By: Sarah Brand
On April 11, 2025, Hairy Styles Dog Grooming Salon proudly marks its third anniversary, reflecting on a meaningful journey shaped by the passion, determination, and faith of its founder, Elizabeth Maney. What began as an unexpected opportunity for Elizabeth at just 18 has since grown into a beloved local business—one that not only helps dogs look their best but also ensures they feel safe, comfortable, and cared for every step of the way.
A Divine Opportunity
Elizabeth Maney never anticipated becoming a business owner at 18. Her original plan was to open her own grooming salon in her mid-twenties. Yet, as Elizabeth recalls, “God had other plans.” The opportunity to purchase her former employer’s grooming business arrived unexpectedly, prompting Elizabeth to carefully consider and pray over this pivotal decision. After thorough research and reflection, she realized that starting fresh with new equipment and clientele would be equally cost-effective, if not more so. Reflecting on that moment, Elizabeth vividly describes, “After a lot of consideration and prayer, the doors just opened. Suddenly, I was 18, holding the keys to my new place with a signed lease.”
Rapid Rise and Building the Team
The salon quickly became popular among local pet owners, rapidly outpacing Elizabeth’s expectations. Within the first year, demand grew so swiftly that Elizabeth found herself temporarily unable to accept new clients. “I was bombarded with so many people,” Elizabeth shares, “It all happened so fast.”
To manage this rapid growth, Elizabeth brought on bathers and dryers in her second year, alleviating much of her workload and allowing the salon to accommodate more clients. More recently, she has taken the additional step of mentoring apprentices, ensuring the business can sustainably expand by training new groomers.
Specializing in Large Dog Breeds
One distinctive aspect of Hairy Styles Dog Grooming Salon is its specialty in handling large dog breeds, which make up approximately 75% of their clientele. Elizabeth notes, “I receive many referrals specifically because other groomers in the area typically handle smaller dogs. Our expertise with bigger breeds really sets us apart.”
A Grooming Experience Tailored to Each Dog
Hairy Styles ensures every pet receives personalized care and attention. Dogs arrive for scheduled appointments and receive individualized grooming treatments. Each session begins with a specialized shampoo bath matched to the dog’s specific coat, followed by a thorough drying and combing process. Depending on the breed, groomers provide precise scissor trims or complete clips, in addition to ear cleaning, nail trimming, and finishing touches like fragrant perfume and fashionable accessories such as bows or bandanas.
Owners are notified twenty minutes before pickup, and most dogs regularly return every four to twelve weeks based on grooming needs.
Honest Communication Builds Trust
Elizabeth places a high value on honesty and transparency in building lasting relationships with pet owners. Particularly in cases of grooming mishaps, such as minor cuts or nails clipped too short, Elizabeth emphasizes open and sincere communication. “Owners appreciate honesty,” Elizabeth explains. “When you treat their dog as your own and communicate openly, it goes a long way in building trust.”
Beyond honesty, Elizabeth fosters genuine connections with her clients by actively listening and engaging in meaningful conversations, further strengthening these relationships.
Compassionate Care for Anxious Dogs
Elizabeth’s patient and gentle approach significantly benefits dogs who arrive anxious or nervous. She shares that, “Sometimes dogs arrive nervous but leave as your best friend.” Her methods involve positive reinforcement, generous praise, extra time, and occasional treats. Recognizing each dog’s unique temperament, Elizabeth emphasizes patience as crucial, noting some dogs require months or even years to build trust fully.
Overcoming Early Challenges
Starting a business at a young age presented Elizabeth with personal growth opportunities, especially in managing her natural inclination to please everyone. Initially, she struggled with setting boundaries and handling criticism, which occasionally led to burnout. Learning to set clear limits and to interpret criticism constructively became essential lessons for her professional and personal development.
Kindness Drives Salon’s Reputation
The salon consistently receives glowing reviews highlighting Elizabeth’s kindness, patience, and meticulous care. Elizabeth notes, “When people read reviews on our Google or Facebook pages, they frequently mention how patient and kind I am with both them and their dogs. Patience, kindness, and honesty are fundamental to our success.”
Elizabeth believes deeply in genuinely appreciating her clients, contributing significantly to the salon’s strong community standing.
Looking Ahead to Continued Growth
Elizabeth has ambitious plans for the future of Hairy Styles. Her immediate focus is on fully training apprentices to independently handle all breeds confidently. Within the next five to ten years, she hopes to expand further by hiring more groomers and possibly opening a second location. Given her track record of surpassing expectations, these goals may become reality sooner rather than later.
As Hairy Styles Dog Grooming Salon celebrates three successful years, Elizabeth remains passionately dedicated to providing compassionate care and fostering meaningful relationships with both pets and their owners.
For more about Hairy Styles Dog Grooming Salon, visit their Instagram page: @hairystyles_doggrooming
Published by Anne C.
