Valentine’s Day Special: A Local Love Story — Shaggy & Chic’s Place in Their Community

January 6, 2025 12:28 pm

Have you ever walked into a place and instantly felt like you belonged?

For dog owners in Hemel Hempstead, that place is Shaggy & Chic—a grooming salon that’s so much more than just a trim and wash. Pet groomers are a big part of their local community, helping pets and their owners in so many ways. With Tuft, more pet owners can easily find and connect with local grooming services, making it simpler than ever to care for their pets.

Find out how Shaggy & Chic use Tuft to better their community. Today, we’re shining a spotlight on this beloved grooming salon in Hemel Hempstead and its owner, Lucy Baker. More than just a grooming service, Shaggy & Chic has become a cornerstone of the community—a place where pet owners feel heard, supported, and cared for, not just by Lucy and her team, but by one another.

A Place Like No Other

Walking into Shaggy & Chic isn’t just about getting a trim or a wash—it’s about connection. Lucy Baker has created a warm and welcoming space that goes beyond grooming. Clients leave with more than just a clean, happy pup—they also walk away with tailored advice for their pets’ needs.

For example, one client shared how Elly, a groomer at Shaggy & Chic, noticed that their dog’s teeth needed some care. Elly gently suggested a teeth-cleaning session and provided tips for at-home care. Groomers like Elly are often the first to spot potential health issues, helping owners address them early and avoid costly vet visits.

It’s this personal touch that makes Shaggy & Chic feel more like a trusted friend than just a grooming service. It’s not uncommon for pet owners to pop in for a quick chat or share stories about their day, creating a true sense of community.

Strengthening Ties with the Local Community

For Lucy, being part of the Hemel Hempstead community is a largely rewarding aspect of her job. She even teamed up with the dog-friendly café next door to offer pet owners a seamless experience. While their dogs are getting groomed, clients can grab a coffee or a snack, making the entire process more enjoyable for both the pets and their owners. “We work really well together as a community, and we’re much better off that way,” Lucy says with a smile.

A Groomer’s Best Friend: The Tuft App

Running a business like Shaggy & Chic comes with its challenges, especially when it comes to managing appointments and reducing no-shows. But since adopting the Tuft App, Lucy has seen a massive change. “We’ve reduced no-shows by, I would say, 60%,” (and that’s without taking deposits) Lucy shares. This reduction isn’t just a number on a spreadsheet—it’s a tangible change that has brought peace of mind and steadier income. The automated reminders through the Tuft App have eliminated the common excuses for missed appointments. Now, clients receive multiple reminders, and if they need to change their appointment, they can do it through the app without having to call. “Sometimes people would call us, but if we were busy, they couldn’t get through. Now, they can adjust their appointments whenever they need to, and it’s so much easier for everyone,” Lucy explains.

A Team That Cares

Lucy’s passion for her work isn’t just about grooming dogs—it’s about understanding and adapting to each dog’s unique needs. “All dogs are different,” she says. “Some dogs need more time and a gentler approach, while others are anxious and just need a quick, no-frills trim to keep them comfortable.” The key to managing dogs with different temperaments and grooming needs? Experience and flexibility. Lucy believes that understanding each pet’s behaviour and working with their personalities is crucial to providing a positive experience. Her dedication to continuous learning has built trust with both pets and owners, ensuring every visit is a pleasant one. When asked what the best thing about being a dog groomer is, Lucy’s face lights up. “Just working with dogs,” she says. “I feel like dogs are like angels sent to make us happy.” Her words capture the love and dedication that defines her work at Shaggy & Chic. Every pet that comes into her salon goes out happier and healthier.

The Heart of the Community

What makes Shaggy & Chic special isn’t just the grooming services—it’s the sense of connection and care that Lucy and her team provide to every client, human and canine alike. By creating a place where people can share their stories, seek advice, and build friendships, Lucy has cultivated a sense of belonging that goes far beyond grooming. With the help of the Tuft App, Lucy has been able to open the doors of her salon to even more pets, making it easier for owners to book and access the care their dogs need. The app’s user-friendly features allow clients to effortlessly schedule, reschedule, and stay on top of appointments, reducing the barriers to getting professional grooming services. This means more dogs can enjoy the benefits of Shaggy & Chic’s expertise, and Lucy can continue focusing on providing the highest level of care and support to her growing community. Can you relate to Lucy’s story? Bring Tuft into your salon to reach more pet owners and make a real difference for every pet’s health and happiness.

Get Tuft here.