We were lucky to catch up with Tilly Bush recently and have shared our conversation below.
Tilly , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.
The story of how we came up with the idea for our business and how we knew it would work: The year was 2020, a few months into the pandemic. We ( myself and my business partner Rachel) were about 2 years into successfully running our own house-call dog-grooming businesses after many years of working side by side in a grooming salon. Fear of COVID-19 was at a high point and like most other businesses, many grooming salons across the valley were closed, so we began to see an influx of people seeking our house-call services. As long-time friends and colleagues, we chatted about how lucky we were to continue working when many groomers couldn’t. That was when we revisited a conversation we had one afternoon, years earlier, while working int the salon together. What if… just what if… there were salon suites… for dog groomers?! How cool would that be?
During that earlier time, we had noticed salon suites for human services popping up all over the valley. We could see how liberating it was for people in other vocations to rent a suite and run their own business, and we wanted it for ourselves too! If other professions and trades can do it, why couldn’t we?! We scoured the internet looking for grooming salon suites and came up with nothing. The concept simply didn’t exist for groomer , so we went back to what we were doing. At the time, we only wanted TO WORK in a salon suite– the idea of BUILDING OUR OWN hadn’t yet developed. The time wasn’t right then. I had young babies and Rachel was busy finishing her master’s degree, and life was busy.
But by 2020, things were different. My children were older, Rachel had finished her degree and the world was changing before our eyes due to the pandemic, but the one thing that remained consistent was the trend of people seeking self-employment through suite rentals. So, we decided to find a way to finally build the grooming salon suites we’d wished we could have worked in years earlier.. With our combined 30+ years in the industry, we knew exactly how to make the most functional and desirable suites that groomers would love.
The problems no one else was solving and our unique approach:
At the heart of our concept was and understanding that there were groomers who sought more independence; who felt unappreciated at their job; who were tired of working for commission while also potentially paying bathing wages; and who longed to have more control over their schedule. Previously only two options existed for groomers who wanted more autonomy: build out or purchase a grooming salon, or buy a mobile grooming van/ truck and trailer. Both can be extremely expensive, and both are a huge risk and commitment. Owning and operating a traditional, “brick and mortar”, grooming salon is more than many groomers can or want to take on. Traditionally this requires hiring employees such as other groomers, bathers, front staff etc. The added stress of paying a multitude of bills, managing payroll, supervising and possibly training other groomers, bathers and receptionists can take a toll on a salon owner and make it hard for them to even find time to groom dogs. Restrictions also come with driving a large van or hauling a trailer. Tons of miles on a vehicle, limited water supply and only as much electricity as the generator can provide.
After months of researching and planning, we finally got started. Our aim was to make The Fur District a solution to all the above problems by offering a “turn-key” opportunity for groomers to start their own business. By offering fully-equipped, PRIVATE grooming suites, with minimal start up costs and one flat rate of rent each month that includes all utilities, as well as Wi-Fi, security, and cleaning services. Groomers who rent from The Fur District also enjoy on-site laundry and a functional kitchen/break room area at no extra cost. They can access their suite 24/7 and run their own business however they like. They can choose to share their suite with another groomer or have a solo operation. They can make their own schedule, set their own prices, and experience total independence a small business owners.
What about the idea got us most excited?
We found working for ourselves to be such a liberating and empowering experience, and we aimed to create that opportunity for other groomers. Watching them gain confidence and independence through entrepreneurship and start their small business. From choosing their name, develop their brand, build their clientele, and thrive has been the most exciting and rewarding part of this whole experience.
Tilly , 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?
Rachel and I have been grooming in the valley for a combined 30+ years. We both have enjoyed the artistry and the technical aspects of grooming and understand the industry was ready for a facelift. But as mentioned previously, there weren’t many options for us the grow beyond traditional methods. We felt creating The Fur District was a way to solve problems for groomers that could be specific to each individual groomer and the industry as a whole. Creating your own hours to be flexible to specific circumstances like picking your kids up from school, doctors appointments, family emergencies, vacations etc. Setting your own prices to better reflect the care and skill you put into each and every pet grooming experience. Providing a clean and safe space for groomers to grow their business.
Generally speaking, grooming and the pet industry have grown leaps and bounds over the years. To keep up with the changing times, the grooming salon template needs to grow as well. We are really proud of the care and craft we have put into The Fur District and the attention to detail we have made. As groomers who have worked in spaces that were not originally created for the trade, we wanted to create a place where thought was put into layout, functionality, cleanliness and safety. We stand by saying our space was made FOR groomers BY groomers.
How’d you meet your business partner?
Rachel and I actually met much earlier in our careers as groomers. We both worked in the same corporate salon for a very brief time. We went our separate ways for years, but were reconnected by working with/for our mentor many years later. It was then that we became close friends, coworkers and colleagues, We shared many ups and downs working for others and through trial and triumphs we knew we shared a passion for not only the grooming trade, but also for uplifting others. We have always worked well together and we are both creative and strategic. We would often find a problem or inconvenience in the salon and set out a way to work together to find a solution. There were countless times Rachel and I would spend hours brainstorming new ideas or ways to create function in our grooming spaces, streamlining productivity and also creating beautiful spaces to groom dogs. So it was no surprise that we were able to lean on each other and collaborate to create The Fur District together.
Does your business have multiple or supplementary revenue streams (like a ATM machine at a barbershop, etc)?
This is actually new for us this year. As groomers, continuing education is always important. As the industry changes, new information emerges and new techniques come about, so there is always something new to learn about grooming. Whether it is in the actual artistry of grooming, pet health-related studies or the more technical aspects of running a business, seminars have been around for groomers to continue learning and growing. This year we have started hosting seminars in our space for groomers to grasp a better understanding of entrepreneurship and all that that can entail. Having highly-regarded members of the industry share their knowledge with fellow groomers not only helps The Fur District shine as a business, but also as a guidepost dedicated to bettering the industry and the groomers who want to see growth and prosperity within.
Contact Info:
- Website: TheFurDistrict.com
- Instagram: @TheFurDistrict
- Facebook: @TheFurDistrict
- Other: [email protected] [email protected]
Image Credits
Rachel Curry Photography Oasis Pet Grooming