We recently connected with Bree Luton and have shared our conversation below.
Bree, we are so appreciative of you taking the time to open up about the extremely important, albeit personal, topic of mental health. Can you talk to us about your journey and how you were able to overcome the challenges related to mental issues? For readers, please note this is not medical advice, we are not doctors, you should always consult professionals for advice and that this is merely one person sharing their story and experience.
Before diving into entrepreneurship, I was in a phase of my life that some might call unemployable. I couldn’t handle a single shift without feeling overwhelmed, often ending in tears and struggling to follow instructions. Job hopping was my norm, never staying at one place longer than six months. To be honest, it got to a point where even animals seemed to sense my unease, and my performance suffered from detrimental mistakes. There are whole chunks of those years I can’t recall; I likely spent weeks or even months dissociating.
When I launched Nailed It Denver, it started as a side gig alongside my grooming job, but then I got fired, and I thought, “Well, this is my job now.” I had no other choice but to make it work, so I dove into the grind.
It’s fascinating how my rapport with clients and their pets improved once I took control of my environment. I could decompress when needed, operate within my comfort zone, and minimize exposure to triggers. It was like night and day. I felt enthusiastic about networking, refining my systems, satisfying my creative impulses through branding, and marketing in a way that made sense, all while perfecting my skills with my furry clients. For the first time, I had control over my work environment, like a rebirth.
Around the fifth year of running my business, I began therapy, which marked the start of uncovering answers to questions I didn’t even realize I had. We delved into issues I thought were fine but turned out not to be. I needed to make significant personal changes.
My business and my amazing staff afforded me the flexibility to embark on personal adventures, grow authentically, and rediscover who I truly was beyond survival mode.
Despite tailoring my business to suit my needs, I started feeling the early signs of burnout as my client base and responsibilities expanded. It slowly dawned on me that this was a proven concept, and I could achieve great things if I continued applying myself. However, I was nearing the limit of what I could sustain without some form of intervention. My body was paying the price, and my mental health was deteriorating once more.
I finally admitted to myself that something was wrong. Professionally and personally, I had reached a point where I should have been on cloud nine, yet I found myself in tears and dissociating daily. But unlike before, I could accommodate these struggles and still maintain an income.
It’s really funny how timing works, this interview question arose just as I received my diagnoses of ADHD, PTSD, Anxiety, and Depression. It makes SO much sense now. I was a struggling child and a student who barely graduated high school, never feeling like I fit in anywhere. I had the drive but lacked the tools. This business has shown me that success lies in finding an environment and tools that suit you. Not everyone fits the same mold, and discovering your unique formula is a challenging, sometimes painful journey, especially for neurodivergent individuals. The traditional education system, colleges, and workforce weren’t designed with me in mind, so I forged my own path—with plenty of support, of course. I can confidently say that small business (and animals) saved my life.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I personally established Nailed It Denver in 2017, offering a mobile nail trimming service for cats, dogs, and select small animals. We pride ourselves on not being your typical nail trim experience.
Firstly, we encourage clients to be hands-on throughout the process. It’s crucial for clients to not only witness trimmed nails but also to truly observe and sense the change in their pet’s body language. Just as you wouldn’t drop your kids off at the doctor’s and run errands, why would you do the same to your dog? You are a vital source of comfort for your pet. We enjoy teaching pet parents how to participate in a manner that enhances the nail trimming process rather than hindering it.
Function over fashion! We’re not solely focused on achieving short nails right away. This isn’t a one-and-done experience where we only see you every six months. Our concern isn’t just about nail length; it’s about ensuring your pet eventually accepts the process. I often compare us to going to the dentist – “Nobody wants to go, but we have to.” I haven’t encountered many pets who are thrilled about nail trims, but they do come to accept the process and eagerly anticipate seeing the “treat lady,” similar to how toddlers are excited about the treasure chest at the dentist’s office, despite having just had picks, drills and fingers in their mouth.
How do we achieve that level of acceptance? Consistency! Positive and consistent association is key to happy pets with happy paws. “The difference between a dog that is groomed every 4-6 weeks and one that’s groomed every 4-6 months is that one sees it as punishment while the other sees it as part of life.” – Unknown. About 75% of our clientele visit us every 4-6 weeks! Even active dogs require regular trims because one day they won’t be as active, and there’s nothing worse than a stressed senior dog. Trust me.
Personally, I especially enjoy working with kitties. However, you have to be quick. Working with cats is like handling TNT – it requires speed and accuracy. Most cats do well on a 4-8 week schedule, mainly to preserve furniture and the family dog’s face. But, as they age, they may struggle to shed their nails on scratchers and such, leading to curling into their pads and similarly to senior dogs, senior cats come with their own level of complexity.
Last but not least, rabbits, guinea pigs, and bearded dragons. As long as it’s not a bird, I’m personally up for the job! But bunnies and piggies are particularly enjoyable to work with. A lot of people are unaware they need nail care and their schedules vary depending on each pet’s needs.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Networking I wouldn’t be where I am today without all those ‘tell me about your business’ situations. Honestly, I made networking my full-time job until I had a good base of clientele. At the start, nothing’s more crucial than meeting other small business owners face to face, especially those outside your industry. Online groups are great too, but you can only copy and paste your ‘monthly specials’ so many times from your couch or computer chair. Actually connecting with others, not just selling to them, is the key to getting out there and building a foundation of people who would love to talk about you to their friends, family, and their own customers.”
Financial Literacy
Eww am I right? Unfortunately this is a crucial aspect of managing any business, in this case it’s a “do as I say, not as I do.” Understanding how to interpret financial numbers, and make informed decisions is essential. For many, this seems like a no-brainer, but for those of us who don’t think in black and white and prefer to run our businesses with heart rather than solely relying on the bottom line, it can be a challenge. This approach comes with its own set of pros and cons, but mostly cons. Trust me. In the beginning stages of your business, mastering financial literacy or surrounding yourself with individuals who excel in this area is crucial for your success. It’s not just about crunching numbers; it’s about understanding and making strategic choices that align with your business values and goals.
Keep a tissue box handy
My clients have become like family to me. I initially got into this profession because of my love for animals, but as I look at my days, I realize that my schedule is filled with humans who I’m closer to than many of my blood relatives. While I’m there to provide a service for pets, being in people’s homes allows me to witness their lives firsthand and connect with them on a personal level. It’s become more than just a job; it’s a support system. Some days, I find myself giving hugs of reassurance, while other days, I’m the one who needs support. It’s incredible how caring for pets has led to such deep connections with the people who love them.
Tell us what your ideal client would be like?
Pet parents who do their homework and are open to our processes have been critical to our growth. When someone hires a service, it’s usually because they can’t do it themselves. So, having clients who not only listen to our advice but also act on it is really helpful. Whether it’s understanding consistency or which tone of voice to use when power tools are present, their willingness to follow our guidance makes all the difference.
Many of our pet owners have years of experience caring for their own pets, which is great. You learn by doing! But sometimes, some pet parents hesitate to fully accept our advice. That’s okay; we know we’re not for everyone, and our methods might be different. If we feel a case is beyond us, we’ll recommend local behaviorists or vets.
We assure our clients that our advice comes from years of experience and genuine care for pets’ well-being. Being open to our suggestions can make things smoother for both the pet and the owner, ultimately fostering a stronger bond between them.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.naileditdenver.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/NailedItDenver
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bree-luton-3648a6141
Image Credits
https://www.jreneepetphotography.com/
