Meet Tracie Williams of Professional Pet Spa in Marietta

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tracie Williams.

Tracie, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I grew up in the dog grooming, training, showing industry. My mother owned her own professional grooming shop and raised and showed top winning AKC Yorkshire terriers. I was washing dogs when I was 11 and doing full grooms by the time I was 15. I have always had a special connection and understanding of dogs. While I have groomed and trained dogs off and on my whole life, I did do other things. I joined the United States Air Force when I was 19. I served 6 years. After honorable discharge, I went back to grooming. I have always had a special passion and talent for it so it was easy to find a job. I was married and had a child, a daughter. Life was good! After a divorce in 2009, I moved to Marietta with my daughter and everything I could fit into my truck. I had to start over as a single parent. Life got quite hard. Making ends meet working for someone else was challenging. It was around 2012 that I knew it was time to work for myself. I knew I wanted to open my own grooming business. I just had to figure out how to save enough money to get it started. So, I started saving. Just a little at a time, but it grew! I researched and studied business plans for months that turned in to years. I had a pretty good Idea about the model I had in mind. I wanted to be mobile! Now to implement my plan and take a leap of faith. I purchased a 6×12 grooming trailer. State of the art equipment in a self-contained and temperature controlled setting, it is literally a salon on wheels. I set a date and gave notice to my then employer and took the leap on my own in 2014. It was scary at first. I will admit. I knew though if I just kept doing what I was supposed to do that it would all work out. I give thanks to God for his part in that for sure! There was a learning curve as a mobile verse an in-shop groomer. Timing for each groom, scheduling, routes, areas etc. I just kept doing my very best job every time. I always do. I am passionate about what I do and take great pride in my work. My business took off! Between the word of mouth referrals, a beautiful wrap on my trailer, a website and some social media, I am busier than ever and could not be happier to wake up every day and go to work. I now prebook my clients for the whole year on their selected rotation any were from every week to every 6 weeks. In the future, I would like to expand my business to offer doggy day care and an additional groomer.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Honestly, it has been pretty smooth. I mean financially in the beginning I would spend time sitting in parking lots waiting to be seen or driving roads and neighborhoods in my area waiting for the phone to ring. Praying. I was confident though. With some strict budgeting and smart use of the money I had it was not long at all before I was making enough to pay all my bills, start paying of startup debts and save a little for the future.

Professional Pet Spa – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
My mobile spa offers the latest in grooming technology. Featuring state of the art equipment in a self-contained and temperature controlled setting, so the pet will relax and enjoy their groom. I use all natural products. Each pet is given one-on one attention and care. I am member of NDGAA. I attend grooming seminars, expos and grooming competitions around the USA to stay abreast of the latest grooming trends and techniques.

In addition to grooming Professional Pet Spa offers gentle touch and rehabilitation of shy, sensitive dogs, safety equipment for geriatric and disabled dogs, and puppy grooming training, basic grooming lessons and nutrition and care tips. I want the best for every dog.

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I think success is a combination of factors. Personal satisfaction, pride and financial freedom. Not sure how to really answer criteria and markers. It is more of a feeling I wake up with. The satisfaction when I complete a groom and can step back and really appreciate the quality of work. The feeling after I pay all my bills early and have extra to set aside. The feeling when I pull out of my driveway and head out on my route and know I am working for myself. I feel very proud.

Contact Info:

• Address: West Cobb Area
• Website: www.professionalpetspa.com
• Phone: 770-710-9003
• Email: professionalpetspa@gmail.com
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/professionalpetspa
• Twitter: @groomerslife