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.
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 business, and that’s how ‘Sota Pup Grooming’ was born.
“My ultimate goal is to downsize that business somehow and work from home just because my kids are starting school and I want to be more available,” Jopke said.
‘Sota Pup Grooming is located at 81 E. Stark Road in Esko. Jopke and one employee work with clients Monday through Friday by appointment only. They only work with dogs.
Since opening about six months ago, Jopke said business has been steady.
“It’s been really good. I’ve been really busy a lot faster than I thought I would, which is good,” he said.
Jopke has been grooming pets since 2001, when she worked at a pet boarding facility in Duluth. He owned the Hermantown business from 2010 until he sold it in 2022.
After more than 20 years grooming dogs, Jopke said she enjoys being with animals.
“For me, I love seeing the transformation from when they first come in to when they leave. It’s rewarding to see the change even in their personality — sometimes they leave feeling like they know they’re beautiful,” she said.
For many dogs, going to the groomer is a stressful experience, but Jopke says she understands that, and she tries to make the experience as fun as possible. After the dogs had their grooming appointment, he made a point to play with them if they were up for it.
Amy Arntson / Cloquet Pine Journal
Amanda Burcar-Annis, of Hermantown, has been taking her dogs to Jopke for grooming services for about five years. Burcar-Annis first met Jopke at an event at the Horses and Hooves Horsemanship Arena in Deer River.
The two developed a friendship over the years, and Burcar-Annis said she continues to bring her dogs to Jopke because of how comfortable Jopke makes the dogs feel and the quality of care they receive.
“He loved the dogs so much and you could tell he loved them so much. Every time I came, they were so happy to see him,” Burcar-Annis said.
‘Sota Pup Grooming may add boarding services in the future. Jopke said those interested should watch the ‘Sota Pup Grooming Facebook page for updates.
Amy Arntson / Cloquet Pine Journal
‘Sota Pup Grooming
81 E. Stark Road, Scotland
218-900-7432
[email protected]
‘Sota Pup Grooming LLC on Facebook
Amy Arntson / Cloquet Pine Journal
Jen Zettel-Vandenhouten is a former regional editor for the Duluth Media Group, having overseen the Cloquet Pine Journal and the Superior Telegram.
