By Theresa Katalinas 
Katalinascomm
unications@gmail.com

Zakayla Riley had her heart set on a career in social work when the COVID-19 pandemic realigned her ambitions.

“When all the groomers were shut down, I had to groom my own dog. I don’t like stinky dogs,” said Riley, a 2021 graduate of Northern Kentucky University, of Benji and Shadow, her mini and giant Schnauzers. “It came really naturally to me. I developed a stronger bond with my dogs.”

She toyed with the idea of becoming a professional dog groomer, first attending a pet grooming school through a Cincinnati-area pet store.

“I realized early on that the corporate grooming environment was very fast-paced and sometimes stressful for both the animals and the employees,” she said. “I decided to step it up but slow it down by opening my own grooming salon.”

In late 2021, she launched Pawpin’ Pawz Luxury Mobile Grooming, initially converting space in her customers’ homes into a grooming salon. In 2022 she bought a self-sufficient salon on wheels in a 6×10 trailer pulled by a Chevy Silverado. She provides curbside service to clients in Cincinnati and surrounding areas, grooming dogs in her vehicle while it’s parked in front of their homes.

Early on, she participated in the Mortar Entrepreneurship Academy and began working with SCORE Greater Cincinnati mentor Quinn Wang, who provided insight on business startup and pricing. SCORE is a national nonprofit organization that supports small businesses through free mentoring.

“He was very, very helpful in whatever it was that I needed,” Riley said. “I loved having Quinn in my back pocket. He’s still there four years later. I can pick up the phone and call him.”

Riley also took part in SCORE’s webinars and classes as well, because, as she noted, “more brains are better than one.”

Wang, who retired from SCORE two years, ago, still stays connected with his mentee.

“We have maintained contacts and met from time to time to discuss issues and challenges Zakayla may run into, or her future plans for her businesses,” Wang said. “I am always impressed with Zakayla’s drive and energy throughout the years.”

Her drive, coupled with a goal of “broadcasting” her business to a larger audience, led Riley to participate in SCORE’s 60^th Anniversary Pitch Competition. She was one of 45 finalists.

More than 2,200 small businesses applied to compete in five pitch events. Contestants were pared down to 60 contenders. Participants were matched with SCORE mentors to refine their pitches, strengthen their presentations and hone their business plans.

“I’m not afraid of a little competition,” she said. “Fundraising is a top priority right now.”

Looking ahead, Riley plans to add another groomer and a second mobile grooming vehicle to her current solo operation.

“The demand is there,” Riley said. “I get a ton of inquiries and because of our current capacity, we have a growing wait list.”

On average, she sees 130 dogs every two months. Riley envisions continued growth on the horizon.

“My 10-year goal is to have at least four vans on the road,” she said. “In the long term, I want to open an indoor dog park.”

To learn more about SCORE, request a mentor, or volunteer to be one, visit score.org. Since 1964, SCORE has helped more than 17 million entrepreneurs start, grow or successfully exit a business. SCORE’s 10,000 volunteers provide free, expert mentoring, resources and education in all 50 U.S. states and territories. Visit score.org.

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By Kay Smith Yount

SCORE Member

The Cincinnati Herald and SCORE are again partnering to better support your small business. Ask Kay SCORE columns will appear monthly, starting with the following article.

Whether your small business has one or 60 employees, your leadership skills can mean the difference between failure and success.

According to Josh King, SCORE mentor and owner of his own business consulting firm, “ I have never been the type of person who has tried to go out of my way to lead. Instead, I’ve just tried to serve others. And when people feel they you truly care for them, they’re much more willing to follow you.

“In essence, it’s servant leadership. I don’t think you’re going to successfully lead in any other way. Otherwise, you’re just a dictator.”

To become a strong leader in your business, consider concentrating on and developing these key qualities:

Accountability: Take responsibility for your action–and lack of action. Demonstrating that you hold yourself accountable will help foster a company culture of caring about results and striving to do the best job possible.

Focus on goals–If you don’t have a target, you won’t know where to aim your efforts and energy. Having clear goals and objectives will help you keep you and your employees focused on working toward growth and success.

Objectivity–Leadership requires an ability and willingness to look at your business objectively. You need to acknowledge and address what needs to be improved or changed to overcome challenges and move toward your goals.

Willingness to delegate–Although it may be difficult to let go of certain responsibilities as a small business owner, it’s essential when you don’t have time–or the skills-to perform certain tasks. Delegating work to others who can do it more efficiently and effectively can help you give more time to focus on strategizing and growing your business.

Communication–As a leader, what you say or write and how you say or write it can either facilitate unity and understanding or it can create confusion and frustration. Strong leaders communicate clearly and consistently so their employees have the information, direction, and feedback they need to perform to perform to their potential.

“Wholeheartedly serving your team is the only way to continue to provide value and cultivate relationships,” explains King.

For more insight and guidance about leadership and all other aspects of starting, managing, and growing a small business, reach out to your local chapter of SCORE to connect with mentors.

Since 1964, SCORE Mentors to America’s Small Business has helped more than ten million aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners through mentoring and business workshops. More than 11,000 thousand volunteer business mentors in more than 320 chapters serve their communities through entrepreneur education dedicated to the formation, growth and success of small businesses.

For more information about starting or operating a small business, call 1-800-634-024 for the SCORE chapter nearest you. Visit SCORE at www.score.org.

The post Five leadership traits that make a strong small business owner appeared first on The Cincinnati Herald .