Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Carrillo.
Hi Jessica, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My name is Jessica Michelle Carrillo. “Two “R’s” and two “L’s”. Carrillo. I am 29 years old, and the proud Owner and Founder of Puppy Love Pet Salon.
My company is a Minority, Woman Owned business.
Puppy Love has officially been open for 2 1/2 years and has won the “Nextdoor” “Neighborhood Favorite” Award, two years in a row! (2019/2020). This is awesome, but even more amazing when you consider that we received more votes than a large corporate company in the area.
I was overwhelmed with joy! The love and support from locals was incredible.
Now, this is all well and good, but before this… I was just a girl with a dream.
From a young age, it was clear I was drawn to nature and animals. Perhaps I was socially awkward even. Gravitating towards dogs/animals vs humans. Just last week, I hugged the tree in my front yard while peeking over my shoulder to see if anyone had seen me!
Even as a child, after a challenging day- there was nothing a tail wag couldn’t fix. You see – Dogs were my first friend. My best friend. My first true love, My first responsibility. They were/are My world.
The most precious thing about dogs? They love whole heartedly, and live in the moment!
I believe it was an intuitive “knowing” that this would be my life path.
On my street alone, I groom 10 of my neighbor’s dogs. I grew up playing with, walking, boarding, bathing and (practicing!) grooming their pets. Always honored that they had placed their trust in me.
It’s a super cool feeling to be well known, and respected for my skill and knowledge of working with animals.
Shout out to my parents (Mike & Yolanda) for being super supportive and allowing me to bring all of the fur things into the house. Stray dogs, cats (a surprise pregnant one once), rats, mice, sugar gliders, and ferrets. All the babies, all the love! So very grateful to have gained the experience in animal care.
My clients today, ARE my neighbors. They are the teachers, fellow business owners and the “stay at home” moms that make our community thrive.
I started out when I was 15. I was exploring what it was to get my first job. With the help/ nudge from a friend, I walked into what was then, our neighborhood dog grooming salon.
I was in middle school then, and only had my Saturdays and love of dogs to offer. Not knowing what I know now, ( that Saturdays in a grooming salon are absolute madness), I took a deep breath, and asked the owner for a job. She said no. That I was too young. End of story. She was busy, goodbye.
This was in fact, NOT the end of the story, but just the beginning. I went back the following Saturday. She looks at me, partially puzzled, partially annoyed, and tells me No again. (Thank you for being a part of my journey.)
So, I did what any 15 year old would do, and simply …… printed out the child labor laws that clearly stated I could in fact work for her, and highlighted everything that pertained to me. I got the job. I have been in the grooming industry for a total of 14 years and am considered a Master Groomer.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Covid brought about some interesting and unique challenges. We, like many businesses, had to close our doors. (March & April 2020). This was a huge deal as a new business as it was unclear whether or not we’d recover. Fortunately, we not only came back, we were greeted with so much love along the way. The weird thing? We were faced with a new challenge. The MASKS. The masks were freaking out the dogs! The check in process was becoming a “Please trust me sweet baby even though I may look a little strange to you!” thing. Not all dogs, but there was definitely a difference. It took me a while and was actually pointed out to me by a co-worker, Adam, who witnessed the check in process from a different point of view.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Puppy Love is a Holistic grooming salon and genuinely cares about your babies’ well-being. The people who work here? We’re a Pack. Like minded people who simply love dogs.
You’ve got to be “Top Dog” if you’d like to join the Pack, as standards are high.
Safety is our top priority. Our staff is trained in CPR, animal handling, and pet first aid.
The products we use on the dogs are gentle, all natural, and also very effective.
Here are a few specials we run every week!
We offer “Wellness Wednesday” where we do a Free Upgraded Shampoo or Conditioner for your pet, based on individual skin and coat needs. ($7 value)
Also, Every Friday is Free Facial Friday, where every pet in house gets a FREE Blueberry Facial! (This helps with tear/beard stains and odor). ($5 value)
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Part of owning a business, for me, was discovering the work/life balance. Once we’re overworked and overwhelmed- it isn’t fun anymore. As an entrepreneur, we pour our whole selves into what we do. …It is currently 4:00 am.
Occasionally, when we can step away and breathe, we can find ourselves. Again. Only then can we continue to deepen our practice for our passion in what moves us.
HA! No pun intended, but! -Speaking of moving!.. “Downward Facing Dog” anyone?? HA! Another one. Dog. get it?
My most recent adventure has taken me to Austin, TX, where I am currently in a Yoga Teacher Training and will be graduating this December.
Shout out to Mary Beth at Wild Heart Yoga for being an incredible human being and an amazing inspiration.
To move the body is to heal. So walk your dogs, throw the ball, dance, wiggle, breathe, and live in the moment.
Yes, I will still be rockin’ it at Puppy Love and no I will not abandon your sweet senior pet or your other special case babies that need me. I love you. Thank you.
Contact Info:
- Email: puppylovepetsalonsatx@gmail.com
- Website: https://puppy-love-pet-salon.business.site/
- Instagram: @puppylovepetsalonsatx
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/puppylovepetsalonsatx
- Twitter: @puppylovesatx
Image Credits
https://kcphotography5482.pixieset.com/jessica/
