n a quiet corner just outside downtown Atlanta, the atmosphere at Jazzy Pawz by Andrea feels more like a spa than a traditional grooming salon. Soft jazz hums in the background, the air carries subtle notes of lavender and chamomile, and dogs move calmly through private suites, each receiving undivided attention from a groomer who knows their name and their personality.

For founder Andrea Jenkins, that environment isn’t a luxury add-on, it’s the entire point. When she first formed the idea for her grooming business, pet wellness was at the forefront of her mind.

“I asked myself, ‘How would I want my own fur baby to be treated?’” Andrea explains. “I wanted something calm—something more homelike—where the dogs can feel comfortable and actually trust the groomer.”

That philosophy has helped transform Jazzy Pawz into one of Atlanta’s most distinctive grooming businesses—one that blends technique, empathy and innovation into a model that’s gaining traction in a rapidly evolving pet care industry.

Andrea’s journey into grooming wasn’t planned, though. In fact, her original path looked entirely different.

“I was actually working in hotel hospitality and thought I would have a career in that, following in my dad’s footsteps,” she shares. “But after my mom passed away unexpectedly, I just felt like I needed to follow my passion.

“I’ve always loved animals,” continues Andrea. “Growing up, I wanted to be a vet, but I knew I’d be worse off than the pet parents if I couldn’t save them all.”

Instead, she found a different way to work with animals; one that focused on care, comfort and transformation.

“In 2014, I started grooming—really just practicing at first,” Andrea notes. “I couldn’t find anyone to teach me, so I taught myself by watching YouTube videos, to be honest.”

But what began as a self-taught skill soon turned into something more serious for the blossoming groomer.

“I started out grooming in my apartment,” explains Andrea. “Then I found a live-work space where I could grow from there.”

By 2016, opportunity knocked in an unexpected way when one of Andrea’s friends, who was also a grooming client, told her about a small space in Inman Park that she thought would be perfect. But opening the doors was only the beginning, and Andrea faced challenges with getting the business up and running.

“The biggest hurdle was moving to an area where I didn’t know anyone,” she says. “I had moved from South Carolina years earlier, and when I really got started, I only knew my dad and my sister.”

As a self-proclaimed introvert, building a clientele required Andrea to step outside her comfort zone in order to get her name out there. But over time, word-of-mouth began to take hold.

“My live-work space was about 15 minutes away, so I wasn’t really pulling clients from there into Inman Park,” Andrea notes. “I really had to build my name from scratch in that neighborhood. Now I have people who travel from all over Atlanta to come to Jazzy Pawz.”

In 2023, Andrea expanded Jazzy Pawz with a second location on Shallowford Road—though its purpose differs from the original salon.

“The second location is more of a retail boutique featuring small local brands,” she says. “We also have a self-wash station.”

What sets both locations apart is immediately apparent: There are no cages, no crowded waiting areas and no assembly-line grooming. Instead, the business model was designed for calm, individualized care.

“We work in a salon suite setting with private rooms,” explains Andrea. “At the Inman Park location, we have four suites, and at our second location, we have six. It’s all one-on-one, and we’re appointment-only with no walk-ins.”

The idea mirrors the experience many people seek for themselves in a salon, including Andrea.

“I don’t want a crowded place,” she says. “I want my stylist focused on me. That’s the same experience I wanted for the dogs.”

The approach also addresses a common challenge in grooming: stress.

“I saw how stressed dogs could get—being in a small space and already not liking the grooming process,” Andrea notes. “So I wanted to create something more enriching.

“We usually groom about four to five dogs per day per groomer,” she adds. “It’s not about doing as many as possible, it’s about doing it right.”

Beyond the physical setup, Andrea has carefully curated the sensory environment of her grooming spaces, which she says comes from human wellness.

“Certain essential oils like chamomile and lavender are calming and relaxing for us, and they have the same effect on dogs,” she explains.

Then, of course, there’s the music. True to its name, Jazzy Pawz plays jazz music at a low volume to cater to dogs’ sensitive hearing, which creates a calm environment.

Every appointment is designed to feel intentional—from arrival to departure. The business uses check-in and check-out bells so they can manage the flow and keep things safe. And the team rotates to greet clients, which helps the dogs get familiar with everyone.

“When clients arrive, they come into our lobby where we have a retail area with bakery items, shampoos, and treats,” Andrea says. “We even have a TV that displays the dogs’ names to welcome them to their spa day.”

However, customization is an even bigger focus.

“We’re adding a special touch where pet parents can choose their dog’s bath—like a moisturizing or calming bath—and select a fragrance,” explains Andrea.

As the business has grown, Andrea has had to hire two additional groomers, but she remains closely involved in training and development. Her own education has taken her around the world, and she’s been able to bring those techniques back and pass them on. That emphasis on skill shows up in the salon’s specialties.

“We’re known for doodles, poodles, and poodle mixes,” Andrea shares proudly. “And I specialize in hand-scissoring and creating really round faces.”

Jazzy Pawz also offers an apprenticeship program, which reflects Andrea’s desire to give others the opportunities she didn’t have.

“It’s an 80-week program that combines classroom instruction and hands-on training,” she explains. “Apprentices can earn certification with the International Pet Groomers Association.”

The program is officially recognized, carrying approval from the U.S. Department of Labor and inclusion on Georgia’s Eligible Training Provider List. Andrea is also working to expand its reach.

“I’m partnering with Georgia Piedmont Technical College so students can earn credits,” she says. “That way, even if they decide grooming isn’t for them, they still have something to show for it.”

However, the apprenticeship program also ties into a broader mission.

“I want to help the community—especially low-income pet owners and people fostering dogs,” shares Andrea. “They shouldn’t have to pay high prices to get quality grooming.”

As Jazzy Pawz continues to grow, Andrea is thinking carefully about what comes next.

“A mentor asked me if I’ve thought about franchising,” she notes. “It’s a possibility, but I’m very particular. I want to make sure anyone involved really cares about the dogs and the community and not just making money.”

Her long-term vision builds on the foundation she’s already created, though.

“I’d love to combine the salon suite concept with a school,” Andrea explains. “So one side is for groomers renting suites, and the other is for people learning the trade.”

For now, she’s focused on continuing to refine what Jazzy Pawz already does best—providing a calm, thoughtful, deeply personal grooming experience. And, of course, finding the right apprentices to carry that mission forward.

“I really want people who love dogs and genuinely want to be in this industry—to help both the animals and the community,” concludes Andrea.