We had the good fortune of connecting with Lily and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lily, other than deciding to work for yourself, what was the single most important decision you made that contributed to your success?
One of the biggest obstacles I faced was starting from scratch. I didn’t have a job for a while as I was trying to get my mobile dog grooming business off the ground. This meant I had to take a leap of faith and invest my time, money, and energy into something without the security of a steady paycheck. It was a risk, but I believed in my vision.

Running a mobile service added its own set of challenges. The upkeep of my vehicle has been constant—whether it’s maintenance, equipment, or ensuring the van is always ready for clients, I’ve had to stay on top of it all. There’s never really a break when you’re responsible for both the business and the tools that make it run.

In this line of work, there’s also no ‘off’ switch. I’m always thinking about my next appointment, managing schedules, or handling unexpected issues that come with running a small business. It’s been a 24/7 commitment, but I’ve learned that perseverance and adaptability are key to growing something from the ground up.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I run Dapper Dog, a mobile dog grooming service focused on quality grooming and animal well-being. I offer unique services like mud baths and blueberry facials, which aren’t typically found in most grooming shops. My goal is to create a calm, stress-free environment, especially for anxious or sensitive dogs, while providing convenient, professional service.
I genuinely care about the animals’ well-being. I take the time to ensure every pet is comfortable and happy throughout the grooming process, always putting their comfort first. This level of care, combined with the personalized attention each dog receives, is what sets Dapper Dog apart.
In this line of work, there’s also no ‘off’ switch. I’m always thinking about my next appointment, managing schedules, or handling unexpected issues that come with running a small business. It’s been a 24/7 commitment, but I’ve learned that perseverance and adaptability are key to growing something from the ground up.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting San Diego for a week, I’d craft the perfect itinerary to showcase the best of the city. We’d kick off with breakfast at The Cottage La Jolla before exploring La Jolla Cove, where sea lions lounge along the rocky shore. After hiking Torrey Pines State Reserve, we’d catch the sunset at Sunset Cliffs and enjoy dinner at Born & Raised in Little Italy. The next day, we’d wander through Balboa Park’s gardens and museums, followed by a trip to Old Town San Diego for a taste of local history and Mexican cuisine. For adventure, we’d kayak the sea caves in La Jolla and visit the world-famous San Diego Zoo, wrapping up the day with cocktails in the Gaslamp Quarter.

Midweek would bring coastal vibes with breakfast at Lofty Coffee Encinitas, a hike through San Elijo Lagoon, and an afternoon at Del Mar Dog Beach. We’d spend a relaxing day biking around Coronado Island, stopping by the iconic Hotel Del Coronado before dining at Island Prime, overlooking the downtown skyline. A brewery tour through North Park and hidden gem eats like The Smoking Goat would round out the trip. On the final day, we’d stroll through Seaport Village, visit the USS Midway Museum, and grab a legendary burger at Hodad’s before a last beach stop at Windansea. This itinerary would blend adventure, relaxation, and San Diego’s vibrant culture—giving them a trip they’d never forget.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My grandma deserves recognition because she introduced me to the world of dogs, grooming, showing, training & loving !!

Website: https://Dapperdogsd.com

Instagram: Dapperdogsd

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