For me, that love has always been animals. Growing up, I wasn’t allowed to have a dog, but the moment I moved into my first apartment, I made it a priority to change that. That same day, I brought home my first dog, a Siberian Husky named Keisha. I slept on the floor of my empty apartment that night with just a sleeping bag, a suitcase of clothes, and my new best friend. Priorities, right? Dog first, furniture later.

Throughout my life, I’ve also had the joy of owning and caring for a variety of exotic pets. From reptiles to small mammals, my experience with these unique creatures has deepened my understanding of animal care and strengthened my connection to the world of pet ownership.

After high school, I wasn’t sure how to incorporate my love for animals into my career. I pursued my creative side by earning a degree in Landscape Architecture. During that time, I took business classes which sparked my entrepreneur spirit. During College, I worked as a bather and assistant in a couple of salons.

Upon completing my degree and spending some time in the landscaping field, I quickly learned that my true calling was elsewhere.  I enrolled at the Michigan School of Canine Cosmetology to formally train in grooming.  After MSCC, I apprenticed with one of the top groomers in my area to refine my skills.

Now that you know a little bit about my journey, let me formally introduce myself! My name is Stephanie and I am the sole owner and operator of Harness the Fur.   My entrepreneurial adventure began in 2013 when I started my first company, Pups ‘N Suds.  Eleven years later, I decided to rebrand my company to reflect not only my grooming expertise but also my passion besides grooming.  The new name, Harness the Fur, is inspired by my true passion, dog sledding with my recreational team of Siberian Huskies — A hobby that truly fuels my soul.

 When I am not busy grooming, you can find me spending time with my husband, Ryan, and our four children. Together, we enjoy training our sled dogs, attending races, camping, hiking, and kayaking.  I also love crafting.

Grooming isn’t just my job —  it’s an extension of the love and passion I’ve always had for animals and the lifestyle they inspire.