Meet Carolyn Stratton of Doggie Style Pet Grooming in Edwards Colorado

Today we’d like to introduce you to Carolyn Stratton.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Carolyn. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I was working in the restaurant business for many years and was getting tired of the late nights. I noticed that the only time I was truly happy was when I was at the dog park with my French Bulldog Greta. I started to research careers working with animals. I finally decided to go to dog grooming school in Loveland, CO. I was all in even though I had never even come close to grooming dogs. I loved it, even though it was extremely challenging. I came back to Vail after graduating and immediately started my own business. It was the most challenging and rewarding experience in my life up until that point. Fourteen years later and my husband and I own our space in The Riverwalk in Edwards and we are so busy we can’t keep up. We truly love what we do and have met so many amazing people and more importantly amazing animals.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Grooming dogs presents many challenges. The dogs are very nervous until they realize they are just having a bath. We always joke that it’s like having your hair cut except humans don’t bite or move nonstop or pee on you when getting a trim. Every day is a challenge when grooming dogs but it so rewarding.

The biggest challenge I have faced is getting diagnosed with Breast Cancer in 2018 and trying to still run a business through multiple surgeries. Our job is extremely physical and it presented some major issues trying to groom dogs after having a double mastectomy and two reconstruction surgeries. Thankfully we have the most amazing clients who were willing to wait until I was healed up and able to get back at it. Amazingly I only ended up taking five weeks off after the double mastectomy and three weeks or so after each reconstruction surgery. It is super stressful trying to run a business that requires you to physically be in the shop and requires you to use your body. I am definitely grateful to be able to be back in the shop after a tumultuous couple of years.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Doggie Style Pet Grooming story. Tell us more about the business.
We are a full-service dog grooming shop. We groom all sizes and breeds. We scissor finish all grooms which can set us apart from other grooming salons. I think the thing that we are known for is customer service. While we adore our four-legged clients, we really love their owners too. I always joke that dogs don’t have cars or wallets so it’s important to develop good relationships with their humans. We truly are a “mom and pop” shop in a sea of corporate businesses. I personally deal with each and every client during the scheduling process which can be up to 25 clients a day. My husband and I are there to communicate with each client during pickup and drop off. We really pride ourselves on customer service and giving your pooch the best experience possible. I have received many comments regarding how relaxed their dog is after grooming.

Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
Well, considering my health challenges, I don’t think good luck has played a part. I believe good old fashioned hard work is what we can contribute to our success too. We show up every single day and give 150%. It’s not luck…its hard work.

Contact Info:

• Address: 275 Main Street C101 Garnet Bldg
• Phone: 970.331.9888
• Email: carolynstratton@comcast.net
• Instagram: carolynstratton
• Facebook: Doggie Style Pet Grooming,LLC

Image Credit:
@doggiestylevail

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