Escobar woman opens indoor dog grooming business – Cloquet Pines Journal

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ESCO – When Nicole Jopke opened Sota Pup Grooming in October, she said she felt like starting over.

Jopke previously owned Passion for Pets, a pet grooming business in Hermantown. In the year She sold the business to one of her employees in anticipation of moving to Farmington, Minnesota with her husband and children in 2022.

The dog wakes up after waiting — Dax, an 8-month-old golden retriever, poses after being groomed at ‘Sota Pup Grooming’ on Monday, April 10.

The move didn’t happen. So she decided to pursue what would become her long-term Passion for Pets plan: she opened a small indoor grooming business and that’s how Sota Pup Grooming was born.

“My ultimate goal was to cut back on that business (Passion for Pets) and work from home just because my kids are starting school and I want to be more present,” Jopke said.

‘Sota Pup Grooming is located at 81 E. Stark Road in Esko. Jopke and one staff member work with clients Monday through Friday by appointment only. They only work with dogs.

Since opening six months ago, Jopke said business has been steady.

“It’s going really well. I’ve been a lot busier a lot quicker than I thought, which has been great,” she said.

Jopke has been grooming pets since 2001, when she worked at a pet boarding facility in Duluth. In the year She owned Passion for Pets from 2010 until she sold it in 2022.

After grooming dogs for more than 20 years, Jopke said she enjoys being with animals.

“For me, I like to see the change from when they first come in to when they leave. It’s important to see the change even in their behavior – sometimes they leave because they know they look good,” she says.
For many dogs, going to the groomer is a stressful experience, but Jopke said she understands that, and tries to make the experience as fun as possible. After the dogs finished their dress-up sessions, she suggested playing with them.

A dog stands on a waiting table — Chester, a golden doodle, gets ready to be brushed by business owner Nicole Jopke during a grooming session at Sota Pup Grooming on Monday, April 10.

Amanda Burkar-Anis of Hermantown has been bringing her dogs to Jopke for grooming services for about five years. Burkar-Anis first met Jopke at an event at the Horses & Hoves Horsemanship Arena in Deer River.

The two have developed a friendship over the years, and Burkar-Anis said she continues to take her dogs to Jopke because of how comfortable Jopke makes the dogs feel and the quality of care she provides.

“She really loves the dogs and you can tell she really loves them. Every time I come over, they’re so happy to see her,” Burkar-Anis said.

‘Sota Pup Grooming may add boarding services in the future. Jopke said those interested should check the ‘Sota Pup Grooming Facebook page for updates.