Today we’d like to introduce you to Tanya Ellis.
Hi Tanya, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I have been Grooming Dogs for 25 years. I started working for others in the animal industry in various fields like Veterinarian offices, grooming and pet training facilities, and the Toronto Zoo. I also had many other fun jobs that taught me a lot! I have always been interested in learning as much as possible and implementing what I learn to improve myself. I started working for a major corporation in my 20s with a 5-year goal to open my own business. Just short of 5 years, that happened with only a few bumps in the road. (My full story can be found in My book Opening A Pet Grooming Salon – 10 Steps to Success.) While working for others at a young age, I also groomed dogs out of my parent’s basement (thanks to them, I could start a little business I could call my own). I worked hard during the day and fit in my Grooming appointments in the evenings While working 2 to 3 jobs at any given time. I ended up taking over my first brick-and-mortar salon on October 17, 2013 (speaking of which – Our 10th anniversary is coming up in October 2023. This was a dream come true for me. I was thrilled with excitement, nervousness, and all the emotions you could imagine. I quit all my jobs, kept the employee on staff, and dove into running my business full-time (70 -80 hours a week).
Now, sitting here today, My husband and I have 3 locations, and I am currently focusing on Mentoring New groomers and new and existing business owners as well as creative grooming. You can see pictures of my creativity on my instagram.com/a_day_in_the_life_of_tanya. It’s been a roller coaster ride, and I have enjoyed it to the fullest! Being an entrepreneur has its ups and downs, but in the end, you get to choose the Team you want and do what you want! Thank you for this opportunity! I love helping young entrepreneurs, so if you have any questions, reach out on Instagram/Facebook, Tanya E Ierullo, or through email information@poochesnpalsinc.com.
Would it have been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It’s been a struggle from the very beginning. Worries about being unable to pay me or my bills though I always managed to pay my bills. I was worrying about finding Teammates. Having slow months is difficult. It’s also a struggle to make sure every customer is always happy. It is only sometimes possible all the time, even though we try our very best. Some days are better than others, but it can be really emotional for the most part!
Thanks for sharing that. So, you could tell us a bit more about your work.
I am currently focused on creative grooming and mentoring new groomers and business owners. I am a Motivator and believe in lifting people to keep them excited. We should always have someone new, learning, and thriving to reach goals.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Most people may have yet to learn that I have climbed 2 mountains. I climbed Kilimanjaro in October 2009 and Machu Pichu (The Inca train in 2019) in Peru. And that story about business can be found in My 2nd Book. Pet Grooming is Like Mountain Climbing – How to overcome your hugest obstacles. Oh, and I’m the Author of 2 books.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.tanyaellis.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/a_day_in_the_life_of_tanya
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tanya.ellis.3150?mibextid=ZbWKwL
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@poochesnpals?si=24DV6SyN1OhxjSS6
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@poochesnpals?_t=8g2OTqX8HoM&_r=1
Image Credits
Blair Ann Photography Studios
