We recently connected with Kim Kier and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Kim , thanks for joining us today. One of the most important things we can do as business owners is ensure that our customers feel appreciated. What’s something you’ve done or seen a business owner do to help a customer feel valued?
Wearing your Gratitude loud and proud – always is I believe the Best way to show Clients and their dogs that we care and we are here for them. Smile, connect and say Thank you often is one way. Love their dogs like your own , maybe better. My dogs are my world , so I know how much each furry little means to them. I think the secret to my success is I am the same person during work hours and when I am not at work. I love each dog that comes through the door , and I take the time to know them.
A friendship is formed , trust , love and respect. They know they are safe, valued and loved. They communicate that to their owners in their own way. Which makes “Mom” and “Dad” trust and value our services.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Celebrating 24 Years with Little Barks Boutique & Grooming!
Welcome to Little Barks Boutique & Grooming! Our journey has been incredible, and I am deeply grateful for God’s guidance that made this dream possible.
The Beginning
It all started with a simple need. My poodle, Cinny, had a reaction to the available nylon and heavy leather collars. Determined to find a solution, I sat down at my sewing machine, and Little Barks was born! Friends and family loved the collars, and soon, requests started pouring in.
Family and Growth
Back then, my children were in grade school, and money was tight. Little Barks provided extra income and allowed me to spend valuable time with my kids while supporting our family. I was amazed when opportunities arose to support shelters, creating stylish collars that helped dogs find their forever homes.
Every weekend, I’d pack up the kids, dogs, and lots of Little Barks gear to attend local craft shows and fairs. These events were not only fun but also instrumental in spreading the word about our products. Soon, Little Barks products were on the shelves of 20 locations across Illinois and featured as an “Illinois Product” at our State Fair for five consecutive years.
Achievements and Milestones
To date, Little Barks Boutique has dressed 42,123 dogs in our collars and sold 4,500 bags of our Peanut Butter Bones. Not bad for a dog mama with no advertising budget and a habit of gifting more than selling most months. But it’s all about bringing joy to dogs and their parents. God turned one collar into a dream come true, allowing me to support my family in meaningful ways.
Evolution and Expansion
In 2012, my family and I moved to South Carolina, and Little Barks evolved. The boutique became a huge support for my grooming business. My dream has always been to help dogs enjoy the grooming process, making it low-stress, calm, and comfortable. To make this affordable, Little Barks Boutique’s collars, treats, and accessories help cover expenses, keeping grooming services accessible.
Professional Growth
Little Barks Boutique has supported my ongoing education and professional growth. I’m proud to be an award-winning groomer with numerous certifications, including Master Pet Aesthetician and Fear Free Certified Professional. Recently, I was named “Grooming Guru” by Pet Product News International for 2023. It’s a blessing to grow and learn about the amazing souls I serve, helping them and their parents.
Giving Back
Little Barks Boutique has also supported shelters, rescues, and countless fundraisers, dressing pups in our gear and helping raise funds. I truly believe that without God working in my life, none of this would be possible.
Our Joy
Sewing for dogs is so much fun! I imagine the little fluff balls happy and wagging on their walks, and the joy of owners celebrating birthdays with their pets. Little Barks Boutique has allowed me to bless many lives and support my family and dreams. I often pray for guidance, asking how I can use my talents to help others, and the answer is always to spread kindness and joy. One collar can make a dog mama happy and keep a dog safe, but to me, it’s so much more. It spreads love and joy, helping dogs enjoy a bath, a nail trim, and look and feel their best.
GROOMING
My Journey
IT BEGAN AS MOST CAREERS DO…
…with a dog well, not just a dog, a poodle named Cinnamon. After losing her Mother to Breast cancer, Kim was, to say the least, broken and overwhelmed by depression and heartache. Cinnamon saved her and gave her a purpose. I think about how a lot of stories about people and their dogs begin “they saved me.” So, it began, Cinnamon suffered from relentless skin issues the worst of them was nylon she had a horrible reaction to her own collar! A rash turned into an infection which turned into an absence. Kim was at a loss at the time every collar out there was nylon, so what was a girl to do but get creative and fix it? Kim has always loved to create, especially sewing and quilting, so a business was born.“Little Barks” has always been about helping dogs and using the gifts that God has blessed us with to help them and their owners. What began as one simple collar to help the Love of her life dog has grown into helping so many dogs, and their owners show the love they have for each other in simple but meaningful ways. Grooming, Skin and Coat care, training, healthy treats, fashionable and functional accessories. When you have a passion for something, it is easy to learn and enjoy every part of it. Kim has spent the last 20 years learning and growing to serve dogs with love and knowledge to give them the best of her. Little Barks is part of Miss Kim and her Family. The goal and mission are to help as many dogs and owners as we can show their Love for each other and stay healthy and happy on the way. With God’s grace and love as guidance, we cannot wait to do just that for many years to come.
– Master Pet Aesthetician
– Pet Aesthetician Diploma
– AKC S.A.F.E. Certified Groomer
– AKC S.A.F.E Certified Salon
– Fear Free Certified Professional
– Low Stress Handling Certified – Silver
– Bella Behavior Puppy Counselor
– CPR & First Aid Certified
– Certified Canine Esthetician
– Member of the National Groomers Association
– World Pet Association Member
– Authorized Hydrotherapy – Ozone Therapy Salon
– Member of the Holistic Groomers Association
– Silver Certification Low Stress Handling
– Master Groomer Behavior Specialist
– Professional Grooming Credentials – WPA
_ Published Industry Expert for “Groomer to Groomer” magazine
_ Expert Grooming Source for “Rover” Rover.com
Okay – so how did you figure out the manufacturing part? Did you have prior experience?
Little Barks Boutique Offers Handcrafted and Homebaked treats made in South Carolina. We are an SC certified product for both products.
We proudly offer wholesale for both our Collars and Treats. Little Barks Boutique products are available in 8 Awesome Indie Small business in the US .
We also offer Collars and Treats online at www.littlebarksboutique.com
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
Quality , and sourcing from small businesses in South Carolina keeps our Collars eco friendly and unique. We source all of the materials , 100% cotton fabrics from local SC quilt shops , supporting local women owned business and growing ours.
Every item is handcrafted by me , no outsourcing , this helps us stand apart and assures each item is sewn with attention and care.
Personal service from one Dog Mom to another.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.littlebarksboutique.com
- Other: Wholesale –
https://www.faire.com/direct/littlebarksboutique
Image Credits
I own the rights by would like to give credit to PinkElephant Photographer
Thank you