Business Beat: Linda and Doreen of Groomeria

Linda Love of Medford and Doreen Murphy of Commack own and operate the Groomeria dog grooming business in the Medford and Commack area. Love recently talked with Patch about what it's like running their business, and they both invited Patch to take photos that are in the media gallery.

Patch: Describe what your business is?

Love: Groomeria is a friendly, caring, professional grooming salon that provides two on one attention from start to finish in a calm, stress free and cage free environment.

Patch: Where are you from and what is your personal/professional background?

Love: I am originally from Commack, but have lived in Medford for almost 30 years. I am a recently retired Registered Nurse. After retiring I attended and graduated from New York School of Dog grooming in 2011. My partner and life-long friend, Doreen Murphy, lives in Commack. She is a retired language teacher. She attended and graduated from NY School of Dog Grooming with me.

Patch: Why did you decide to open your business in Patchogue/Medford?

Love: To fulfill our life-long dream of working with animals since we were children. Groomeria is a converted RV that we operate out of in both Medford and Commack.

Patch: What do you hope to accomplish with your business?

Love: We hope to make money doing what we love, pampering the animals we groom while making it an enjoyable experience for them.

Patch: What area of your industry do you specialize in?

Love: We focus on dog grooming for the devoted pet owner, offering two groomers, heated lamps over the tub, and cage-free drying. We specialize in the anxious animal that other grooming business turn away.

Patch: Who is your typical customer/client?

Love: Our typical customer are the dog owners who are concerned about their pet having a positive experience during the grooming process.

Patch: Describe some of the history of your business , such as when it opened, where it operates, etc.?

Love: We opened the business in May of 2012, working out of our respective homes. We had a grand opening in August of 2012 with the completed renovation of our RV. Our initial intension was to operate as a mobile grooming service. We have since decided to operate “Groomeria” from our homes in Medford and Commack. Our clientele has been steadily increasing since opening.

Patch: What is your favorite and least favorite aspect of running your business?

Love: Our favorite aspect is spending time with the dogs and cats that we groom. Our least favorite aspect is working to market/advertise our business.

Patch: What specific challenges do you face with running your business and making it work in today's economy?

Love: Our biggest challenge is competing with the large corporate chains that offer generic pet grooming in a bland environment.

Patch: How can people reach you?

Love: Phone - 631 479-3392 Website - www.groomeria.com Facebook - www.facebook.com/groomeria

In Business Beat, Patch will talk to local businesses in the Patchogue and Medford area of new and established places in the area. Want to be featured? Email michael@patch.com.