Rising Stars: Meet Chassy Ward

Today we’d like to introduce you to Chassy Ward.

Chassy, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started out at a corporate company for 10 years before graduating from Bertha (my mobile bus). My husband and I built her in 2019 and hit the road in January 2020. She was a blast, and I really enjoyed being mobile, but the summer months really did a number on her and were extremely costly with repairs. During the spring my husband and I were looking for a space knowing we couldn’t continue doing mobile without another vehicle going, and living in Casa grande while serving the chandler Gilbert area was becoming rather difficult.

We got a phone call from April about the space on Paloverde and pulled the trigger! It took a solid 5 months to turn an architect’s office space into a grooming salon but the transformation was so exciting! I started with 3 groomers in July 2020 and as of last week hired my 12th associate. It’s been such a blast having a group of girls really working together and enjoying all aspects of what they do each day. It feels like an extended group of sisters. I’m grateful every day that they chose my little space to call home.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The struggle of starting a business on my own was a peak and valley experience. When I first started in Bertha I wasn’t sure who was going to follow me that I’d been serving for the 10 years.

I was pleasantly surprised by how fast word of mouth spreads and was booked solid within weeks of starting her up.

Then the issue with transitioning from mobile to storefront was super scary. I didn’t know if people liked me because I was mobile or because I was Chassy, thankfully everyone made the transition seamless.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
We serve all breeds of dogs for dog grooming but became really popular in the doodle world. My clientele is about 95% doodles but does love grooming other breeds outside of Doods as well.

I’m most proud of the consistency my team puts out regularly. Each of the really put love into what they do and it shows a day in and day out, and I believe that sets us aside from the competition. We also hand-make each bandana and have something for each fur babe to go home in. It’s a fun little touch that I feel the owners and dogs love

What were you like growing up?
I was very active in sports. I swam from age 6 to college and always had a horse to barrel race with. I also raised animals for fairs and was a part of 4-h and FFA. There were always multiple things I had to get done in a day to cover all the entities I was in.

Pricing:

• $85 is the starting price for most Doodle. All our services uncles nail trimming and grinding teeth brushing, ear cleaning, and plucking with bath and conditioner.
• We do bath dogs as well and those range in size
• Toy breeds usually start at 55-60 depending on hair goals
• Small breeds 60-65
• Medium breeds 65+

Contact Info:

• Website: chassysclassycanines.com
• Instagram: @chassysclassycanines
• Facebook: Chassysclassycanines
• Youtube: Chassysclassycanines