Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Thomas.
Hi Jessica, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
After I graduated high school, I fell into the pet industry as a bather in a temporary position. I ended up staying for over 2 years and genuinely enjoyed working with animals. I realized this is what I wanted to do despite what obstacles I faced in my own personal life. I felt a lot of doubt and judgment when I first started from many people in my life, and it honestly continued for a long time until recently. Regardless of the negativity, I was feeling, I saw it as a challenge to keep going. Grooming brings me comfort when I can make a pet feel good and look good. The best part of it is that I love sharing a bond with an animal, watching them grow, and seeing who they are. My career path in the grooming industry was a challenging one but every day was worth making it this far to have my own salon. I wanted to create a salon experience that was filled with luxury for pets. My salon is mostly single pet-focused so that each pet can have a personalized experience. My idea was to make a salon experience that I know I would want for my pets, Georgia, Mellanie, and Titan.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road was not smooth. My family life was a stressful one, to say the least. I had a lot of toxic people in my life, personally, emotionally, and professionally. I felt trapped in so many ways from a toxic workplace of 4 years, growing up and being a DV survivor, and a lot of trauma. I just try my best to keep going, and I go to a lot of counseling. I just don’t want to ever end up where I came from.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Pawsitive Evolution Grooming is a Luxury Pet Spa. Luxury pet products are the main focus but there are medical bathing options if necessary. What sets me apart from other grooming is that I am mostly a single pet-focused salon, the quality of products I use, and the personalized experience that each pet receives. Every pet is different so therefore, the same process may not be best for everyone; it’s important to think outside the box. I love creative grooming and one day I hope to compete. I really love doing pet color too. Another area that sets me apart is my cat grooming section. I’m currently learning my Master’s Certification in Cat Grooming. I use steel table tops which are safer for cats, and I have a quiet room to keep the cats and dogs separated. I keep my doors locked anytime a pet is out for safety, all you have to do is ring the doorbell when you’re there.
What makes you happy?
I feel happy whenever I’m grooming. I’m cliché but it is my passion. It brings me joy to bring comfort to an animal. Graduating from UCF at the end of this year will definitely make me super happy too. I’m ready to be done with school. I will be graduating with a BA in Interdisciplinary Studies and two minors, one in Environmental Studies, and one in Criminal Justice.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.pawsitiveevolutiongrooming.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pawsitive_evolution_grooming/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PawsitiveEvolutionGrooming
