Today we’d like to introduce you to Ciara Torres.
Ciara, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started pet grooming as a PetStylist at PetSmart back in 2012 while still in college working to get my Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Criminal Justice. While I did complete my degree, I realized that the continued schooling of a Master’s Program and eventually a PhD that was required so that I could do what I had planned (be a Psychiatrist or Psychologist within the prison system) was not something I was interested in. Instead, while I continued pet grooming on the side in people’s homes part time, I worked full time as an Auto Adjuster for a major insurance carrier, then moved on to become a Special Agent/Background Investigator for the federal government. While I am grateful for those experiences, I couldn’t find my passion in them. So instead I took out all of my 401k to put as a down payment on a mobile grooming vehicle, and 5 years later I’m up to two working vans, a full staff, and a full list of clientele in the books! My marketing style was strictly word of mouth, so I’m extra proud of the full schedule, as the reputation my company has built was the driving force to how successful we are today.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, it definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Since opening the business full time in October of 2020, I’ve been through a divorce, navigating life as a single mother, moving houses, and eventually separating from a close friend who had initially helped me manage the business. That along with issues on the build of the second van in which the conversion company was little help correcting, dealing with the Texas heat that contributed to generator issues on the vans, having 2 of my 5 dogs pass away in the same time frame, and managing the good and the bad when it came to employees (I have the BEST team now, but man, was it a bumpy ride to the find them), I definitely wanted to throw in the towel more than once. But I’m glad I haven’t – at the end of the day, all of it has been worth it, and I’m doing what I love while supporting my employees and community.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I have built a strong reputation as a prominent and topnotch groomer in San Antonio, but what I’m most proud of is my management style – you could argue I’m the epitome of a “millennial boss” as I heavily value my employees mental health and well-being. I also emphasize labor laws and employee/employer rights and teach my employees that they will always have a voice and to use it when they are unhappy in their workspace – whether with me or further down the line in a different job. I used to be the employee that gave everything to a company, and it wasn’t until recently that I recognized just how often I was taken advantage of. I did the work of managers, had the production numbers that would have been equivalent to several employees, I bent over backwards at those jobs, only to realize that I was doing the work of several people and never got an increase in compensation or a promotion as a result. And as a business owner and boss now, I vowed that my employees will always make sure they know they are valued and compensated in a way that reflects their work and capabilities. I also make sure they understand their rights thoroughly, so that they too can recognize and call out predatory employers and make a difference in the work place, eventually leading to a movement in which all employers promote and value a healthy work-life balance for their employees.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
My employees – without them, the business wouldn’t be running. They are not only my employees, but they are my close friends, and even when they move on to something bigger and better for them, we maintain a very amicable bond. It was my employees that helped me get through my divorce, the loss of my pets, and being a single mom, building a wonderful network of people I adore and trust. Sometimes maintaining the professional vs. personal relationship can be really tricky, but I’ve always set the expectation that any criticisms I offer as a boss do not reflect on our personal relationship, and my employees have been very receptive to that. We have a very open and caring relationship where they know they can tell me anything and I will always be there if they need me.
Pricing:
- In short, pricing is based on time and weight.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Blissfulpetgrooming.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blissfulpetgrooming/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blissfulpetgrooming/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@blissfulpetgrooming8378
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@thatgroomercici
