Beth Briggs left the corporate world to wed her love of dogs and people ”“ and to make a profit while doing so.
In a few weeks she celebrates the grand opening of self-service dog washing business AquaDog Spa in Bethel, Conn.
“During a recession is actually a good time to open a business,” said the Brewster resident. “It”™s easier to lease space and contractors are willing to work more. You stand out more. When many are closing, you”™re opening.”
Briggs was versed in marketing and advertising, which naturally prepped her for life as an entrepreneur.
She worked for years as a senior graphic designer at The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in White Plains, and as a communications executive at American Express Consumer Travel in New York City.
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“I was at a good starting point for my own business,” she said. “People spend money on their pets no matter what and look for cheaper alternatives to grooming. It did scare me, (leaving the corporate world) but at my age, I wanted to take a leap while I still could.”
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The concept of AquaDog Spa is relatively simple: provide a convenient, yet luxurious location for dog owners to preen their pooches.
“As soon as I got my own house, I ran out and got a dog,” she said of dog Harley that she adopted from the animal shelter. “The idea was born. I would chase him around the yard, but couldn”™t get him in the bathtub.”
At her spa, dog owners can clean their canines in ceramic-tiled, elevated wash stations designed with accessibility and safety in mind.
Products such as natural Earthbath ear and eye wipes, waterproof aprons and professional grooming dryers are all included in the price total.
For dogs 15 pounds or less, it costs $19.95. For dogs that weigh more, it is $27.95.
Briggs said there are plans to hire a professional groomer to work onsite within a few months for a “we wash” program that lets pet owners relax in a lounge while their dog gets a bath.
She estimated start-up costs were more than $50,000, but the “high traffic area just off of I-84” will help bring a return on investment.
The grand opening is Jan. 9, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and 10 percent of paid washes will be donated to charity. The address is 32 Stony Hill Road in Bethel.
The website is aquadogonline.com.
