All paws on deck at new Lower Burrell pet grooming collaborative

The layout of Kelly Campana’s dog grooming business is reminiscent of a tattoo parlor.

Her space — Muddy Paws Pet Grooming — occupies the front of the shop. Next to her is a booth for Kaylee Zaremba’s business, Pooches on Point. Across from them is a space for the SWAG Studio, owned by Sarah Goldscheitter.

The three businesses come together under one roof at 2785 Leechburg Road in Lower Burrell. Campana officially opened the space April 18, after she outgrew her previous location in the city.

And between the three women, there’s no dog they won’t groom. Campana said she specializes in grooming dogs that may be labeled as aggressive. Goldscheitter focuses more on a delicate, “luxury grooming service” for both cats and dogs. Zaremba handles any dog that falls in between.

“We all kind of bring different styles to the table,” said Campana, 32.

Goldscheitter and Zaremba rent from Campana, she explained. The three originally met as employees at a pet grooming business in New Kensington and remained friends.

“I wanted to give an opportunity to two girls that I think are amazing,” Campana said.

Not only do the women aim to provide a positive, quality grooming to their customers’ pets, they also strive to show that three independent women — two of whom are single moms — can work alongside each other, without competition.

“We all support each other,” said Zaremba, 26, of the Natrona Heights section of Harrison.

Campana, who began grooming pets when she was 16, has owned her business for about four years. She said she has around 600 clients. Goldscheitter estimates she has about 150 clients, and Zaremba has 300, but the numbers are growing.

They aren’t afraid to refer clients to each other and help each other succeed. There is enough business to go around, said Goldscheitter, 33, of Buffalo Township. She noted many people added dogs to their families during the covid-19 pandemic.

“People’s dogs are their kids these days. … They’re part of the family,” Goldscheitter said.

Goldscheitter said owning her own business allows for more flexibility with her home life. Campana, who moved last year to North Jackson, Ohio, agreed. She makes the roughly hour-and-20-minute drive to work.

“I couldn’t leave my clients when I moved,” Campana said.

Goldscheitter has been pet grooming for seven years and started her own business in February. Her bosses encouraged her to start grooming — something she didn’t realize she’d have a passion for.

“I like being with animals and working with animals,” Goldscheitter said. “Each animal can have its own personality that you can build bonds with one-on-one.”

Her goal, she said, is to “give (the dogs) the grooming experience they deserve.”

Zaremba started working with animals when she was 16. She launched Pooches on Point in April.

“I started to groom and I loved it,” she said.

Campana complimented the small-business community in Lower Burrell and the support the businesses have for each other. Councilman Chris Fabry expressed the city’s enthusiasm for the business.

“Lower Burrell has a lot of momentum right now with new businesses coming here, but it’s also great to see an existing business grow and prosper,” Fabry said. “The new location affords them so much more exposure. I’m certain they will do well at that location.

“This is such a feel-good story. I’m excited for Kelly, Sarah and Kaylee. The idea of three women, working hand in hand to show what they can do together, is inspiring. I do not say that lightly.”

The women book clients on a by-appointment basis. They’ve known many of their clients for years.

“This is basically my dream shop,” Campana said.