Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in pet care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Taylor Kier, co-owner of Little Barks Grooming and Boutique, located in Columbia, SC, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Little Barks Grooming and Boutique is a luxury Dog salon, spa, and Boutique. We provide a luxury experience inside our grooming salon and spa, and the Boutique. Our grooming salon focuses on providing everything the pup needs while in our luxury salon. We do with by having a highly educated staff that believes in continued education and providing the best care to the pups in our care as we can. Giving your dog the unique and luxurious groom that they deserve.
Customizing their shampoo, conditioner to your dog's skin and coat requirements with our pet-safe products by IV Sans Bernard. Each Groom in our Salon is unique and catered to your pup. Each pup is unique, and its groom should honor this. Our Boutique is proud to sell house brand S.C. Certified Products in the form of our treats and cotton luxury collars. We also sell unique products that most people have never heard of and that will enrich the life of your pup. We do this with treats created by a Vet, Training Resources, and snuffle toys. We believe that dogs have such and short life that all of it should be filled with luxury. It is also important to note that we do not do this for the press, but we do all of this to honor God. At Little Barks, we believe in doing our best with our God-given gift, and this means the best in all forms of our job and always looking to improve ourselves.
Tell us about yourself
I am the owner and lead stylist of Little Barks Grooming and Boutique. I took over the Boutique and Salon From my Mother, Miss Kim, in 2015. But that's not how I got my start working with dogs. I started in 4-H at the age of 11. It was quick to see that this was my God-given Gift. I quickly began winning small shows and placing in state fairs and 4-h competitions. I continued training and even earned A.K.C. titles on my family dogs in obedience and rally. Pushed to follow my gift, I began looking for something to combine my Gift with a passion for art and creativity. That's when I found dog grooming. I apprenticed for over a year with a groomer to learn the basics but still wanted to learn more I took it upon myself to learn new techniques and better myself.
I worked hard and slowly became better as I learned by watching industry leaders like Jodi Murphy, Jonathan David, and many more. As I knew, I quickly realized my true God-given gift was helping dogs with problem skin and coat. I decided to learn from industry leaders, have completed two skin and coat certificates, and am a Certified Canine Esthetician. I am currently working towards my Masters's Estheticians diploma.
My dream of helping dogs with skin issues started with a Boston and became a purpose for me. My Boston battled skin issues, Calcinosis cutis, and Cushing. I was able to help with my knowledge and partnership with the local Veterinary team. It is now my hope with the knowledge I have learned, I was able to help many pups with the problem and special needs skin and coat. I know personally how hard it is for our beloved pups to fight with these issues and not be able to help. I bring a different way of thinking to groom with my love and knowledge.
Every day, what motivates me to come to work is knowing I can make a difference for a pup with skin and coat issues and help improve their lives. I know how hard it is to deal with skin issues. I battle eczema, reactive skin, skin allergies, and acne. I understand how skin discomfort can affect your personality and quality of life, and for dogs, it is no different. I love helping them get the relief they deserve. I also just love to learn about anything related to skin and coat care.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I do not think I have reached my biggest accomplishment yet. I still know I can do better in Honoring God with my business. That, to me, is the biggest accomplishment I could possibly make. However, every day I feel accomplished when I can help a pet or educate an owner and improve the pup's quality of life.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The hardest thing about being a business owner is that not many people talk about this the mental toll it can sometimes take on you. For years all my mind was focused on was running a business and going it the best I could. That took a mental toll on me. I was so focused on succeeding that I lost the joy I once had for my business. As business owners, we put a huge weight on our own shoulders, and it can change everything in your life when you do that. I would suggest that, unlike me, you make sure from the beginning to always look for joy and never focus on succeeding.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Honestly, I do not think you need three tips; I simply think you need to listen and follow God's path. But if I had to break that down deeper, this is what I would say to someone starting a business. God makes us each unique. Never apologize for being that unique person and bringing that into your business. You will not make it as a business trying to be someone else. You will only succeed in being the person God created you to be and showing that in your industry. Remember, you do not run a business for everyone you run it to Honor your path in God. You will have people try to push you from that path but remember you may not be able to do it yourself, but you can do it all with God. Find your strength in him, and you will be successful when all others fail.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
I think dog and cat owners need to realize not all grooming salons are the same. We are unregulated, and anyone can say they are a groomer. I would always make sure you research the place that will be taking care of your pup or kitty for a few hours. Look for groomers that do continued education. Some great resources are the Fear Free pets website or talking to your Vet. Asking some key questions to a groomer can also let you know about their character and how they run a business.
Those questions would be:
- Do you have a background in dog behavior?
- Do you muzzle a dog?
- Do you use the same shampoo on all dogs?
- Do you use conditioner?
And a few others. But none of this is as important as how your dog acts when going to the groomer. Your pup or kitty will tell you if they live in the people or the place.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://littlebarksgrooming.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dogspawday/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/littlebarksgrooming/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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