How Janette’s Pets Mobile Grooming Began — Week Zero
How It All Started
I didn’t wake up one day and decide to launch a mobile grooming business.
It built slowly: through long shifts at the shelter, through exhaustion, through the quiet moments where I realized I needed something that was mine again — something that matched my work ethic, my skill, and my desire for independence.
This is the beginning of that journey.
Early November — The Spark
At the start of November, everything crystallized.
I knew grooming was the direction I needed to go:
It fits my lifestyle.
It gives me autonomy.
It lets me earn what I’m truly worth.
And honestly… it makes me proud.
Working from home wasn’t an option, so mobile grooming became the clear path. The freedom, the privacy, the ability to control my schedule — everything lined up.
I began comparing trailer builders, and Fox Trailers stood out immediately. I researched reviews, pricing, layouts, and started looking into booking software, insurance, licensing, and financing.
This was the first moment where the ideas in my head turned into actual steps.
November 18–20 — Momentum Builds
I booked blade and shear sharpening.
I assessed my finances realistically.
I dug into ClickLease, personal loans, and every possible way to make this happen.
And then, on November 20:
I applied for my business license.
And I got approved.
That piece of paper made everything real.
November 21 — My First Wins
This day changed my confidence.
I researched zoning, insurance, and mobile grooming requirements.
I spoke with the Georgia Department of Agriculture for the kennel license.
And then two huge things happened:
I set my soft opening date: November 29
I booked my first grooming client — before my trailer even arrived
I also opened my business bank account.
This was the first time I said, “I’m really doing this.”
November 22 — Funding & Clarity
During a break at work, I slipped out to sign personal loan documents.
The funds hit my account — $1,040 available for fees, equipment, and supplies.
That afternoon I read every line of my lease agreement.
I caught things that didn’t feel right (documentation fees, interim rent timing), and I made myself wait until Monday for clarity instead of rushing.
That same night I bought my dream high-velocity dryer for $40 a month.
I also accidentally purchased an extra website/domain (oops), but instead of spiraling, I just kept going.
I was tired, overwhelmed, and behind on sleep — but I didn’t stop.
November 23 — Preparing for the Decision
I uploaded my sales agreement from Fox Trailers, reviewed the lease again, and made peace with the fact that Monday would be the final decision day.
And I reminded myself why I’m doing this:
I’m building a life where I don’t have to wait on anyone else to create stability.
November 24 — Signing Day
I woke up early, got my tea, and cleared my head.
Comfort now equals pain later.
Hard work now equals safety later.
With that mindset, I signed the ClickLease contract.
I paid the documentation fee.
And I got my delivery date: Wednesday, November 26.
I recovered my old grooming number ending in 7387 (PETS) — a perfect, professional branding detail I’m honestly proud of.
I talked to the State Inspector and planned the timing for my kennel license.
I was upsold by the software company (lol), but I’ll reevaluate that later.
And to prep for launch week, I booked my friend’s son to do an oil change and detail my truck so everything looks polished and professional when I pull up to client homes.
It was a big day — the kind that shifts your life forward.
Looking Ahead
Here’s what this week looks like:
Nov 25: Blade & shear sharpening
Nov 26: Trailer pick-up day 🎉
Nov 27–28: Stock the trailer, test workflow, connect booking
Nov 29: Soft opening — Janette’s Pets Mobile Grooming officially begins
This is Week Zero.
The part where the dream stops living in my head and starts living in the real world.
If you’re following along with this journey — welcome.
I’m building something I’m truly proud of, and I’m glad you’re here for the beginning.