Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Julie Bendlin. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Julie, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. One of the things we most admire about small businesses is their ability to diverge from the corporate/industry standard. Is there something that you or your brand do that differs from the industry standard? We’d love to hear about it as well as any stories you might have that illustrate how or why this difference matters.

Here at Daisy-Dos Salon and Spa we see one pet at a time. Or one family of pets. There is no big bank of barking kennels. This allows the one client dog and I to connect on a mutual level. It’s much calmer and quieter than a normal grooming Salon. I have groomed dogs, who in the past have not been able to be groomed without sedation, and we have no issues here. The pet is calmer and happier

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

We love animals especially dogs. We started raising Goldendoodles and I had a hard time finding a groomer to groom them the way I thought they should look. So I started researching and doing my dogs myself. It was hard. More research, and time but was worth not having to take my dogs in to be groomed and not like the outcome. During this time I had been working with my husband in our woodshop. Building wood home decor items. Some days I felt drained and one day said aloud ” I just want to work full time with dogs!” Little did I know at the time how or what I would be doing to accomplish this. I was thinking boarding, maybe dog daycare. Then a friend asked me to groom their dog and I thought maybe if I can get better at this. Went to classes and expo in Chicago and thought yes this is it! Now most days not only am I working all day with dogs but also my husband stays very busy all day with dogs! I didn’t expect not only was I working full time with dogs but also Jimmy too! And we have lots of dog related stuff to keep our kids busy and work with us. It’s a family affair.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

I had a photography studio for 10 years and before that was on location photographer. Once the youngest kid was in school full time and I had more time and after Covid I wasn’t doing many pictures. I started working in the woodshop and we started a furniture store together. When that stopped inspiring me I wanted more. A More creative outlet,more money ect. And knowing somehow it was all related to my love of dogs. Just moving in that direction one thing leads to another and then one day you realize this is perfect fit and your living your dream. Just keep moving forward. The thing with life is its ever changing and you should be constantly improving and changing yourself and your job should reflect that.

Alright – let’s talk about marketing or sales – do you have any fun stories about a risk you’ve taken or something else exciting on the sales and marketing side?

I have come up with a new experience for the grooming client. I offer massage and other spa options that other groomers don’t. I have a spa package up sale option that comes with a photo portrait of your dog and a spa swag bag (treats) themed for the time of year. This is a win win. I win with the up sale and the client wins with extras they can’t find at other groomers.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.doodledaisys.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/doodledaisyssalon?mibextid=ZbWKwL

Image Credits
myself/husband