Today we’d like to introduce you to Carshon Hampton.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I first started learning grooming at Aubrey’s pet grooming here in Sycamore Illinois and at that time I was laid off from work for 7 months and couldn’t stand to be at home anymore. At that time I was a licensed plumber and the economy kind of took a swing and I had to find a different line of work. So I happen to walk into her shop and she offered me a job of bathing dogs. That’s just started a whole new career for me because she said that I picked up on things very quickly.
I started grooming dogs at her facility but then she got pregnant and had to sell her business to another business is where I went to go work for. I work there at gone to the dogs for 3 years and then left that business and started up my own thing. I have been grooming for 9 years, and have owned my own business for 6 out of those 9 years. I’ve worked at other grooming facilities and nothing is quite like mine.
I am the only one at my facility, so I am the only one that bathes, grooms and walks your dog. I love the one-on-one which each dog so I can know what each dog’s sensitivities are. I couldn’t imagine doing any other job than what I’m doing now. I treat every dog that comes to my door like my own. I always say if I wouldn’t do it to mine I wouldn’t do it to yours. And my motto is Wag More Bark Less.
I just love my job. I know there are certain drawbacks to dog grooming but this is my career and this is what I love.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It’s been a pretty smooth Road I have a great clientele and furry friends. When I first open my business I had clients waiting for me to open and now to this day, I’m booked out 2 to 3 weeks. During the holiday season, I’m scheduled out about a month in advance. I think the hardest thing in the world is to get great clientele and I have had that. My referral rate is so high and I just love my clients
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Modern Mutt Spa – what should we know?
I am a maintenance dog groomer. And I specialize in scared dogs that really don’t like to be groomed. I think what I’m most known for is treating everyone and every animal as an individual, not as just a time slot.
Sometimes it doesn’t matter how long it takes me to bathe the dog as long as they are comfortable. I think the thing that I am most proud of is that I’m successful and I have customers coming back to me. And that clients tell me that nobody else will ever handle my dog again. That makes me feel good that they trust me 100%.
I think what sets me apart from everybody else is the fact that I am in this business on my own and it’s not about getting them in and out as fast as possible it’s about making them enjoy dog grooming…. remember Wag More Bark Less.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
When I first wanted to start up my business I really didn’t have the funds to do it. I had a great friend, a client of mine that gave me a loan to start my business. She was a business partner with me for about 2 years and then I bought her out of the company.
But I wouldn’t be where I was today without her and her generosity. She saw the love that I had for my profession and wanted me to start my own line. I have to say when I start up my business it was pretty scary because my husband had only owned his business for a few years. To have two people in a household that own their own businesses that’s crazy. But we have made it work and we love what we do
Contact Info:
- Address: 131 South Sacramento Street
Sycamore Illinois 60178 - Phone: 8159018597
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/Modernmuttspa
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