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

LaTonya, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s the kindest thing anyone has ever done for you?

I would have to say that kindest thing anyone has done for me would be, when I was considered for being apart of the team to travel to Nigeria, Lagos to teach grooming. I would have never thought that I would have been chosen, a girl from Detroit, traveling to Nigeria to do what she loves and passionate about. I was lost for words when I was approached, and appreciative, because they could have picked anyone else. It was so kind, because I had just discovered that I have heritage in Nigeria.

LaTonya, 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 even remember my neighbor had a huge dog that no one liked or was scared of, and he wasn’t the nicest, but he loved me, so I would have play dates with the dog. My mom was mortified because she thought the dog would eat me. But that is where my love began, I really understood that animals have unconditional love and are pure-hearted. I then started volunteering my time after school working with animals when I was around 15 years old, which evolved into a love and passion for animals. I worked in veterinarian clinics, doggy daycares, and kennel attendants and volunteered at animal shelters and animal rescues. I have worked at plenty of cooperate American jobs and just was never completely happy. I then found joy in grooming animals, I’ve worked at various pet salons and mobile grooming salons, and me having all of this experience made me want to start my own thing and I did just that. That is how LC’S Mobile Pet Spa came about in 2012. My business niche was that I was mobile, however, I did not have a van, I offered the in-home grooming experience for pets. This all came about, because I would run into a lot of pet parents whose dogs did not like the van and would freak out or pet parents would ask me, could you just groom my pet in my house. Then it clicked, there is a need for this, and so I offer just that. It took off, people loved the idea. And here we are today, along with mobile, I now have a storefront which is LC’S Detroit Pet Salon in Downtown Detroit, located inside of Premier Pet Supply on Washington Blvd. 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. LC’S Mobile Pet Spa and LC’S Detroit Pet Salon 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 salon, 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.

Have you ever had to pivot?

I would have to say, most recently I had the experience of relocation my business, due to some changes . I had to find a new space within a matter on two months. It was very difficult to do , because to locate a new space in such short time. I still wanted to stay in the Downtown Detroit/ surrounding area. Furthermore, building out the space and moving in and ordering the equipment, finding contractors. At first I panicked, but then I realized I can not let this throw me off and that I needed to focus first on where I want to be and how much my expenses should be monthly. I came up with a plan, visited properties with realtors, put in offers and got out bid often. I did not give up, I was scheduled to fly out to Lagos, Nigeria to teach grooming to some students , so I told myself focus on that trip and when I got back, I would then take a look at my options and come up with a plan. Shortly after I got back from Nigeria, I was approached by the owner of a Pet Store in Detroit, looking to partner with me, we had a conversation and we begin to come into an agreement and we decided to partner. This pivot definitely was one of the best decisions I have made for the business, we are still in the downtown area, just one block away from our old space.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

I think what has helped me build my reputation within my market, would have to be my pride and my ethics that I have with my clients and those I have come in contact with. I am very authentic and people can genuinely see how much I love what I do and that I take pride in what I do. I look to not only build relationships with the pets I service, but also the pet parents.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://lcsdetroitpetsalon.business.site/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lcsdetroit/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lcsdetroitpetsalon
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@lcsdetroit