Neighbourhood4 PROPERTY NEWS 15 JULY 2018

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87/E SHOPPING

SPREESOR A BIG DREAM?

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My business neighbourhood

WORDS: KIT HEATHCOCK

IMAGE: SHUTTERSTOCK

There’s a new dog-grooming parlour in Sunningdale’s Leadville Dog Park

Leads Dog Grooming provides a small, personal dog-grooming service for the dog population

of Sunningdale. Owner Chesny Garcia tells us about starting her new business at the innovative Leadville Dog Park.

Q: How did your business start?A: I used to live in Joburg and made

rehabilitation products for dogs. When I moved to Cape Town, I worked in a pet shop, and then this opportunity came up to open a dog parlour next door. I’ve always loved working with animals, but this was a new thing for me, so I went on a dog-grooming course to learn everything and I employ an experienced dog groomer.

Q: Why did you choose this area to set up shop?

A: It was a coincidence. I have a Yorkie and was looking for an off-the-lead park for him, as on the beach the wind blows sand in his eyes. It’s a

SEE FOR YOURSELF:

Leads Dog Grooming

065 121 9913

leadsgrooming.co.za

fairly rare concept in South Africa but I found this dedicated dog park here in Sunningdale started by Garden Cities. I saw potential in the area. Sunningdale is growing fast with new houses being built and new residents with pets, and it didn’t yet have a grooming parlour.

Q: How did you find your premises?A: I was working in the pet shop next

door. The space became available and it seemed to be the perfect opportunity to start my own business.

Q: Why are the premises ideally suited to your business?

A: At the start, they weren’t really ideal, but I saw the potential. It’s a small space which has steered us to offering a small personal service to dogs and their owners. Some grooming parlours are big and almost industrial. We are very hands-on, making sure the dogs feel that they are in a safe environment and working at their comfort level, and owners can stay with their pets if they like.

Q: Who are your neighbours?A: The pet shop, a dog-friendly cafe

and a behaviourist, all under the same roof within the dog park. Table Bay Mall is also close by.

Q: What are the rental prices like in this area?

A: It’s a small space which makes it affordable and allows us to keep our prices very reasonable too.

Q: How many people visit your business each day?

A: It’s growing every month. Conservatively 25 to 35 people a week. Our business is bringing more people to the park, and all the businesses here feed off each other. People will come to the grooming parlour and have a drink at the cafe while they wait, or pick something up at the pet shop.

Q: Do you have any expansion plans?

A: It’s early days yet. We want to add on a collection service later. In a few years, we may think about opening another shop. But I want to keep the personal connection we’ve established, knowing owners and pets by name.

Q: Do you operate online as well?A: We have a website and we post

special offers to our Facebook page (@leadsdoggrooming).

Q: What’s your most popular service?

A: Our full wash, groom, cut and nails service. Our clients also like that we use cruelty-free, vegan products named Hownd, a good-quality British brand.