Animal Instinctz Grooming

A love of animals and attention to detail has created a business for Marianne Millar

Marriane Millar’s affection for animals led her to start her own pet grooming business. — Photo courtesy Marriane Millar.

Animal lovers are everywhere, but how many are capable of turning that love into a business? Marianne Millar has figured it out. She owns Animal Instinctz Grooming in Grand Forks, B.C.

What led you to become involved in this line of work?

Animals, ha ha! I’ve absolutely loved animals since I was a little kid. What animals give us in our lives—the owners—it’s the most precious thing.

What’s a recent trend in your business that you are excited about?

Asian-influenced clips. They’re so cute. They draw attention to the pet. I recently put them on a cat—we called it the stegosaurus.

What kind of workshop or seminar would be of value to you as a business owner?

Having a resource to help with employees and delegating. It’s a real learning curve trying to deal with employees and all the complications that arise with stuff like that.

What is your passion outside of work?

Farming. Turkeys, chicken, geese . . . we raise goats for milk, meat and cheese. Gardening and raising our own food is super important to us. I’m an artist too. I do graphite pencil sketches of animals.

What’s your favourite part of your job?

The fact that people trust you when they come in that door. They’re leaving the most precious thing in their lives with you. That is such an honour.