We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kristen Cooney a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Kristen, appreciate you joining us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

My friend ,Joi Stevens of Rockwall Doodles approached me about being a guardian for a male golden doodle that she was going to purchase from out of state …Mike and I talked about it and decided that we would do it …Murphy arrived and he quickly became the center of our world…we loved that boy more than we ever could have imagined possible …he was jsut 21 months when he was tragically killed in an accident while up north with us on vacation ……our hearts were shattered as we watched our boy pass while we were right there …this was just one week after his only litter of pups were born …Joi knew our heartache and immediately let me sit with his pups and be a part of their handling until they went home …..she and some of the applicants for the this litter offered us our pick of murphs pups …it was soon but we also knew that it was then or never to have a part of him ….so we chose “Bamboo Blackfoot “…..who we renamed Samson ….which means “guidance “ and is has “son “ in it ….he has been the biggest heart healer 💙💙….this boy has moved in and is every bit as good as his dad was ….Joi just mentioned one day that my love for dogs (which I didn’t even know I had )….should be carried on to other pups ….it was really in passing ….but it kept coming up ….so I ordered a table and a clipper set ….And just practiced in the garage ….my husband is also my biggest supporter and he offered to turn one of our spare bedrooms into a grooming room and make an outside entrance And it just kind of took off …..faster than I could have ever dreamed …..Joi got in touch with Karen McNerney …a former groomer and. She came and spent time with me and taught me so much…..her words to me were “if you love the pups …you’re going to be fine “……I have worked at my current job for 31 years and have now gone part time ….grooming part time I am booked out a few months and anticipate going full time shortly after the first of the year ….I have met so many wonderful people and pups !!..Samson has been able to have so many new friends …and I get to stay home with my favorite boy of all 💙💙…..an added bonus is that I do several Rockwall Doodles …and a few of them are Samson’s siblings …….Murphy’s pups ….it literally could not be any better than what I get to do

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 logo says “love ‘em like they’re my own “….And I do ….when these pups come to my home ….it’s just one at a time ….unless there are siblings ….but we take whatever time is needed ….if a dog is anxious , or had a bad experience …we will just take baby steps …I’ve got a few dogs that had to be medicated to be groomed and we have gotten past that for them …..they come in and will hop right on the table ….but if a dog just won’t or can’t …I can get down with them ….I have groomed many on the floor ….whatever is comfortable for the pup …many parents have stayed and now drive in …dog hops out and comes in ….we just have the best time but get everything done ….

Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?

I have know Joi for many years as an acquaintance….I actually worked for her when she and her husband owned a restaurant and I waited tables weekends….we just connected and stayed close friends ….we have had many laughs , deep conversations and shed some tears…we’ve been by each others side thru what life has handed us ……she asked me to join her in Rockwall and she has been the person behind M& S…..she has helped create my logo ….done almost all of the advertising and has the business mind ….she sends me so many ideas and I bounce things back off her ….

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Honestly …..I feel that how you treat people will carry you far in whatever you do ….that’s exactly how I conduct myself and my business …..it’s easy to be nice and just love the animals and their parents

Contact Info:

• Website: Msdoodlegrooming.com
• Facebook: M&S Doodle Grooming
• Other: M and S is Murphy and Samson

Image Credits
These pictures are kind of scrunched up ….but maybe you can use them