My work is a blessing.
Q & A With Maria Alejandra Mejia Marin, CEO of Beauty Paw Mobile Pet Grooming
What services does Beauty Paw Mobile Pet Grooming offer?
I am a mobile pet grooming business commuting from Hamilton to Niagara. I am a dog and cat stylist, I maintain their hair by cutting it, combing it, bathing them, and doing different styles for the appropriate breeds. I also provide nail care and cleaning of ears to avoid infection.
How did you come up with the idea to start Beauty Paw Mobile Pet Grooming, and what purpose did you intend to serve with the concept?
I've always been afraid of confined spaces, the salons I've worked in didn't have access to windows; when I thought of the option of going to my clients who don't have a way to transport their pets to the salon, I was able to kill two birds with one stone. Working as a mobile pet groomer I don't feel locked in, I'm just a call away from my clients. They are more comfortable not having to leave their homes, and while I'm working with their furry friends, they can continue with their day-to-day lives.
Which milestones have marked meeting benchmarks towards the fulfillment of your personal goals/ the company's vision and goals?
Working with animals has always been my greatest motivation. Every time they walk through the door of my van, they become mine. I communicate with them from the heart, and with my Latin music I provide them with a lively environment that is far from stressful. I try to teach them to trust me with my tone of voice; I ask for their permission, and I treat them with respect and affection. The furry ones need understanding, not aggressive behavior or someone to bully them around. When I get difficult ones, I try to hug them so they listen to my heart and feel my rhythm. This helps them relax. I also believe it's very important to look them in the eye. Pets communicate through their eyes, so this is extremely important. I am very lucky I get to do what I love. The company has been the winner of the Consumer Choice Award for business excellence for 8 consecutive years. This is a great achievement for the company and my family.
Which steps have you taken for the company to achieve the level of consumer trust that has been nationally recognized?
I studied veterinary medicine in my country of origin; unfortunately, I never had the opportunity to practice. My passion was working with animals, as I am not very comfortable communicating with people. I entered a few grooming competitions, but my children were very young, so I dedicated myself in body and soul to getting them ahead in whatever they needed. I decided to give it my all in order to achieve my goal to work with animals. We did events at six nations for nail trims, other charity events and pet events, in the interest of trying to get people to know me. My best business card is to leave the furry ones happy and well groomed.
Which strategies have you found the most effective in growing your audience/ bringing awareness of your service to a larger consumer group?
We currently use Google, our website www.beautypawmobilepetgrooming.ca, our Facebook page (Beauty Paw Mobile Pet Grooming) and our Instagram (@beautypawmobile). However, our best way to find new clients is through our existing clients who give good reference and word-of-mouth.
Which partnerships, if any, have been the most constructive in bringing your goals closer to becoming a reality?
This may not be a typical answer, but my greatest partnerships, as a single mother, are with my three children that I have to raise; no matter how sick or tired I may be, they need me. The three of them and my mother have been the magical strength that I have needed during my most difficult and emotional moments. I cannot stop to regret my situation, and I have to face everything head on for them. My work is my best therapy. When I am most discouraged, the furry ones look at me and comfort me and I instantly feel better.
Are there any challenges that made it difficult to continue operation and that you managed to overcome? What was your approach to get past these?
I went through a strong illness, which weakened me physically, but my work and my four-legged therapists helped me overcome it, as did my children. Another challenge was my separation; instead of defeating me, it has strengthened me. Challenges are obstacles that we need to overcome and move on from; life is about overcoming them, so we do this by supporting each other. My main focus is my children; they are my greatest pride.
How do you balance work, passions/hobbies, and relationships?
My older daughters (Laura and Karla) are a big support, they help me at home. It is not always easy with my long work days, but I try to be at all of my son's (Emanuel's) sporting events, as he expects me to be present at every practice and every game. I have to do everything possible to not disappoint him. I try to keep my weekends open for my children, as they are my hobbies and my world aside from my work.
What are your future plans to build on your personal/ company achievements and fulfill your vision for success/ what developments can your audience or clientele look forward to expecting next?
I would like, in the future, to have a franchise and a pet hotel. That will not happen until it becomes difficult for me to drive and/or move around. When that time comes, I will focus on relaxing with all the pets in my hotel.
What advice would you like to give readers that hope to achieve success in your field?
Treat the furry ones as you would treat your own, respect them, and do not mistreat them; they are all about love. Their little eyes show so much love and care and that is what has helped me. I treat each of my clients as if they were my own and I speak to them in my language (Spanish). This way, they hear my honesty in my voice. Pets must be treated with respect and love if you want to be in this business, otherwise you won't succeed.
Is there anything else you would like to share with Winner Magazine readers?
My work makes me happy, and I enjoy it, I receive a lot of love from the furry ones, and it also allows me to provide for my home and my family. What more can I ask of God? My work is a blessing.
We thank Maria for sharing these insights and experiences with Winner Magazine's readers. If you are looking for Mobile Pet Grooming Services in the Hamilton / Niagara Area, we would recommend reaching out to Maria at Beauty Paw Mobile Pet Grooming!
