A Carshalton dog salon is gearing up to celebrate a significant milestone – its 10th anniversary. L A Dogs, located on William Street, was established in 2014 by Laura Haynes, formerly known as Laura Andrews. The idea for the salon came to Laura while she was pregnant and reminiscing about her previous job as a dog groomer. With a passion for working with animals, she saw an opportunity to create a space that offered a home-like experience for pets in need of grooming services.
Laura, now 41 years old, shared her journey with Your Local Guardian, explaining how the salon came to fruition. “About 10 years ago, while on maternity leave from my previous job, I noticed an available unit on the road where I lived. I approached the buyer and presented my proposal,” she recalled. Despite temporarily leaving the field of dog grooming to pursue a law degree and work in property, Laura’s love for working with pets never wavered. The prospect of owning her own salon reignited her passion for the job she cherished since her youth.
Upon securing the unit, Laura wasted no time in transforming the space into a welcoming oasis for furry clients. Within three months, L A Dogs was up and running, offering a range of grooming services to cater to the needs of both short-haired and long-haired pets. From baths and blow-dries to nail trims, haircuts, and ear cleaning, the salon provided a one-stop shop for pampering pets. While cats were not groomed at the salon, their nails were expertly trimmed to ensure their comfort and well-being.
As the salon approaches its 10-year anniversary in October, Laura has planned a celebratory event to mark the occasion. Scheduled for September 27, the gathering will feature special guest MP Bobby Dean, festive decorations, Prosecco, music, and treats for the four-legged attendees. Laura emphasized the importance of celebrating before the weather turns cold, inviting clients and friends to join in the festivities and share in the salon’s success.
Reflecting on the challenges faced over the past decade, Laura acknowledged the resilience required to navigate uncertain times, particularly during the pandemic. Balancing the demands of running a small business with the responsibilities of motherhood, she strived to maintain a sense of normalcy and stability for her clients and their beloved pets. Despite facing setbacks such as break-ins at the salon, Laura remained steadfast in her commitment to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all visitors.
One of the key factors that set L A Dogs apart from other salons, according to Laura, is the dedicated staff who go above and beyond to ensure the comfort and happiness of their furry clientele. Building trust and rapport with animals is no easy feat, but the team at L A Dogs excels in creating a welcoming atmosphere that puts pets at ease. By fostering positive relationships with the animals in their care, the staff not only enhance the grooming experience but also cultivate a sense of home for the dogs who frequent the salon.
In recognition of their hard work and dedication, Laura has granted her staff the afternoon off on September 27 to continue the celebration after hours. By nurturing a supportive and inclusive work environment, she hopes to show her appreciation for the team that has contributed to the salon’s success over the past decade. As L A Dogs looks ahead to the next five years with a renewed lease at 2 William Street, Laura remains optimistic about the future and committed to providing top-notch grooming services for pets in the Carshalton community.
As the salon embarks on its 10th year of operation, Laura’s vision of creating a home-like experience for pets has become a reality. With a dedicated team, loyal clientele, and a passion for animal care, L A Dogs continues to uphold its reputation as a trusted destination for grooming services in Carshalton. The upcoming anniversary celebration serves as a testament to the salon’s resilience, innovation, and commitment to providing a welcoming environment for pets and their owners. Cheers to 10 years of pampering pets at L A Dogs!