MERIDIAN, Idaho — After 17 years of public service, Jaycee Holman went from working for the City of Meridian to working in it.
Just over a year ago, Holman opened up Barkwash and Treat Shoppe. Her dream was to provide the community and their four-legged friends with a five star grooming service at an affordable price.
Holman is not afraid to get her hands dirty, or in her case, a little furry.
"I've always had it in my mind that--I just thought it's something I always wanted to do, but it's such a big risk," said Holman.
As a huge dog lover who spent way too much time looking for a quality groomer, Holman found that with every disappointing visit to a new facility there was room to improve the current market.
"I looked around and thought, 'man, if you could just build these a little more high end, nicer, super clean, super friendly customer service, add treats and retail and make it a chore and a treat -- you could really have something here."
There was a lot of research, plenty of sacrifices and a ton of potential, but now Barkwash is open. It is a one-stop shop for all your dog needs.
The shop has a little bit of everything to try and appeals to everybody. Professional groomers, self-wash tubs, treats, toys and homemade apparel is available, with most of it being sourced locally.
Holman says starting a business from the ground up isn't easy, especially as a single mother who left the comforts of a steady job, but in the end it was worth it.
"We've now been in business for a year, and it's just been really gratifying to kind of say, 'I dreamt this and I saw what I thought the market was missing… and I was right.'"
If you're looking to treat your four-legged friend to a spa day or reward good behavior, check out Barkwash.
