Today we’d like to introduce you to Sharon Town Lee.
Sharon, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
After spending many years as an accountant, specializing in helping small businesses grow and succeed, I was finally able to realize my dream of having a small business of my own! I decided that a pet-related business was a great fit for my interests and skills, I did my research and found that the demographics in my local neighborhood supported a full-service, pet spa and boutique. Business plan in hand, I was so excited to get started. It took 2 full years of actively looking for space that met the needs of the business before I hit the jackpot! 3 blocks from home, the perfect size and the right location with lots of visibility.
Meanwhile, I was so frustrated with the wait that I went to grooming school myself, in order to understand the nuts and bolts of the business. We opened our doors in October 2016 and haven’t looked back!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
While the business has yet to make a profit, we are close! Startup costs include paying for labor, even when we don’t have enough business to support it. That’s the only way to keep fantastic groomers, and our standards are very high. Great groomers are in demand and finding the best ones is sometimes a challenge. We received an amazing gift in our employee, Tracey Jimenez, who worked in accounting with me for many years.
When I transitioned to my new career, she decided to join me. She now manages all of the retail operation of the business, while I am responsible for strategy, marketing and employee management. Our skills complement each other, and I couldn’t do it without her.
Paws & Effect Pet Spa – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Paws & Effect Pet Spa is unique in its focus on treating pets as family members, aligned with our philosophy of placing a priority on your pet’s health and wellbeing.
We are a styling salon, tranquil and clean, with special treatments and adornments. Our aim is to increase the health and beauty of your treasured pet, bringing joy to them and you! Our stylists, with exceptional skills, are experts at making your dog comfortable and beautiful. We use the newest systems to run the shop, including use of social media, appointments online, curbside valet and text reminders. We work closely with local partners to support to animal related causes and the community.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
We’ve had the opportunity to work with an amazing team of folks, who I am super proud of. It’s very fulfilling that our company provides employment for 7 people and helps to support the local economy. We learn new things every day, and we also get to be with dogs and their families all day! My grandpa was a barber, and his shop was the local hangout for his friends. It has been my dream to have a business that brings joy to people and is a treasured part of the community, and I think we’ve done that. I’ve made so many new friends, (human and dog) and I think people feel comfortable and happy when they drop in. We employ local students when possible, have parties to celebrate occasions and support local causes with our advertising dollars and fundraisers. That we add to the feeling of community in the neighborhood, and have a blast doing it, is my greatest success. We are also proud of our 5-star reviews on Yelp, since those are from our community and supporters. To have a viable business that helps to support my family is the icing on the cake!
Pricing:
- $54- S, $64- M, $74-L, $94-XL Harmony Effect Spa bath and blowout
- $79-S, $89-M, $99-L, $134-XL Tranquility Effect Spa bath and custom haircut
- $15 Playful Effect Pedicure
- $5-$20 Brilliance Effect and Glamour Effect, Color and Adornments
- $20 Sleek Effect Professional Brush out
Contact Info:
- Address: 3030 Pico Blvd.
Santa Monica CA 90405 - Website: Paws-Effect.com
- Phone: 310-450-9017
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: PawsEffectPetSpa
- Facebook: PawsEffectPetSpa
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/paws-and-effect-pet-spa-santa-monica
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/pawseffectpetspa/
Image Credit:
Sharon Town Lee
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.
