Today we’d like to introduce you to Gia Trapani.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I finished my bachelors in English and while job hunting took a position at a now closed pet sitting company. Managed that for 3 years after falling in love with working with dogs. Then a groomer who knew me snagged me and trained me which is also where I met my wife who is the co owner of our business. After we worked for someone else for 4 years, a client couple became angel investors and we opened our own small shop in June of 2011. At first it was just me grooming during the week and my wife on the weekends. We had a tiny retail section, After 1 year my wife came on full time and at 2 years we took on our first employees. At 4 years we had outgrown our first 660 square foot space and sized up to 1500 square feet a block west of where we were. And three years ago in April we moved to 4200 square feet and there are 9 of us and much larger retail section.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Pretty smooth. Taking on employees added a new dimension and sizing up retail and such especially after Covid closures was interesting
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
We are dog groomers who specialize in meeting dogs where they are and building a mutually respectful relationship with bout the dog and owner. All of our retail is carefully researched and thoughtfully sourced. I am also certified in canine nutrition after a 16 week course with a holistic veterinarian. We want dogs to live their most wonderful lives. We approach them as a whole not just skin and hair. We also raise the bar in what experience our groomers have which is essential to keep pets safe in a thoroughly unregulated industry.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
So many but if I had to pick one I would say the cake and ice cream fights our parents let us have and joined in with.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://simplywonderfulkc.com/
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: Simplywonderful
- Facebook: Simplygroomingbygia
