Today we’d like to introduce you to Rhonda Salazar.
Hi Rhonda, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I would like to start by sharing some of my background. I was born in Cuernavaca, Mexico. All my life I was raised between two major cities, Los Angeles, and Chicago. Early on, I learned that my life was not going to be too easy after graduating high school. My dream after high school was to pursue a career in the legal field and to eventually become a serial business owner. But I was faced with the challenge of being undocumented until 2012. In October 2012, I received a DACA permit and until then I was given the opportunity to complete my higher education goals. I was very fortunate to attend Loyola University in Chicago for my bachelor’s degree and not so long after I made the move back to the west coast.
I was determined to advance my litigation/corporate paralegal career but also focus on my business plan. It was very important to me to start my own business and continue to pursue the American dream. Never in a million years did I think my brand would be sold in stores. You can find Doggy Glam Boutique accessories at “Off the Leash Modern Pet Provisions,” in the beautiful city of Glendale, California and at “WLB Grooming,” located in Hollywood, California. My journey as an immigrant Latina business owner has been hard, but nothing short of amazing. I am looking forward to all that is to come.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Growing a small business has been such a fun learning experience for me. Since I was a child, I dreamt of being my own boss and being able to open multiple businesses. But nothing prepares you for the road ahead in your business venture when you hit bumps on the road to success. One of the biggest challenges throughout these few years has been learning to navigate the day-to-day life of how to run a business while working a full-time job and balancing life.
The biggest challenge yet was being able to pull myself out of a dark place after losing Jessica, one of my best friends, to ovarian cancer, and then a year later I lost my dog Fendi, who was my muse and inspiration behind my brand. Nobody talks about the harsh reality of having to pull yourself together and regain enough strength and courage to continue running your business.
I feel very blessed to have found happiness and comfort in designing and putting time and effort into my business. I truly believe that although it was difficult to get the ball rolling again, it was very healing and I’m very happy I decided to keep pushing forward.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
My dog accessories boutique was founded in July 2020, in Los Angeles. The inspiration behind Doggy Glam Boutique revolves around my late dog Fendi. It all began because I was so frustrated that I could never find clothes or accessories that would fit her personality, that I decided to start designing my won. Fendi’s loving, bubbly and unique personality inspired my passion for designing unique, high quality, and affordable custom accessories.Fendi brought so much joy to my life and my loved ones that I wanted to give her the best! Unfortunately, a year ago on November 28, 2021, Fendi lost her life in a tragic accident while I was out of town. It was very difficult for my family and I, but I decided to continue growing my business and pay homage to her beautiful life.
Just a year after her passing, a lot of exciting opportunities and projects are happening! I am so excited to share that Doggy Glam Boutique expanded to the Midwest. Chicago will be the home of DGB’s first storefront; it will be located just four minutes away from the Chicago Cubs stadium. I look forward to interacting with all our furry clients and their owners. We will be offering top-of-the-line pet-friendly products, locally made organic treats, photoshoots, birthday celebrations, and more! Stay tuned on our Instagram for more information.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters to me is to spread happiness to every person or beautiful dog that I meet through Doggy Glam Boutique. I started this business out of love, and I want it to continue to be that way.
It is also very important for me to give back! As DGB grows, I will continue to work with local shelters and rescue facilities to provide aid to animals in need.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.doggyglamboutique.com
- Instagram: doggyglamboutique
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063586028747
Image Credits
Personal pictures were taken by Chicago photographer @_filmm42
