Canton's Cherry Hill Village to Get a Dog Salon

Julie Pello's dream of owning her own pet grooming business is becoming a reality in Canton's Cherry Hill Village community.

For six years, Pello, who lives in Novi, has been working as a dog stylist at other area pet salons. But she knows many Cherry Hill residents have dogs and use grooming services.

"I just finally decided I should just do it," she said. "I have enough experience. I feel confident I can do a good enough job to own my own business and have employees."

But she's not going to move too fast—until business at the Uptown Poochie Parlor is booming, she'll work solo.

For now, Pello and her mom, Susan Marek, a registered nurse who lives in Canton's Cherry Hill Village, are spending a lot of their free time working on the space Pello is renting at 50270 Cherry Hill Village Rd. (formerly a stationary store, A Special Place).

Over the weekend, mother and daughter worked in the space, focusing on details. Marek worked on removing residue from the windows, and Pello flipped through several dozen flooring samples, looking for the right color and texture. Over the next few weeks, contractors will complete walls to define the spaces for the reception desk, pet crates, washing and drying areas, and break and laundry areas, as well as install the three shampoo sinks.

Pello said the shop will open in mid-October—the actual date depends on how quickly construction is finished, she said. Over time, services for animals other than dogs may be added, she said.

Marek said, motherly pride aside, her daughter has a great foundation for success.

"She has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and she majored in fashion design," Marek said. "And she's just so passionate about animals. She really has an exceptional eye for art and precision, and she's very patient."

Pello said Cherry Hill residents will see the shop's name on the store in the next week or so.