Meet Chelsea Oats

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Chelsea Oats. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Chelsea, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.
This is something I constantly deal with. Even though I am running a successful business with one employee,amazing clients and just purchased my second unit, it still creeps up. Some times I let it get to me, but if I look back to where is started and see what I have created, it sometimes brings tears to my eyes. Owning a business is not for the weak. There is soo much blood, sweat and tears that go into it. When I feel unsuccessful or like a bad business owner I look back to baby groomer Chelsea, fresh out of grooming school and tell her she would be soo proud. I look back to when she worked at salons that were not a great environment and tell her she makes it and to stick with it. It’s hard, but it’s worth it.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am an owner and operator of a Mobile Grooming company. I have been grooming for 7 years and started my business in 2020, peak pandemic. Originally I was not ready for a van for dkfferent reasons, so I began my house-call adventure. I would come to clients houses and groom in their homes. When I first started I was not sure how it was going to go, however it took off. After a year I decided I was ready for the next step. Applied on a new unit, approved, then had to wait almost an entire year due to the pandemic. Operated by myself out of the van for 8 months and then hired my first employee. We split the van, so she works three days and I work three days. I have been wanting to expand and after a few months and looking at other mobile units off and on we finally pulled the trigger. I just brought home my second unit and have hired another groomer who will begin soon. I’m very excited for this growth!

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?
1. I have owned and cared for dogs since I was born essentially. My parents have always had dogs and I continued to as an adult. I think it was probably only 4 months of my entire life when not owning a dog and that was when I moved out of my parents house in college. Grooming was one of those tasks we always did for our dogs, so a grooming career just made sense. Many people who love always say they want to become a groomer and I think that is great. However, you need to have base knowledge of dogs, so classes and seminars can be a great start and then grooming schools.
2. A quality I personally have is determination. Starting and owning a business takes a lot of this. I break down every once in awhile, however I push through and look towards the next step. It takes a good amount of determination when you have a business setback, however you have to follow the old saying “When you fall off of a horse, get back on.”
3. I have always had great communication skills and rapport building and that is a key factor in starting a business and building clientele. If you do not have that it can be a hard learned skill. Knowing how to talk to people and buid your brand is a foundation to your business and who you are as the business owner.

Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
Hands down my husband! I would not be where I am if it was not for him. I would not have even started my business if he didn’t push me and hold my hand through the process. He helps me work through a lot of my business aches and pains.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088196007443

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