Did you know that every $100 spent at a local, independently-owned store generates $45 of secondary local spending, compared to $14 for a big-box chain? This was first tested in 2003 by the Institute for Local Self Reliance and is nearly identical to later results across multiple Civic Economic studies.
The Plant City Times & Observer agrees with buying local. With the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce, we’ve launched the Buy Local campaign, encouraging residents to shop local. This week’s Buy Local spotlight is All In One Pet Parlor. We caught up with owner Sandy Elliot to get all the info on this successful business.
How did All In One Pet Parlor first get its start?
I started out working at All In One Pet Parlor as a bather and blow dryer. I was a hairdresser of 15 years. I wanted to work a part-time job. Leslie and Scott Hammock took me under their care and taught me everything I know. After three years I was trained on grooming, too. I asked them if they ever wanted to sell the business to give me first dibs, and they did. I’ve built it up quite a bit.
What kind of services can All In One Pet Parlor offer the community?
We offer baths, hair cuts, color that’s safe for dogs for special occasions. We also do just nails if you don’t need the bath. We are boarding now, and we take great pride in the care and play they need at no extra charge. We also offer a shot clinic once a month for anyone wanting to have their dog or cat vaccinated.
Why is All In One Pet Parlor located at its site?
We have just moved to a down town space after 15 years across from the post office. We all love our new location and the other businesses have been very welcoming. I feel like my clients have a chance to see more of the shops around town, that they might have not seen. I hope I’m close enough that the other businesses can use my services.
What is All In One Pet Parlor’s motto or mission, and why?
I would like everyone to know we are a family shop and take pride in our work and try to keep prices reasonable so they can afford to care for their four-legged children.
Can you describe your customers?
We always want to treat our clients the way we would want to be treated. Most of my clients, after seeing them a few times, we think of them and their pets as family. We are very thankful to all our extended family. We couldn’t be where we are today without all of you.
How many employees do you have?
All of the staff at All In One love all animals. Our bather, Nate, is caught frequently singing to the dogs while he’s bathing them. Hilary is our dryer, and she’s sweet and takes pride drying them the right way. She is also a hairdresser and in training to be a groomer and is a fast learner. Our joke is, “We went to the dogs.” My son and daughter, Joey and Roxanne, have been working here since 2001. Brandy also works with us; she’s like our family too. She was also a hairdresser. I am very proud of everyone who works at our shop and hope to continue to grow for many years to come. I hope to hand it over to my kids one day, but not anytime soon. I love what I do.
Are you on social media?
Facebook.com/AllInOnePetParlor
More information:
We are taking new clients, so drop in and check us out. We do all grooming in our front room so you can see what we’re doing. Call us at (813) 719-9760 for an appointment for grooming and baths. Nails are done from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Just walk in and we’ll take care of you.