Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Pezak.
Sarah, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Started out as a girl who loved dogs and didn’t do well in the college environment. So I went to trade school and became a dog trainer, with a focus on behavior, and then a dog groomer. After working in corporate, and then privately owned businesses, I decided I wanted to create a place where I’d want to take my dog. So I continued my education in the dog world through seminars, webinars, books, and networking with other professionals; learning everything from grooming supplies, handling techniques, skin and coat anatomy, to training techniques, nutrition and wellness, and even competing in dog sports and conformation dog shows with my own personal dogs. After starting my own salons in 2013, we have grown to become the highest rated salon in the county; and providing a space where dogs can be understood, and owners can not only feel good about leaving their beloved, but also know they can get guidance and support through many of their pets stages of life.
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?
There are always struggles when it comes to owning and operating your own business. Financial hardships, missing out on important events because you have to be at work, losing employees, the inevitable loss of customers (both human and 4-legged), frozen pipes, virus outbreaks (both human and 4-legged), the list goes on. But resilience isn’t measured by how many times your knocked down, but by how many times you get back up.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I own a dog grooming salon, but I am more than a dog groomer. I have dedicated my life to dogs – in more than just coat and skin care. Taking dog ownership seriously has given me the purpose of gaining knowledge in every area possible. When I’m not at work, my mind stays on the dogs. My personal hobbies are canine health, nutrition, wellness, and behavior – I not only want to be the best owner I can for my own dogs, but I want to be able to help my customers when I can as well. Whether that’s guiding them to a good vet, helping them understand what’s in their dog food, educating them on their dogs behavior and how to interpret it, or letting them know their dog has a skin and/or coat issue and how to address it. I want to help these dogs, and their owners, in more than one way. Dog grooming is what opens the door.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
To be honest, I can’t say I wish I knew anything. Because this has been quite the journey. I have moments where I feel defeated and wish I was in a different place, but I think that’s human nature. “The grass is always greener.” But in the end, I’m grateful for the journey I’ve been on, and am proud to have made it this far. The only direction is up.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ditrnj.com
- Instagram: @ditr_nj
- Facebook: http://facebook.com/ditrnj
