Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Yepes.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Laura. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
My journey started at a young age. I remember as a kid dreaming about a pet hotel. In high school, I converted our backyard barn into a mini dog hotel. I watched various dogs and gained a supportive clientele that saw my passion from the start. I knew working with animals was the career for me. My long term goal was to open the “real deal,” a commercial pet hotel. I knew that to get there, I had to start somewhere, so I went to grooming school. After graduation, I opened my mobile dog grooming business.
With my savings, I bought an old shuttle bus and converted it into a dog salon on wheels. I was petrified but also excited for the new journey! I started with no client base; just me, my bus, and my determination to go far! Now three years later, my small mobile grooming company is filled with supportive clients. The old shuttle bus has moved to retirement, a new van has taken her place, and we now have the pet hotel! Perseverance, hard work, and a willingness to work have gotten us here. Thanks to my wonderful parents who have stuck by me, we are finally making dreams reality!
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
When I graduated high school, I first went to Texas A&M. My goal for the longest of time was to become a veterinarian for the future pet hotel. That quickly changed when I started my first semester and realized the high competition, low acceptance rate, and high tuition that went into pursuing a veterinary degree.
I realized I did not have to be a veterinarian to do what I love and work with animals, but the idea of changing my path was scary. I was worried about letting people down, but after weighing my options and talking to my parents I knew the right choice. After long thought, weighing my options, and talking to my parents, I knew the right choice. I finished my first year at A&M and went to grooming school to kickstart my career. By becoming a groomer, I was able to start the company and start building a client base for the future pet hotel. Now at the age of 21, I am proud to say I am a successful entrepreneur. Where there is a will, there is a way!
Please tell us about Yepes Animal Hotel.
Our company is known for being a small family run business. I run the mobile unit, my mom (Ingrid) runs the location, and my dad (Cesar) is our maintenance man/backup.
My company started back in high school, where I converted our barn into dog boarding rooms. I started with nothing, just a willingness to work and a positive attitude. I remember talking to clients and showing them my set up like it was the Taj Mahal. These same clients that had supported me in high school now proudly see how far I have come. People feel comfortable leaving their pets with us because they see our passion. We connect with our clients and give them peace of mind their babies are in great hands. We take pride in providing personalized service to each pet’s needs.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Rescuing all the dogs, we’d find on the street and doctoring then back to health.
Pricing:
- Deluxe suite: $36 per night plus tax
- Executive: $46 per night plus tax
- Vip: $56 per night plus tax
- Cats: $15 per night plus tax
Contact Info:
- Address: 20240 Old Sorters Rd.
Porter Texas 77365 - Website: www.yepesanimalhotel.com
- Phone: 8322747843
- Email: yepesanimal@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/yepesanimalhotel?igshid=1uy9bi6ka8gf1
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/yepesanimal/about/
Suggest a story: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
