Monica Santiago shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Monica, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Outside of work, what’s bringing me joy lately is my family. My grandbabies light up my world with their laughter and little personalities—it’s such a gift to watch them grow. My husband and I both have busy work schedules, but when we can find time together, we make the most of it, and those moments mean so much. My two oldest daughters, who are now mothers themselves, continue to inspire me with the women they’ve become, and our youngest, who is in high school and very involved in her activities, makes us so proud with her dedication and drive. Add in time with my dogs, and my heart feels full. All of this reminds me why I love what I do—because just like with my own family, my business is about creating a safe, happy place where dogs are loved and cared for like family too.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Monica, and I’m the proud owner of a pet care facility that offers grooming, boarding, daycare, and training. My journey here has been shaped by both my professional background and my love for animals. Before opening my business, I spent many years in retail leadership and later worked as an Executive Administrator for 10 years. Those experiences gave me a strong foundation in management, organization, and customer care, which I carry with me into my business today.
In 2017, I taught myself how to groom and opened my first grooming salon. Within the second year, we expanded to offer daycare and boarding, and that’s when I truly knew I had found my passion. In 2020, I opened my own facility that combined grooming, boarding, daycare, and now training—and it has grown into something more than I ever imagined.
What makes my business special is the heart behind it. Every dog that walks through our doors is cared for like they’re my own, and I take pride in creating a place where families feel at ease knowing their pets are safe, loved, and happy. Watching the business grow, building relationships with our customers, and seeing the joy on the dogs’ faces—that’s what makes this journey so meaningful to me.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
My earliest memory of feeling powerful comes from a time when I realized God had equipped me with the strength and courage to face challenges. Even as a young person, I remember moments when I felt His guidance and protection, and that gave me a sense of confidence that I could overcome obstacles. It wasn’t about having control over everything, but about trusting that God was with me and giving me the ability to take the next step.
That sense of God’s blessing and guidance has carried through every part of my life, especially in my business. Teaching myself to groom, opening my first salon, and eventually growing my own full-service facility all required faith and trust in His plan. Each success, each challenge, and every joyful moment reminds me that the power I feel comes from Him and the opportunities He’s blessed me with.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
Some of the defining wounds of my life have come from challenges and transitions that tested me deeply—moments where I had to let go, start over, or face uncertainty. These experiences were difficult, but through them I learned to lean on God, trust His plan, and seek His guidance in every step. Healing for me has come through faith, prayer, and surrounding myself with a loving family and supportive community.
Those wounds shaped me into the person I am today—stronger, more compassionate, and more grateful for the blessings in my life. They taught me that healing isn’t always about erasing the pain, but about letting God transform it into strength, wisdom, and purpose. That perspective has been central not only in my life but in my business, as I strive to create a space of care, trust, and love for every dog and family I serve
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends would say that what really matters to me is family, faith, and the well-being of those I love—including both people and pets. They’d say I care deeply about nurturing relationships, creating spaces where others feel safe and valued, and living with integrity and purpose. They’d also notice how much joy I find in the little everyday moments—time with my grandbabies, my daughters, my husband, and my dogs—and how those moments fuel everything I do. At the heart of it, they’d say I value love, connection, and making a positive difference in the lives around me
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope the story people tell about me is that I lived a life full of love, faith, and service to others. I want to be remembered as someone who cared deeply for her family, her friends, and her community, and as someone who poured her heart into everything she did—especially in creating a space where dogs and their families felt loved and valued.
I hope they remember that I trusted God through life’s challenges, celebrated the blessings He gave me, and used the gifts He entrusted to me to make a difference. Most of all, I hope people feel that I lived with kindness, integrity, and a heart willing to serve.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.chixiegrooming.com
- Instagram: @chixiegrooming
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/chixiegrooming/?
Image Credits
Studio Brae
