We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Tonya Smith a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Tonya, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Are you happier as a business owner? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job?
I am happy as a business owner, however, there was a point and time where I was like I wish I had a 9-5, because it seems easier to have a regular job with normal /predictable hours; unlike when you own your own business there are not really set hours, you are always doing something related to the business even when the business is closed for the day. During covid I was truly tested on so many lessons, the world shut down and I started to contemplate if I wanted to reopen or just move on and get a regular job. So many decision was on my mind that I needed to make, and the next move would be my best move whatever that would be. I started to look at the pro’s and con’s of having a business and being an entrepreneur or working a 9-5 and the business was just better, require more work, but gave me more freedom.
Tonya, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I am a Detroit native and Eastern Michigan Graduate. I have always been told when I was younger that I was drawn to animals, some examples would be that I would bring home strays, and feed stray animals. I have been on the local news, Channel 2,4, and 7 a few times to promote events that I have participated in and have partnered with the local Downtown Detroit dog parks. I have also traveled to Africa; Ghana and Nigeria to teach about grooming and pet care. LC’S Detroit isn’t just a grooming company, it’s a place “Where Pets are Treated as Family”. My Detroit location is so different than most typical grooming salons, my salon allows for pets to have a one on one experience with the groomer in the salon, which means the groomer grooms the pet from the beginning to end of the groom, which has worked out for the best for the pet and the owner. What matters the most to me is the ability to foster relationships and affect lives. The gift of grooming has granted me the ability to do both. Grooming has allowed me the opportunity to become a part of each and everyone life that I come in contact with. Many of my current friendships were cultivated from that initial groom. With more than 20 years in the grooming industry my love of grooming started at a very young age. While growing up in the inner city being a pet lover was considered strange. However, my desire and love for pets guided me along this path. In essence, what makes me happy is the ability to make pets look and feel great and the ability to impact the lives of pets and pet parents alike. Now I get to do what I love, and never work a day in my life. I take pride in my work. LC’S Detroit Pet Salon is located in Detroit, Michigan.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
I think what has helped me is building the relationship within the community and with the people. That is the most important part, because without the people you have no business.
What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?
I would have to say having a good booking site, social media, using Google Business has helped me too. Reviews help, people like to read about the business and like to read feedback.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lcsdetroitpetsalon.business.site
- Instagram: instagram.com/lcsdetroit
- Facebook: facebook.com/lcsdetroitpetsalon