Today we’d like to introduce you to Ursula Sanchez.
Ursula, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I’m a first generation Puerto Rican born in Chicago to teenage parents. I was raised in my grandparent’s modest home in Humbolt Park until my grandfather was mugged and murdered in the early 1970’s. I was 4 years old when that happened. I realized then that life wasn’t a fairytale and I wouldn’t be a princess living in a castle.
Both of my parents worked for Playboy in the 70’s during the era of peace, love and disco. My mother, a Playboy Bunny, was promoted to the position of Bunny Mother. Her promotion there marks the time, I believe, where it all came together for me. I pretty much grew up meeting rock stars, movie stars and dignitaries not even knowing who they were until many years later. I believe my experiences there prepared me for the successful startup of a retro, swanky, martini bar called The Leopard Lounge.
I occasionally joke – I went from bunny tails to cat tails to the present – dog tails. I opened the Bucktown Bow & Meow in 2008 It’s a grooming, daycare, physical therapy & retail shop that was created for the total well-being of your pet. My pets were my best friends and saviors growing up and nothing feels more right than giving back to my four legged friends. I am happy to share the knowledge I have gained throughout the years with my local pet community.
Has it been a smooth road?
It has not been easy. Being a minority women without a formal education or trust fund there were definitely no short cuts for me.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Bucktown Bow & Meow is an upscale pet spa that specializes in custom grooming, physical therapy, nutrition (focused on raw diet) as well as daycare.
Customized service for every client focusing on holistic pet care depending on your pet’s needs. We are licensed and certified through the state of Illinois unlike most of your pet care facilities.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Yes, Chicago is dog town. Everyone with a stroller has a dog leash attached to it too.
Sure there is plenty of dog poop to go around, but the city could make it a little easier for small businesses to do business by lowering their fees.
Contact Info:
- Address: Bucktown Bow & Meow
1647 W. Cortland
Chicago, IL 60622 - Website: bucktownbowmeowpetspa.com
- Phone: 773-252-7500
- Email: bucktownbowmeow@gmail.com
- Instagram: bucktownbowmeowpets
- Facebook: Bucktown-Bow-Meow-Pet-Spa
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
