Susan D’Amodio – St. James, NY

Before opening her own Splash and Dash Groomerie & Boutique in St. James, Susan was running a series of health clubs but was looking to switch things up. “I was trying to decide what my next step was going to be,” Susan says. “It had to be something that I was going to enjoy for the rest of my life.” As an owner of three dogs, one cat, two chinchillas, and a parrot—the most logical choice for Susan was to open a pet grooming salon. “Being around people is my number one thing. I’m a big customer service person and being around pets makes me even happier.”

Anyone who steps into Susan’s shop can see first-hand the fondness she has for animals. “I love my pets like they’re people,” she says laughing. “They’re my little babies and I take care of them, so if I’m introducing a product, or recommending something, people know I’m trying it on my own pets. I’m not going to sell anything that I wouldn’t give to my own animals.”

Susan has two huge Central Asian Shepherds—each weighing over 105 lbs—named Chewy and Jasmine. Also running around her house is a little 5 lbs Yorkie named, Mini. She assures us they all get along.

A visit to Susan’s shop is filled with the sounds of dogs indulging in the soapy suds—punctuated with happy barks and human laughter.