“My love of animals has always drawn me toward becoming a dog groomer. Life kept sending me signs that it was the perfect time for a big change — and I listened. I took the leap, leaving my full-time job, and began working in a grooming room while taking classes to learn the art of dog grooming. Bay City is my home, and I knew from the start that I wanted to build my business right here in this wonderful community.
From the beginning, I envisioned my future as a mobile groomer. Over the past two years, I’ve had the privilege of working one-on-one with dogs in the comfort of their own homes. Anxious pets are calmer in a familiar environment, and clients appreciate the convenience of keeping a consistent grooming schedule — which is essential for their pet’s health and hygiene. I am incredibly grateful to my Bay County community for supporting my venture and helping it grow.
My hometown of Bay City is full of opportunities for new business owners to seek advice and guidance on entrepreneurship. The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) played a critical role in launching my business. With their support, I was able to create a business plan, access free training, gather market research, develop a marketing strategy, and set my business up for long-term success.
When I shared my idea with my business consultant, Michelle Judd, she told me about the first Pitch Competition for Bay County. Even though it was early in my journey, I was excited about the opportunity to learn as much as I could from the 12-week course. My skills and work experience helped me create a slideshow that told the story of my business. It still feels surreal that I won — and just three months later, I was able to launch my successful business.”
“Mobile grooming has been a wonderful solution for many families in our area — especially for those who work from home and find it hard to get away, pet parents who struggle to transport their dogs, anxious pets who have a difficult time at traditional groomers, and households with multiple dogs.
What I’ve learned is this: grooming isn’t just about making a dog look good. It’s about trust. It’s about watching a scared pup relax into your hands. It’s about knowing their quirks—who prefers warm water, who hates the dryer, who needs a break halfway through for a cuddle. It’s seeing tails wag when they realize, “Hey… this isn’t so bad. In fact, I like it here.”
Princess and the Hound was built on those small moments. A quiet nuzzle after the bath. A proud prance out the door with a fresh trim. The smile on a client’s face when they see their dog looking happy and loved. Those moments are the reason I wake up excited for the next grooming day.
My clients have welcomed me into their lives and trusted me with their beloved companions. I am forever grateful to do something I love while truly making a difference in their pets’ lives. I am also proud to be part of the small business community in my hometown.
Our pups mean the world to us — they’re family. We all want what’s best for them, and sometimes that means making life a little easier for everyone. That’s why mobile grooming can be such a gift for busy pet parents who want quality care without the trip to the salon.
Princess and the Hound is thrilled to be growing right here in the Bay Area Region, and I can’t wait to share what’s coming next. Follow my social media pages to stay in the loop — there’s so much good ahead!
Princess and the Hound thrives because of the meaningful relationships formed within our community. I am deeply grateful for the connections that have made it possible to build a business around work that I truly love. Our community is strong, grounded in the quality of its shared spaces—places where we come together, support one another, and grow like family.”
-Jena Monville, Princess and the Hound
