This month’s #BOM or Business of the Month has been awarded to Chellie Saunders of Best Friends World. We chose Chellie because, despite starting up in the worst recession since the Wall Street Crash, she has grown her business from a pet grooming service to an online shop that stocks everything you could want for your little furry friend.
Chellie is “mum” to 3 Bichon Frise; Bonnie, Mollie and Lacey Lou and 2 very friendly kitties named Oscar & Sam. She is incredibly passionate about all pets especially her own Best Friends.
After a change in her circumstances in 2011 she decided to change her life forever and take a “Leap of Faith” “Honestly I can say it was the best decision I ever made and I love going to work now. For several years I was based at home, grooming my own girls (Bichons) as I couldn’t find the “right” type of groomer locally to do what I wanted. I went shopping and started off with the basic equipment needed to look after them and took it slow and steady. Along those early years I am sure my little friends had some “really Bad Hair Days” but they still loved me and enjoyed their pampers and spending some quality bonding time with me”.
After many years of learning with the help of a friend overseas Chellie gained in confidence and graduated with distinction on a course in Animal Welfare and Dog Grooming. She is also a member of the Irish Professional Dog Groomers Association (IPDGA).
Chellie says she was very nervous starting out but with a push from a friend and her lovely little Yorkie she began the first step on a new adventure. In early 2011 she founded Best Friends World; a high quality pet store and grooming parlour.
She now offers a unique “Free Range” dog grooming service from her premises via appointments. She does not cage or sedate any dog in her care; her “clients” receive a full, friendly and professional pamper and are free to run around an enclosed garden before/after their pamper session. Due to the fact that she only take a small number of dogs per day, each dog is guaranteed to receive one-on-one attention in a relaxed environment. This level of customer service ensured business boomed.
Chellie says “I aim to offer other dog lovers the sort of grooming service that I struggled to find … your dog will be cared for just as well as I care for my own girls, with loads of kisses, cuddles and belly rubs on demand!” You can read more about it here: http://blog.bestfriendsworld.ie/dog-grooming/
She then started researching and discovered that there was a gap in the market for a range of pet clothing and accessories. The shop started off online at first and at local markets but has now grown and she now has a little shop based in Cahir, Co Tipperary, as well as the online range. “The range of pet products I carry have been personally selected by myself, based on my experience of sourcing them over the years for my own Best Friends!!” So far her taste has been impeccable with ranges selling like hot cakes.
Chellie stocks pet fashion lines from Dobaz, Hip Doggie, IS Pet Fashion, Pinkaholic NY and Puppia. There are also lots of practical items such as dog collars, bowls, waterproof coats and hoodies ….. so no excuses darlings, you’ll be able to walk your dog in all weathers, without the hassle of having to wash them when you get home. She has branched out and now also carry a lovely range of products for kitties in the “Kitty Corner”
Other items include training/safety aids such as the innovative Puppy Bumpers. These stylish pillow-collars are designed to prevent an active puppy escaping through a fence or falling from a balcony and are easily attached to an existing collar for extra comfort.
So whether it’s for friends or family, Christmas or birthdays or perhaps just as a special treat for your own Best Friend, visit Chellie and the girls at http://www.bestfriendsworld.ie/ or call her on 087 6057533.
She ships worldwide and vouchers are available.
