At left, Groomer-in-training Maddy Trell looks on as mini goldendoodle Archie takes a breather in midst of his grooming by Trell and Emerald Pet Groom shop owner Taylor Gilkinson at the shop’s New Waterford location. (Photo by Stephanie Ujhelyi)
NEW WATERFORD — Emeralds are the gemstones associated with the promotion of harmony, balance and good fortune, thus Emerald Pet Groom Shop LLC is a very appropriate name for Taylor Gilkinson’s enterprise.
A longtime pet parent herself, Gilkinson started her own business in 2020 at the urging of her father. She explained that she had studied equine science at The Ohio State University and was having difficulty finding a job in her field locally.
Her father suggested she look into dog grooming, so she got a job at Pet Supplies Plus in Boardman, doing just that.
“Owning my own business has been a dream of mine for years,” she said. “I knew grooming was going to be my lifelong journey, as it is so rewarding (to make) pets look and feel their best.”
How did she ultimately choose a business name? Gilkinson said it is a tribute to her grandfather who died of cancer in 2014.
“My grandpa was my rock, my best friend and one of my biggest … cheerleaders,” she explains. “His birthstone was an emerald.”
So when Gilkinson initially decided to break out on her own five years ago, she initially operated out of her home.
The decision to move her operation to 48306 state Route 14 location allows her to not only expand her offerings but also her footprint, allowing her to become an AKC S.A.F.E. Groomer.
To achieve this accreditation, Gilkinson had to make certain modifications to her salon, like having two barriers between the grooming area and the salon exterior.
Emerald also is CPR Canine and Canine Aesthetician accredited.
Emerald is a full-service salon, offering everything from haircuts, deseeds baths, nail trims, teeth cleanings, gland expressions and paw treatments.
Gilkinson said although the majority of their clients daily are dogs that the salon does offer pop-up cat days every six weeks.
She admits that her favorite haircut is on the golden retriever, as it is a “sleek and clean” cut.
Gilkinson has two dogs of her own: a golden retriever and a mini-Aussie.
In addition to Gilkinson, the salon does employ two part-time groomers on Fridays and Saturdays.
She also has plans to add doggie day care services by summer and also would like to add boarding eventually.
Pets must be up-to-date on vaccines.
Emerald Pet is located at 48306 state Route 14 in New Waterford. Appointments can be made by calling 330-853-7414.
Business hours are 12:30 to 7:30 p.m. Mondays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays. Hours may vary on Fridays and Saturdays, and the shop is closed Sundays.
For more information on Emerald Pet Groom, visit their Facebook page at https:/www.facebook.com/theemeraldpet.
