Today we’d like to introduce you to Xue Rivera
Hi Xue, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My journey with grooming started in the most humble way—a small apartment and a big dream. After going for a bachelor’s degree in psychology, I decided to follow my true passion and went back to school at ITA for pet grooming. I committed to the long days of learning, waking up at 5 AM every morning to catch the first Lynx bus to class. It was an hour’s commute each way, but I was determined to make it.
Unfortunately, ITA closed its doors before I could finish the program. That could have been the end of my grooming dreams, but instead, I decided it was only the beginning. I took a leap of faith and began offering my grooming services at a lower rate, letting clients know I was still learning. The community welcomed me with open arms, supporting me as I honed my skills and trusting me with their beloved pets. Their belief in me made all the difference.
Business started picking up quickly from my little apartment, and soon, I upgraded to a house. I even got a job as a veterinary assistant, which confirmed what I already knew—this was the industry for me. But grooming? That was where my heart truly belonged.
I started grooming in my backyard, in a spare room, even in the bathroom—anywhere I could make space to do what I loved. Then, I built my first mobile grooming trailer and took my services on the road. That was a big leap, but life had other plans. While building my grooming van, things got tough. I had people take advantage of me, and I lost so much when I was robbed. It felt like the universe was telling me to give up. It was a low point—I doubted myself and my dream. But I couldn’t walk away. I kept pushing forward, believing it would all be worth it.
And it was.
By 2022, my heart led me to rent a small storefront. The community welcomed me back with the same love they showed me when I was just starting. Now, together with my wife Wilmarie and my assistant Angel, we create magic for every pet that comes through our doors. We may be a small shop, but we’re full of heart. We offer grooming, private pet boarding, walking services, and even grooming seminars. I’m proud to say we’ve had 12 students complete our courses and follow their dreams of becoming groomers, just as I did.
At Ohana Wagging Tails, our goal is simple: give every pet parent peace of mind and every furry client the best experience possible. We also offer our services at The Radius luxury apartment in downtown Orlando, bringing the same love and care to the residents there.
I hope my story inspires you to chase your dreams no matter how many twists and turns the journey may take. Dreams don’t come easy, but they are always worth the fight.
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?
The journey to becoming a professional pet groomer and business owner has been filled with challenges. One of the toughest obstacles I faced was dealing with theft while trying to hire and promote people to help with the transformation of my grooming van. Without proper mentorship in the industry back then, it was difficult to get the education and support I needed. Fortunately, times have changed, and resources are more readily available today.
Being a first-time business owner also came with its own set of hurdles. I’ve experienced the frustration of working for others and having my business ideas stolen, as well as being taken advantage of as an employee. However, every setback taught me valuable lessons. The hardships and struggles, while difficult, have shaped me into a stronger professional and have been essential to my growth. It’s through these experiences that I’ve been able to excel in my craft and build a successful grooming business, ‘Ohana Wagging Tails.’
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Ohana Wagging Tails has been proudly serving the pet community since 2015, specializing in grooming for Schnauzers, Doodles, and pets with challenging behavior. Our mission is not just to provide grooming but to create a stylish, stress-free experience for every fur client. We are deeply passionate about what we do—grooming isn’t just our job, it’s a lifestyle.
What sets us apart is the level of care and pride we put into each grooming session. We understand that pets are family, and we aim to provide peace of mind for pet parents while delivering top-notch grooming services. Our private grooming sessions ensure a calm and personalized environment for your pet, and we even offer grooming seminars to share our expertise with pet owners.
At Ohana Wagging Tails, it’s more than just a groom—it’s a tailored experience that brings out the best in your pet, and we take great pride in being a trusted partner in your pet’s care.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
“The COVID-19 crisis was an incredibly challenging time, but it also brought the community closer together. It taught us the immense value of community involvement and the importance of supporting one another. Despite the difficulties, I witnessed how people came together in ways we hadn’t seen before, and it reinforced the idea that we are stronger when we work as a community.”
Pricing:
- $62
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ohanawaggingtailsllc?igsh=MTVkNDM5emFwaHl5bg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092363525740&mibextid=kFxxJD
