Tracey L. Cline began her career in the pet industry after graduating from GlenOak High School, and will work as a veterinary assistant for the Louisville Veterinary Hospital.
He stayed for 25 years.
Today, she is the owner and groomer at TLC Dog Styling and Supplies in Marlboro Township.
Cline has lived in Stark County his entire life. She lives with her boyfriend, Jeff Yang. He has two sons, Steve Cline and Cort Cline.
“We have four chihuahuas, Winny, Roxy, Auchie and Nugget, and a pug Ling Ling,” she said. “We also have three parrots: Mikey, Ruby and Sammy.
“I decided I wanted to do something on my own, and there’s nothing I love more than working with dogs,” Cline said of starting her business. “People who own dogs are the best people to work with because we both care so much for the dogs. Working in a vet’s office can be very stressful and I wanted to do something where the dogs were happy. people, who brought me to the arrangement.
She added that the arrangement is a win-win for her because she loves when the dog is done with the boyfriend and how happy it is because it feels good. Plus, when the owner comes, they are very happy to get a nice clean puppy to love.
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What does TLC Dog Styling and Supplies do?
I started TLC Dog Styling and Supplies small, while still working with vets. I was able to start by getting clients from vets.
While I was learning to groom, I offered free grooms to any puppy vets who needed them so I could train. After I graduated from pet grooming school, I opened my business in my basement. I offer grooms to all the boarders at the vets so when they pick up their dog after vacation, they look great.
After three years, I built an addition to my house and left the vet’s office to devote all my time to growing my business. I went to grooming seminars every year to increase my skills and knowledge but seeing so many skin problems, I decided to take it to a new level. I decided to learn how to help these dogs who were having problems.
I became a certified pet esthetician, which is different from your average groomer. I had to go through rigorous training, including studying skin science as well as applications in a medical environment.
The course covers not only skin and hair health but how to treat skin conditions. To become certified, after learning the science from a book, you have to do your own multiple case studies. After you pass that section, you are invited to the Veterinary Health and Surgical Center in Arizona to work in a therapeutic spa with hands-on training with veterinarians.
Then you have to pass an in-depth written exam to get certified. This is where I learned the benefits of the hydro massage ozone therapy machine. This machine creates ozone in a water bath. Ozone has many health benefits such as treating fungus, allergies, healing wounds and even soothing arthritic joints.
I have pets with arthritis that get relief from ozone treatment, and we also add essential oils like lavender and frankincense to increase the benefit.
How many dogs do you estimate you have groomed over the years and what breeds of dogs do you have on your tables?
I have groomed hundreds of dogs over the past 19 years. I am so blessed to have the best customers, I could never ask for better customers. I feel so blessed they trust me with their pups.
They are also very consistent in keeping their puppies on a grooming schedule. The only sad thing is that I’m not getting any new puppies at this time. I have a waiting list for when I start getting new ones.
We groom the smallest Yorkies in St. Bernards, Great Pyrenees, Rottweilers, Chow Chows. You name it, we probably fixed at least one.
What are the biggest challenges of owning your own business?
The challenge of owning a business is that you never seem to stop working. There’s always something to do.
If you are not fixing, you have maintenance, cleaning, bookwork etc. If anything doesn’t work or breaks, it’s up to you to fix it. Owning your own business of course has its pros and cons.
I love how everyone says, “It must be great to be your own boss.” Well … I don’t think so. I consider every customer my boss and if it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t be able to pay my bills. My motto is take care of your customers and the money will take care of itself.
Why do you think Stark County is so friendly and people care so much about their pets?
Stark County is pet friendly.
Many of the local shops welcome you to bring your dog. The parks have dog-friendly areas. Many of my customers are involved in agility or other dog sports.
I don’t know about the surrounding counties, but Stark seems like a good fit for dog lovers.
One for fun: What’s your favorite way to spend a day off when you get one?
When I get a day off, I like to walk the trails with Jeff and Ling Ling.
Editor’s note: Five questions with … is a Sunday feature featuring a member of the Stark County community. If you would like to recommend someone to participate, send an email to [email protected].
