Recent TU Grad Opens Pet Salon in Cockeysville

While many young adults are unemployed and camped out on mom's couch, one recent college graduate is starting her own business. 

Ellie Pieper, 23, opened Snazzy Jazzy's Pet Salon at 10736 York Road in Cockeysville in August. The salon, which specializes in grooming cats and dogs, offers a few services that are outside the norm.

"One of things we offer that other salons usually don't is hair dying for dogs. You want purple for the , you can get it. I can also dye your dog orange for ," Pieper said. "We can even paint their nails."

And no, Pieper isn't using Clairol. She said all products used are made specifically for pets and are safe. While cats can also have their nails painted, they can't have their coats dyed because they tend to do a lot of licking.

Pieper, who graduated from in 2010 with a degree in electronic media and film, has five years pet grooming experience including two years at the in Timonium and another two at a private practice in Parkville. She had originally planned on pursuing a career at a television station but couldn't overcome her love of animals.

"I wasn't allowed to have a dog but I had everything else," she laughed. "I had guinea pigs, hamsters, a cat. Didn't have a snake though."

However, in October 2009, Pieper went against her family's wishes and brought home Jasper, a Berger Picard, from the Berger Picard Club of America in Roanoke, VA. 

"I decided I groomed dogs and couldn't not have one," she said.

Although she's fresh out of college, Pieper decided to open her own business because she felt she could offer her services at reasonable prices.

"And it seemed like the perfect time to do it," she said. "I'm young. I don't have as many financial responsibilities like a mortgage."

Pieper was able to start her business with money she had had saved up from previous employment. And while she recognizes that the market it tough, she is hopeful that her prices will give her a competitive edge.

"I know that there are a few grooming salons around, but a lot of them are expensive, especially in the city and at chain stores," she said. "I knew that if I opened my own place the prices would be lower and I would reward people that come in sooner to get their pets groomed. By offering pretty much any single service someone might want, I am giving more to people in this rough economy than anywhere around."

Snazzy Jazzy's is named after Pieper's dog and, according to the store's website, staff member Jasper, who likes to snuggle up to visitors. Pieper affectionately calls her pet "Jazzy" and thought the "Snazzy" part worked well for the store's location on .

"It's a 1920s, '30s term," she said. "It seemed to fit."

In addition to the store's unusual services, Snazzy Jazzy's also offers teeth brushing, haircuts, sanitary trims, ear cleaning and nail clipping.

To schedule an appointment for your pet, call or text Pieper at 410-292-9063. You can also email her at bark@snazzyjazzysalon.com. Appointments are available Tuesdays through Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., and by request on select Mondays and Sundays.

For a full list of services and prices, visit Snazzy Jazzy's website.

Check out before and after photos of some of Pieper's clients in the photo gallery.