By Theresa Katalinas
Katalinascomm
unications@gmail.com
Zakayla Riley had her heart set on a career in social work when the COVID-19 pandemic realigned her ambitions.
“When all the groomers were shut down, I had to groom my own dog. I don’t like stinky dogs,” said Riley, a 2021 graduate of Northern Kentucky University, of Benji and Shadow, her mini and giant Schnauzers. “It came really naturally to me. I developed a stronger bond with my dogs.”
She toyed with the idea of becoming a professional dog groomer, first attending a pet grooming school through a Cincinnati-area pet store.
“I realized early on that the corporate grooming environment was very fast-paced and sometimes stressful for both the animals and the employees,” she said. “I decided to step it up but slow it down by opening my own grooming salon.”
In late 2021, she launched Pawpin’ Pawz Luxury Mobile Grooming, initially converting space in her customers’ homes into a grooming salon. In 2022 she bought a self-sufficient salon on wheels in a 6×10 trailer pulled by a Chevy Silverado. She provides curbside service to clients in Cincinnati and surrounding areas, grooming dogs in her vehicle while it’s parked in front of their homes.
Early on, she participated in the Mortar Entrepreneurship Academy and began working with SCORE Greater Cincinnati mentor Quinn Wang, who provided insight on business startup and pricing. SCORE is a national nonprofit organization that supports small businesses through free mentoring.
“He was very, very helpful in whatever it was that I needed,” Riley said. “I loved having Quinn in my back pocket. He’s still there four years later. I can pick up the phone and call him.”
Riley also took part in SCORE’s webinars and classes as well, because, as she noted, “more brains are better than one.”
Wang, who retired from SCORE two years, ago, still stays connected with his mentee.
“We have maintained contacts and met from time to time to discuss issues and challenges Zakayla may run into, or her future plans for her businesses,” Wang said. “I am always impressed with Zakayla’s drive and energy throughout the years.”
Her drive, coupled with a goal of “broadcasting” her business to a larger audience, led Riley to participate in SCORE’s 60th Anniversary Pitch Competition. She was one of 45 finalists.
More than 2,200 small businesses applied to compete in five pitch events. Contestants were pared down to 60 contenders. Participants were matched with SCORE mentors to refine their pitches, strengthen their presentations and hone their business plans.
“I’m not afraid of a little competition,” she said. “Fundraising is a top priority right now.”
Looking ahead, Riley plans to add another groomer and a second mobile grooming vehicle to her current solo operation.
“The demand is there,” Riley said. “I get a ton of inquiries and because of our current capacity, we have a growing wait list.”
On average, she sees 130 dogs every two months. Riley envisions continued growth on the horizon.
“My 10-year goal is to have at least four vans on the road,” she said. “In the long term, I want to open an indoor dog park.”
To learn more about SCORE, request a mentor, or volunteer to be one, visit score.org. Since 1964, SCORE has helped more than 17 million entrepreneurs start, grow or successfully exit a business. SCORE’s 10,000 volunteers provide free, expert mentoring, resources and education in all 50 U.S. states and territories. Visit score.org.
