Today we’d like to introduce you to Briana Walton.
Hi Briana, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I am the co-owner and founder of Walton’s Pet Parlor LLC. Originally from San Diego, California, I moved to Michigan in 2009 to be near family and continue my education at Madonna University. I am a science major and have cared for a wide variety of animals since an I was a small child, and then professionally, as a veterinarians assistant. A failed business partnership was the original inspiration for this business, as I hope to offer veterinary services in the near future. I had to make lemons out of lemonade to not waste such a heavy financial and time investment. Walton’s Pet Parlor is an Indigenous-American, person of color owned business, whose mission is to provide inclusive, respectful grooming and care to all pets—regardless of age, breed, or temperament—and their people. We pride ourselves on honesty, heart, skill, and serving our community with understanding and kindness. We rarely turn away an animal in need, and if we cannot service them, we provide the company or person who can.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. My original business partner was my best friend of several years, and even though he did not have any financial stake in the company, he was the motivation for the business type. He was responsible for hiring, and I was just acting as an investor, building owner, office manager, and advertising. During this time I was having my first child during Covid and grieving the loss of my father who was very excited and proud about the entire project. We did not hire a project coordinator to renovate the building, we called in favors from friends and family to help clean the building, and hired other local businesses to do the construction work inside the building. The building was purchased and reconstructed in about two years time using money from me and the other owners payroll.
We’ve been impressed with Walton’s Pet Parlor LLC, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I am on my way to graduate school for veterinary medicine, which has been a passion since I was a child. I’m at the halfway point now, I just finished my undergraduate degree a few years ago. I would love to grow the business and offer Veterinary services, whether I hire someone before I’m able to practice or not, but I would also like to focus on training the next generation of pet stylist, and collaborate with other local stylists. It’s really hard to find talented inner city pet stylists, as the pool is very small. It’s time to train the next generation to rebuild the pool, because it can be a very lucrative skilled trade.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I definitely view myself as a risk taker, I didn’t always view myself that way, but after going through the original business, essentially failing, and having to rearrange things and figure things out on my own without my original business partner, definitely taught me that I am a risk taker. I’m a big believer in no risk nor reward. The risk just has to be a calculated risk. It has to be fully thought through and have a physical timeline. Taking every risk that comes your way is not a good idea.
Pricing:
- $60 for a small haircut dog
- $50 for a maintenance trim on a small haircut dog
- $10 we have add-ons like teeth brushing, special shampoos, and nail polish starting at $10
Contact Info:
- Website: https://waltonspetparlor.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/waltonspetparlor
- Facebook: www.Facebook.com/waltonspetparlor
