A Woman Owned Business / February 2005
The Village Groomer
 Myra Talbot |
By Pat Lawrence
Myra Talbot was delighted to discover that pet grooming is one of the fastest growing industries in the US. But, if it were not, she still would have opened the Village Groomer.
The former Deputy Director of the Charleston Housing Authority and Special Program Coordinator for Kanawha County Housing moved to Parkersburg two years ago assuming she would continue her career path. With a degree in Sociology from WV State College and years of experience in low-income housing, it would have been a logical decision. But, Myra says, “I always wanted to work with animals, to have a kennel or a grooming spa, a place where animals would be happy to come for a while.”
Her new husband suggested she take the move as an opportunity to follow her dream, “I always talked about it. It was a good time to stop talking and do it.”
Last February, Myra enrolled in grooming school in Medina, Ohio. Next came the decision to open her own shop. “I knew I couldn’t make enough working for someone else. I started looking for a special place, a setting that looked and felt like a home, not a clinic. I want pets to have a good experience, to feel comfortable when they came in, not anxious.”
She ultimately chose to remodel a small house just off Grand Central Avenue. “It has about 850 square feet and room to grow.” Convinced that lenders would not approve a woman over fifty whose business experience was rental property, Myra and her husband have financed the enterprise themselves. Myra chooses equipment and products that makes the grooming experience better for the pet, like high velocity cool air dryers to reduce drying time and a hydraulic bathing system. “Dogs aren’t lifted, they just walk into the tub. Then, the hydraulic lift gently raises them up. It is so much more comfortable, much less stressful, for the dog.”
Myra tries to make grooming less stressful for owners as well. The Village Groomer offers evening hours. “On Tuesdays, we’ll be open from 11AM - 8 PM for pet people who have to schedule around work. ” The salon is open from 8:30-4:30 other weekdays and by appointment on Saturday till noon. As part of Myra’s commitment to pet owner convenience, she’s arranging to handle single doses of flea treatments, take-home grooming supplies and skin care products for pets.
Myra has been joined by fellow groomer, Jason Bennett, and hopes to keep growing “so we can hire a full time bather!” She uses moisturizing shampoo “for dry, winter skin” and offers an anti-shedding treatment that involves a special shampoo, a solution to reduce undercoat shedding and a tool called the FURminator. Myra says, “Shedding isn’t completely eliminated, but it is reduced by 60-80 percent. That’s a big difference to owners of Labrador Retrievers and Bassett Hounds! It works on cats, too.”
Cheerfully indulging the lighter side of pet relationships, Myra combs catalogs to stock the fashion accessories and high quality pet gear that pet owners enjoy. “The new party collars are a big hit for special occasions- they’re very festive for parties and weddings. Naturally, traditional rhinestone or velvet collars are always in style for a pampered pet. And, every pet should be pampered.” Myra’s clients sport a bandana or bow after their salon treatment, which generally includes a pre-cut, bath, styling cut and pedicure. She says, “We make pets as comfortable as we can, but we get them done as quickly as possible, back into their owners arms, where they want to be.”
Although Myra’s first career was helping people, she says, “There’s just nothing more gratifying than those sweet eyes looking back at you. I worked with people all my life and loved it, but seeing those tails wag is the ultimate warm and fuzzy experience.”
For more information, contact The Village Groomer, 304-422-1411, 613 20th Street, Parkersburg.
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