Community Highlights: Meet Emma Goodman of Bark Beauty

Today we’d like to introduce you to Emma Goodman

Hi Emma, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always been a pet lover, regardless of whether my family appreciated all the animals I brought home—be it a hermit crab or even a horse—I always made it a priority to care for them better than I cared for myself. Their well-being has always come first in my heart.

I’ve always been a busy-minded person, constantly thinking of the next best thing. I never wanted to be confined to a desk, and that mindset has truly benefited me. It allowed me to explore a wide range of opportunities and discover what I’m truly passionate about, coming from a family of entrepreneurs, and I knew from a young age that I wanted to run my own business. With a decades experience, I’ve had the privilege of working with amazing pet boarding, grooming, and all-natural product stores, experiences that have significantly shaped who I am today.

Recently, I had the opportunity to groom under a mentorship agreement, but I ultimately decided to take a leap of faith and embark on my own entrepreneurial journey. The vision behind Bark Beauty is grounded in prioritizing the well-being of pets, with their health coming first. I’ve tailored every aspect of this business to meet the needs and desires of my clients, always keeping them in mind.

I consider myself fortunate to have found the perfect location for my shop. Initially, I had approached the owners seeking employment, but when they weren’t hiring, I seized the opportunity to ask if they would consider renting the building to me. My proposal surprised us all, and as soon as they agreed, I hit the ground running. I aimed to have the business up and running within 30 days, investing all my savings into this venture and praying for success every step of the way.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Overall, the journey of starting this business has been relatively smooth. However, as with any new venture, there are always uncertainties about what tomorrow may bring. I strive to maintain a positive outlook and focus on delivering the highest quality of service possible.

That said, there are days when it feels like the business is growing faster than I am prepared for. This creates a dilemma: should I continue to expand, or should I remain a small, hands-on owner-operator? It’s a challenging decision that requires careful consideration as I navigate the future of Bark Beauty.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Bark Beauty ?
As a locally owned small dog grooming salon, I’m dedicated to catering to my clients and their pets. This focus allows me to offer luxury services using some of the finest USA-made, all-natural products. My ultimate goal is to prioritize not just the external appearance of pets but also their overall well-being.

To achieve this, I am committed to continuous learning, regularly taking classes and conducting research. My educational background, which includes a degree in business with an emphasis on logistics management and agricultural animal science, along with a veterinary technology certificate, has proven invaluable. Additionally, I have a lineup of trade shows I plan to attend next year with Barkleigh Productions, further enhancing my knowledge and services for my clients.

I specialize in high-quality grooming, and I’m particularly known for my skills with doodles. My unique grooming style gives these dogs a fun, creative look while ensuring it’s maintainable for every client. If you ask my customers what they appreciate most about Bark Beauty, they’ll tell you it’s my genuine care for each pet that walks through the door. I build personal relationships with my clients because, when you come to my salon, your pet becomes part of my family.

This commitment sets me apart from other grooming salons, including corporate ones in the Kansas City area. While I take pride in every aspect of my business, it’s the overall embodiment of Bark Beauty that truly fills me with joy. I love seeing my customers’ enthusiasm, especially when they share and engage with my Instagram photos and Facebook posts.

One of the most unique services I offer is personalized one-on-one appointments for dogs that need extra attention and a calmer environment in the grooming salon. Many dogs come from previous grooming experiences that weren’t ideal, so I focus on finding what works best for each individual pet to ensure a positive and comfortable grooming experience.

What’s next?
Ultimately, my vision for the future is to expand into dog daycare and boarding, creating an environment where pets feel just as at home as they do in my grooming salon. I want Bark Beauty to be a place where, as soon as they turn the corner down the street, dogs recognize it and eagerly anticipate their visits.

While I work towards this larger goal, my immediate plan is to introduce a curated selection of retail items in the salon. This will include grooming tools that pet owners can use at home to maintain their dogs’ healthy coats, fun toys as rewards, and a small treat buffet. These additions will enhance the overall experience for both pets and their owners, ensuring that Bark Beauty remains a beloved destination for all.

Pricing:

• Since pricing for grooming services varies based on factors like coat type, breed, and size, I don’t have a standard price list to share. However, I do offer a Bark Beauty menu that features luxury upgrades for our services. Here are some of the options available: – Flea Bag: $12 to $20 – Mud Bath: $25 – Deshedding Bath: $10 to $25 – Skunk Bath: $12 to $20 – Botanical Line Shampoo: $7 – Keratin Conditioning Treatment: $10 – Blueberry Facial: $5 – Teeth Brushing: $10 – Feather Extensions: $5 These upgrades are designed to provide your pet with a truly pampering experience while they’re with us!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://barkbeauty.myonlineappointment.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bark_beauty.kcmo/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/barkbeauty.kcmo