From pubs to pugs: Bollington dog groomer to celebrate eighth anniversary
A woman who quit her job in hospitality to start her own dog grooming company is to celebrate eight years in business.
Business owner Hayley Jane-Gibson quit her cosy pub job at The Cock and Pheasant in Bollington to start Wet Paws Dog Grooming Services.
Now almost eight years later, she has hired four staff, and has many customers asking her to open a second location.
We met with the Crossfield Road businesswoman to find out the secret of her success.
"I had always wanted to do dog grooming from leaving school since the age of 16, but I didn't have the funds," she said.
"It was only after 12 years of working behind the bar at The Cock and Pheasant pub, getting married and having children that I went out to get my qualifications.
"I knew the lady who had the premises as a hairdressers before me, opened in spring 2015, and here I am nearly eight years later.
"The business started out as just me doing four to five dogs a day, but we've since gone from strength to strength, taking on new staff including one who is also full-time.
"We can now groom as many as 15 dogs in a day now. But that figure will depend on the size and coat conditions of the dog.
"We offer services from just nail trims right through to full grooms. The full groom consists of a bath, dry, nails and ears. It costs between £35 and £40 depending on the dog. Every dog is individually priced.
"We do lots of face trims for doodle-mixes, as they are a very trendy breed right now.
"We'll be offering gift vouchers for Christmas, and hampers containing shampoos or food that we sell as well. Our treats go down a storm too.
"We're delighted to offer a discount for pensioners as well.
"The saying is true that 'everyone has a dog in Bollington', but I do tend to get a lot of customers from Macclesfield coming over too, which we are very grateful for."
The business did well during the pandemic, as groomers had to stay open for a lot of the lockdowns due to welfare reasons. Habits the business adopted in lockdown have continued.
Wet Paws have kept the hygiene standards up, and even continue the dog collection van for those who can't drive or walk to their Crossfield Road salon.
"We know lots of our customers by name", added Hayley.
"We sometimes accidentally call the dog the owner's name and vice-versa. Especially if they look like each other!
"We work closely with Macclesfield animal rescue charity Windyway, and offer a discount for their rescue dogs.
"My job is the best in the world because it is so rewarding.
"It is special when you get the nervous dog come in, and you slowly introduce them to the grooming, and then see them come to love it.
"That's why we also offer a puppy grooming course where we steadily introduce bits of grooming to anyone who gets a new dog.
"We offer free advice to our customers, we are only just a phone call away. We are here to provide a top service for your dog and give you advice.
"I pride myself on working with the customers to teach them home grooming tips as well, to get the best for their dog.
"In the near future, we would like to expand on the food we sell here, as one of our employees is a dog nutritionist.
"Everyone says to me get a second shop, but as much as that is easier said than done, I want to keep quality high as everyone is used to how me and Hannah [the other full-time groomer] grooms.
"It is nice to serve the community and be that small business everyone knows.
"Thank you to all our customers for their support."
Customer Jennie McLean, owner of Elphie (pictured above) had this to say about Hayley's business.
"'Hayley has been so kind and considerate with our 15-year old anxious rescue dog Elphie," said Jennie.
"She took the time to get Elphie used to going there, and uses scissors to trim her as she is scared of the clippers."
To see more of the cute canines Hayley and her team work their magic on, head to their Facebook and Instagram.
If you want your canine to be groomed by Hayley and her team, please email [email protected].
You can also call Wet Paws Bollington on 07757 221830.
Their premises is located on 3A Crossfield Rd, Bollington, Macclesfield SK10 5EA.
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