Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Huang.
Jessica, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I was born and raised in sunny Southern California. I used to live in Hacienda Heights, Yorba Linda, and I currently live in the Diamond Bar area. People describe me as friendly, personable, down-to-earth, and easy-going.
My parents and siblings (3 older sisters) immigrated from Taipei, Taiwan. As a Taiwanese American, I was able to experience a bicultural upbringing living in a country full of inspiration and endless opportunities.
Growing up, I’ve always had a passion for animals, especially dogs. When people asked me “What did I want to be when I grow up?” Without hesitation, I always replied back “veterinarian!” I loved everything about dogs and studied all types of dog breeds. I could see them from afar, and instantly tell you what breed it was. However, my parents were not fond of dogs and I used to envy my friends who did own dogs. Every year, I secretly wished I would get a dog for my birthday or Christmas. Finally in 2011, my world changed with my first dog. Bella is a rescued Formosan Mountain Dog from Taiwan. During my tough times, she was always right by my side. I get stressed and overwhelmed very easily, so a simple hug from her truly makes a difference. She has taught me to enjoy life, live in the moment, and to love unconditionally. Dogs are so simple. They don’t need much and are always happy to see their owners. I believe dogs are our best friends, our family, and our most loyal and true companions.
When I was in school, there was always a set path for me to follow: class, homework, and tests. That all changed after graduating college. For the first time, I didn’t have a set plan as to what I was going to do. The world is now a blank canvas in which I was able to do what I wanted. While it sounded good at first, things don’t go as planned. While I wanted to be a veterinarian when I was a child, I ended up graduating with a Sociology degree unrelated to animal health science. I had everything figured out at such a young age and now having nothing figured out was very daunting. Knowing what I wanted to pursue for the rest of my life has been very challenging and difficult.
For ten years, I wandered around aimlessly and taking any job opportunities in front of me. Some of the reasons for being “you never know if you’ll like it until you give it a try.” I was a teacher at a Montessori school, an academic coach for students with disabilities at a community college, a behavioral therapist for children with autism, and then an administrative assistant specialist for an environmental lab company.
I wasn’t happy and didn’t feel fulfilled. No matter what I did or where I was, I felt stuck. Over time I realized that I wanted to do more and be more. I felt burnt out working for others because of the constant overworking, lack of appreciation, and mistreatment. My friends and family kept insisting that I leave my job, however it wasn’t easy just quitting. I was the type of person who isn’t a risk taker, needs a plan, and stability.
I wasn’t looking for easy answers, rather asking myself the right questions. What truly made me happy? The answer always came back to being with dogs. When I see dogs, they always made me happy no matter the size, big or small. I didn’t succeed in becoming a veterinarian, but I could always be involved in another way working with dogs. Because I didn’t want to be restrained to a typical 8-5 job, I wanted to create something of my own. I decided to combine the love for dogs and start my own business.
I decided to take the biggest risk in my life and quit my job to focus on what really mattered to me. I put all my energy into going to school full time to obtain my dog groomer certificate. Fortunately, I found a posting online for an old ambulance that was converted into a mobile grooming truck. The previous owner happened to be a dog groomer and was moving. I drove to see it in person and instantly knew that it was the vehicle for me! My business name, Pupwash911, came to be shortly after.
Has it been a smooth road?
The journey of creating any business is never an easy feat. It’s easy to talk about, but hard to execute. There are so many various factors to consider, but because I had a plan; it didn’t seem impossible! The process is even harder when people do not support you and question you if what you do is sustainable. Luckily for me, I had a good support system and although what I do might not make me rich, happiness and a healthy lifestyle triumphs over that any day.
Regarding the truck, I was concerned and hesitant at first because the vehicle was an older model. The timing couldn’t have been any better and sure, it wasn’t my preferred choice, however I knew I could make it work. Most people dream of their ideal job, but people are afraid to take the leap because of the risks and leaving their comfort zone. I knew I had to start somewhere and see where this venture would take me. At first everything was running fine until parts of the truck was failing left and right. After running some test runs, I stumbled upon various mechanical issues such as power drainage issues, alternator/voltage reader overheating, and my generator not outputting enough power. The ambulance is run by diesel, so it was hard to find a reputable car shop or a personal car mechanic that worked on diesel vehicles. When it came to wrapping my logo onto the truck, I couldn’t wrap it immediately. The existing coating on the vehicle was coming off, so I had to find another car shop to sand and primer my vehicle beforehand. I was doubting if I could really make this work.
Finally, after months of work and repairs, my truck was ready for business!
Life is unpredictable and constantly changing. As cliché this may sound, I do believe in timing and things happening for a reason. I love seeing things come in full circle whether it’s people, relationships, and experiences. The things you once dreamed is now a reality. All those doubts and fears you once had, you now have answers to.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Pupwash911 – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
I am proud that I’ve come this far with my business. When running a business, the most important asset I have is myself. To me, Pupwash911 is all about bringing the best out of dogs and their owners. Just like my dog brings the best out of me. Pupwash911 is a premium full-service mobile dog grooming. I want to provide the best care and most thorough dog grooming services available in a fun and loving environment. I want to create a family; a place where the dogs love to come to me and feel taken care of. It is important for me to know that I am making a difference in the life of every dog I service. I believe what sets my business apart from others is my passion for dogs, work ethic, and drive. I want to make sure each dog gets the tender loving care that they deserve, so I take my time with each one. Grooming can be a nerve-wracking experience for some dogs, so I try my best to give them a positive experience so that the next time they will have their tails wagging.
I also provide a small boutique shop. I have curated a selection of high-quality accessories, toys, and treats available for customers. As a typical dog groomer who takes transformation photos of ‘before’ and ‘after’ shots of their cute fluffy clients, I wanted to educate other dog lovers as well. I decided to start a blog on my website. This blog will be a space for various topics that I will post occasionally. The topics will be fun and informative all at the same time. If all goes well in a few years, I would love to open a physical pet grooming store in the future.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
Diamond Bar is a nice and safe suburb occupied with friendly people. I really enjoy the parks and hikes that I go to with my dog along with my favorite drink, Alexandrite with boba from Tea Rush.
During the holidays, Diamond Bar hosts informative, fun, and events that all are welcome to attend. One of my favorite events that Diamond Bar hosts is BarktoberFest in Pantera Park where humans and dogs dress up for Halloween. My dog and I have won the “Best Dog and Owner Costume Combo” for the last two years. We hope to win again this year!
I feel that Diamond Bar lacks various ethnic foods. If I am craving for a specific type of food, I will have to drive out of the city to eat. However, I always try my best to stay in my city to support local businesses!
Pricing:
- Extra small dogs: $60+
- Small dogs: $70+
- Medium dogs: $80+
Contact Info:
- Website: www.pupwash911.com
- Phone: 714-451-6807
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: Pupwash911
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Pupwash911/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/pupwash911-yorba-linda?osq=pupwash911
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/pupwash911/
Image Credit:
@joyceevelynphoto for personal photo (flower crowns), @simplyjoystudio for beach truck photo with dogs and Schnauzer with logo
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
