(Written / Photographed: Brian Wong)
Who would have thought a photojournalist student gradually turned herself into a professional and award-winning pet groomer? Meet Sheena I. Slobodian, owner of Sheena’s Pet Services in the Greenview neighbourhood.
“A year after graduating from SAIT where I took digital photography, I got a job as an online salesperson at the Camera Store in downtown. One day, my colleague’s sister who ran a pet grooming shop was looking for help. I love pets, in the back of my mind though I wanted to be a dog trainer,” amused Sheena.
I thought why don’t I give it (pet grooming) a try, maybe one day per week and see what’s going on that kind of thing!
That ‘one-day-per-week’ ritual ran for three straight months; and by the end of it, Sheena was offered a full time contract.
Ended up it was just the beginning.
Sheena then continued to run the pet grooming business inside Rascals Pet Supplies (which is also located in Greenview) for another six years.
“We were so busy, and at one point our bookings were packed, I mean, like we were looking at a 12-week out schedule. So, I thought it’s time to get a bigger space and there is a no-brainer that my new shop would stick with Greenview Industrial.”
In May of 2018, a much bigger salon opened at 616-36 Avenue N.E. and the shop has been growing and thriving since. By then, she has already obtained certificates in Canine & Feline Handling and Behaviour, also Hand-stripped and Sporting breeds. In 2017, she became an honorary lifetime member of the Intellectual Groomers Association.
“I really wanted to have my own space. Most of my clients do work or have business here in the area. Many others also love this central location.”
The health, comfort and well-being of her client’s pets is paramount to Sheena. Her business goal is to provide quality professional dog grooming and pet care advice in a peaceful environment where furry members, as well as the people who care for them, can feel at ease without the distractions.
Pet grooming was declared an essential service during the COVID pandemic. Just when you think Sheena has dodged a bullet, there came the biggest disruption since opening her business.
“Oh boy, that day in June was a catastrophe!”
Northeast Calgary was pounded by the infamous hailstorm starting at around 6:30 pm on June 13, 2020. Many vehicles became stuck on Deerfoot Trail, some becoming partially submerged in water.
“I got a call from a pet owner from across the street later that night saying the road was starting to flood over. What happened was, the hailstorm was so strong and all the debris, trees stuff and everything else blocked the sewer.”
Sheena’s shop was fully flooded.
The tally on the damage is north of $13K. That happened in the middle of the pandemic where half of the staff members were laid off. Sheena was hung out to dry.
“That was the crappiest time, absolutely frustrating. We continue to negotiate with the key people in this process until this date. Any help from now on is a bonus.”
This interview has sandwiched a couple impromptu walk-in clients, Sheena chatted with the four-legged friends just like they are her family members. It is such a treat to witness Sheena’s personalities which make her a special pet grooming professional.
Sheena wasn’t even sure if she wanted to be a pet groomer in the first place. But here is her advice for those especially women who want to start their own business.
“Get your feet wet, even just the toe wet and try it out on a part time basis, ask questions, learn as you go, grind it out, be resilient. Maybe try some job shadowing and at least give yourself a shot. I looked up to many pet grooming professionals in the industry and learned from them. At the end, it is so worth it!”
As hardworking as one would feel about Sheena, her goal in 2021 is to achieve work-life balance while working towards a full master certificate in pet grooming.
Gender is not a barrier, mentality is.
Her photography skills are never dusted away. Check out all the fabulous pictures on her shop’s social media and website (www.sheenaspetservices.com)
The annual International Women’s Day is just a reason for us to open up a dialogue about equality & equity in the society. We have many more wonderful female entrepreneurs in the Greenview Industrial area. Pay attention and show your appreciation to all of them.
