Shelby Hernandez was working as a dog groomer and was often disappointed in the cleanliness and level of care available to her community. She always dreamed of opening her own grooming business but didn’t know where to start. With the support of her husband and mother, Shelby decided to bring Bark’n Beauty Spaw to life as a mobile dog grooming provider.
“We thought it would be super helpful to have business consulting. We were looking to start our first business, and we needed help with everything,” says Shelby.
After Shelby’s husband recommended the Orange County Inland Empire Small Business Development Center Network (OCIE SBDC), she connected with OCIE SBDC business consultant Anna-Lena Gruendler.
Shelby shared her idea with Anna-Lena and they got to work. “Shelby is passionate about grooming and dogs, but she saw poor standards of care at pet stores and other dog groomers,” says Anna-Lena. “She wanted more for her pets and community — especially when it comes to dogs with skin problems and allergies.”
Anna-Lena walked Shelby through every step of the process including forming a legal entity, securing a business license, business and financial planning, implementation, and marketing.
The most rewarding part of the OCIE SBDC’s one-on-one consulting for Shelby was the support, help, and patience that Anna-Lena provided. Consulting helped her stay on track and provided invaluable advice.
“She listened to what we wanted in our business and helped us achieve each idea,” Shelby says of Anna-Lena’s guidance. “She gave us fantastic feedback on things we could do to take our business to the next level and helped us think of things we didn’t realize were very important. She was so encouraging and positive. It’s been such a wave of emotions, but I am so excited and proud.”
Anna-Lena is proud of how far Bark’n Beauty Spaw has come. “They can now live their dream and serve Orange County with their services,” says Anna-Lena. “I look forward to seeing their business grow.”
Bark’n Beauty Spaw is open for business and accepting new clients throughout Orange County.
Looking to start or grow your own service-based small business?
Connect with the OCIE SBDC today. We offer business consulting, training, and access to resources to entrepreneurs and business owners throughout the Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties at no cost. As the go-to resource for small businesses, the OCIE SBDC provides solutions and opportunities for small businesses throughout the region to become successful. Call 1-800-616-7232 or schedule a 15-minute intake appointment.
Funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Funded in part through a grant with the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development.
Mike Daniel is the network director of the Orange County Inland Empire SBDC Network, which assists aspiring entrepreneurs and current business owners throughout Orange, San Bernardino and Riverside counties. Mike was formerly the director of the SBDC office at Long Beach City College. As business owner and entrepreneur himself, he started his career as the owner of a Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory location in Manhattan Beach and went on to open a second location in Long Beach in 2001. In 2007, Mike sold the Manhattan Beach store for an above-market offer then invested in several additional locations as a minority shareholder. Mike further expanded his candy empire with venture located in Shoreline Village in Long Beach called Sugar Daddies Sweet Shoppe, based on fill-it yourself candy options.
Mike has a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from California State University, Fullerton.
