We were lucky to catch up with Amy Meredith recently and have shared our conversation below.
Amy, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?
Growing up in the small town of New Albany, Indiana (about 15 minutes from Louisville, KY), It was easy for anyone to get into trouble with little of anything else to do-and so I did. I didn’t have much guidance outside of my elderly grandparents, and I found myself in the wrong crowd making poor decisions beginning at 10 years old when i entered the foster care system. For the next 5 years, I became a frequent runaway and resident at my local youth shelter with occasional admissions to the youth correctional facility. I didn’t have a care in the world like most people recollect from their childhood, except I didn’t care about anything or anyone.
This pattern escalated. I made my worst mistake and committed a felony crime at just 15 years old. For the next 2 years, when most of my time should have been spent learning, working, and preparing to become an adult, I was in and out of court rooms. I managed to graduate high school during this time, but i was sentenced in court 2 weeks following. Once i turned 18, I served 2 years in prison. I was terrified.
While incarcerated, I used that time to work on personal development I knew I had to make a change within myself. I dedicated myself to completing several classes offered by the facility and was granted work release during my last 6 months of my sentence. Upon release, I was prepared to re-enter society as a contributing member of society, but found out how difficult it was to gain employment as a felon and navigating probation. I eventually worked as a associate as my local Dollar Tree. During this time, I gave birth to two beautiful baby boys almost 2 years apart, so i quickly realized that i needed more income to support my growing family. I was blessed to lad my only grooming position shortly preceding the start of my entrepreneurial journey.
Today, I take advantage of my freedom and the time I have with my family. I love being able to wake up every day to working within my passion and love the life I have. I am a successful business woman with a life full of love. I am still growing yet content and blessed for where I am today. My sons are now 4 and 6, and they have continued to be my source of motivation, resilience, and will for living life and continuing the journey I started the moment I was released from prison and given a second chance.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
My name is Amy Meredith. I have always had a love for animals of any and every kind. In 2022, I started working for a dog grooming company that made me dread coming to work. They treated their animals horribly- leaving them in their cages with feces and other bodily fluids while waiting to be groomed. Despite the environment, I decided to stay to help the animals myself while obtaining my grooming certificate while gaining hands on experience. I started struggling to be there on time for my shift due to scheduling conflicts and there were to many times I had to bring my two sons under 3 years old with me to work.
I soon realized that i needed more freedom and work/life balance. With less than a years worth of grooming experience, I was motivated to start my own grooming business with $750 I had managed to tuck away in savings. I registered my business online and with my state, and I ordered everything i needed within 2 weeks. I began working out of my 4th story apartment building. Most of the time, I was doing everything on my own with my two little helpers. Committed to my vision, I often scheduled 2 to 3 dogs a day several days a week to get my feet on the ground and begin generating enough income to cover my financial obligations. As i continued building my business and securing new and returning clientele, I was able to afford to pay a few of my friends to help me wash dogs and dry them while I attend to my sons- chasing them down, feeding them, and loving them. I have now been in business for almost 3 years. A long way from where I started, I realized i never had a issue managing my time. I had an issue managing someone else’s. Becoming a business owner has taught me to manage my own time with a flexible schedule that allows me to work from home, finishing schooling, and be present with my family.
Currently, I offer a full service grooming salon for dogs and cats. I offer hair cuts, desheds, nail trims, nail painting, ear cleaning and teeth cleaning. I have a special place in my heart for those who adopt animals from animal shelters. For my furry rescue friends, I always offer 25% off to all shelter dogs/cats for the first service!
I am grateful and humbled by my loyal clients who have been with me from the beginning. I take pride in how my brand and business has developed and grown (and still growing) in such a short amount of time. This is only the beginning!
How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?
I started my business after tax season i had about $750 left in my savings that i had saved. I got tired of working for a company that just didnt work for me. After about a less than a year of grooming i decided to start my own business and get a LLC.
What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
The best source of new clients for me has been social media. I made a facebook page as well. I follow a lot of pages like local to my area. I post in my ads in these groups at least once a week and people will inbox me. Every month i come up with a new flyer and post in the groups offering so much off or a deal.
Contact Info:
- Other: https://amysprettypaws.groomore.com?direct=1
