It’s safe to say that Baylee Pinkelton is a dog person.
Pinkelton, 25, has five dogs of her own ― three shih tzus, a “mountain mutt,” and a standard poodle.
He’s also been a professional dog groomer for seven years, something he’s wanted to do since high school. This week, Pinkelton’s years of work paid off: He opened his own storefront at 114 East Central Ave. in downtown Mount Holly, a salon for dogs.
“It’s the biggest goal I’ve had forever and ever in my adult life. It’s the dream,” Pinkelton said.
Hippie Hounds Dog Grooming offers baths, nail trimming, breed-specific grooming and other services ― “anything you can think of.”
“We’re going for a luxury spa experience, like a human hair salon,” he said.
Pinkelton, 25, graduated in 2016 from Stuart Cramer High School. She initially decided to go to college for nursing, but she started working as a dog groomer during that time and discovered her passion for it.
“I’ve also been the family’s designated dog-washer since I was a kid, so it only makes sense,” she says. “I loved nursing too. I just really liked the dog work.”
After growing up in Stanley and Charlotte, Pinkelton moved to Mount Holly five years ago.
“I like the area. I’m familiar with it. I like the small town vibe, but it’s still a nice small town, so I stuck around,” she said.
Pinkelton decided to open her own storefront in partnership with two of her clients, Betsy Patton and Mark Conn. The couple raised Havanese dogs, and Pinkelton groomed them. As business partners, Pinkelton would be the organizer, while Patton describes himself as “a silent partner,” handling the management of the business.
“I just really want to be the go-to for the area, be a staple in the community and provide a service because it’s not something that’s widely available right now in the area,” Pinkelton said. “And of course pet dogs all day. That’s the plan.”
