Author: Jen Zettel-Vandenhouten

ESKO — When Nichole Jopke opened ‘Sota Pup Grooming in October, she said it felt like starting over. Jopke previously owned a pet grooming business in Hermantown. He sold the business to one of his employees in 2022 in anticipation of moving to Farmington, Minnesota, with his wife and children. Dax, an 8-month-old golden retriever, poses for a picture after being groomed at ‘Sota Pup Grooming on Monday, April 10. Amy Arntson / Cloquet Pine Journal The move didn’t happen, so he decided to follow what was his long-term plan for his previous business: He opened a smaller, home-based grooming…