughout the day.
I always try my very best and try to achieve exactly what the owner wants. If you ever have any questions or would like to try something different, please do not hesitate to ask!
Being a small business owner has been extremely hard work. I do everything from cleaning the toilet to submitting my own accounts. I answer the phone, emails, update social media/website to being front of house and grooming your dog. The days off I do allow myself are usually spent injecting money back into the business, buying stock, redecorating, upgrading equipment etc.
But I do it all because I love what I do. I recently received a phone call from Nottingham Post to say I had received a number of nominations for the Women in Business Award and would love to be part of the awards, as being part of the best of Broxtowe Borough Awards and winning Best new business in June was truly amazing! If you would like to vote please follow the link below:
Women In Business awards – Small Business of the year category,
https://www.wibawards.co.uk/nomination-form
