Monument pet grooming business booming

Colorado Springs Business Journal, Sep 3, 2004 by Stephanie Cline

Dogs and cats receive star treatment at ChyAnn's Pet Care in Monument. Owner Cheryl Rogers channeled her love of animals into the popular pet grooming and styling shop in November 2000. I've been in the grooming business for 20 years, Rogers said. She spends her days not only caring for pets, but also teaching owners how to constantly improve the quality of life for their cuddly companions.

If you have a dog, take care of it, Rogers said. That doesn't mean you have to have Foo-Foo with bows and ribbons. She counsels pet owners about training techniques and encourages her clients to provide only premium foods for their pets. However, bows and ribbons are not entirely out of the question. We put free bandanas and bows on the dogs - whatever the owner wants, or sometimes whatever we want, she said.

Before going into pet care, Rogers worked in the hotel industry. Originally from Michigan, she worked at two hotels in the Detroit area before working for a Hilton hotel in Troy, Mich., for a few years. Rogers found that she was not happy in that line of work and realized she needed a change. Rogers had a friend in Michigan who turned her on to the pet care business and she decided to attend the American School of Dog Grooming. Working with animals felt like a good fit.

When I was 2 years old, my grandfather was very influential in my life, Rogers said. He bought a farm that year and she discovered a passion that had been with her since birth. I was 6 years old, riding around on the farm, and I remember thinking my dream came true, she said.

Rogers now works with up to 11 animals per day. ChyAnn's Pet Care is open weekdays and occasionally on Saturdays. She and her assistant, Nikki Sheridan, have built a strong clientele base and most clients schedule regular appointments every six to eight weeks.

When she is not working with a cranky cat or styling a standard poodle (a three-hour endeavor), Rogers likes to scuba dive and landscape. She also is involved with the Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce and she is a member of the National Federation of Independent Business.

Rogers couldn't be happier with her career choice. I'm happy and I'm doing what I want, she said. Rogers and Sheridan maintain a cheerful atmosphere in ChyAnn's Pet Care by playing music and allowing the occasional animal to roam the shop. The festivities don't end at work, though. Rogers hosted a poodle party at her home a few weeks ago. We had, at one point, 10 standard poodles at my home, she said.

In addition to the inspiration from her grandfather, Rogers finds encouragement and support today from family and friends.

My whole immediate family lives in Colorado as of last week, she said. Rogers lives with her boyfriend, a man she said has been a big help. In any successful business, you're not alone, Rogers said.