Ribbon cutting held for young entrepreneur

BY Aprile McKinnon

Nikki Law moved to Canyon Lake with her family in November 2020. She loves the tight knit community and small town spirit, along with the love, support and neighborliness of Canyon Lake. She enjoys taking her dogs to the dog parks and was attracted to the town’s dog friendly parks and restaurants.

Nikki enjoys camping, kayaking, riding in her golf cart, and the events of the holidays especially Halloween and Christmas.

She aspired to have her own business, but also make a meaningful contribution to the community she lives in. Nikki started working in the pet grooming industry several years ago with a small mom and pop shop. Nikki’s role in the business shortly included managing the business, making appointments, answering the phones to then opening the doors in the morning along with managing the books. Her knack for the business and genuine love of the animals soon led her to know this was something that she could do and love while making a sustainable income.

Nikki’s aspirations became not to just run a successful business, but to make a meaningful impact. She dedicated herself to grooming, cherishing moments of seeing the pups become a whole new pooch as time went on and they learned to trust her. Nikki loves giving a little extra TLC.

“Nothing makes my heart happier than seeing a dog who was once fearful of the grooming environment come running out, excited to see me and be pampered during their spa day,” Nikki said.

So, she decided to open a business of her own in October. Finding a unique name for her venture presented a challenge. Nikki’s initial choice was “Nikki’s Wag N Wash,” but found that to be a popular name in the industry. Nikki wanted to stand out, being different.

Her father, Brett Law ,came up with the name, “Rock N Roll Poochie Poo,” a name as distinctive as her ambition. The name is inspired by Rick Derringer’s song “Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo.” Nikki, having a background in music, theater and comedy, saw this as the perfect playful spirit of rock n roll.

The backing of her parents, family, and combined loyalty of her clientele and friends made her dream come to reality.

“My biggest supporters are absolutely my parents,” she said. “I would not have been able to do this without their unwavering love and support. I have also received a ton of support from amazing clients, particularly the ones I have been working with for years who told me they would follow me wherever my career takes me. I am immensely grateful for them”.

Nikki’s decision to start Rock N Roll Poochie Poo wasn’t made lightly. Guided by faith and the serendipitous alignment of opportunities, Nikki embraced the leap into entrepreneurship.

“I’ve been an avid journal keeper for most of my life, so I can actually look back and read about the first time I had the thought of starting my own business,” Nikki said, “I was 20 years old when I wrote, ‘Imagine, I could see myself owning my own grooming business one day.’ Every day since has been a step towards that goal. I still feel in shock, but dreams do come true.”

Nikki has maintained an active presence in the community, engaging in local clubs like the Mermaids of Canyon Lake and initiating a book club. Nikki gives back to the community by volunteering when she can, singing at the Mermaids of Canyon Lake tea and donating to some of the clubs in the community.

“I’ve always wanted a job that made a difference in the world,” Nikki said, “I hope to give love and compassion to the community. One big thing I am planning to implement soon is volunteering my services to local shelters. I have seen so many posts of matted neglected dogs stuck in the shelter looking for their new homes. It can be hard to find that forever home when you’re neither looking nor feeling your best.”

She hopes to expand her business by having a fleet of vans and a storefront location, even perhaps having a dog rescue.

“Knowing when to take the leap into fully starting your business is incredibly daunting,” she said. “One of the biggest things I learned is to trust God and the universe. There came a time when things were lining up too perfectly, and though I did not feel ready, it was undeniable that the timing was right. Believe in yourself and listen to the signs.”

As Rock N Roll Poochie Poo celebrated its opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, organized in collaboration with the Canyon Lake Chamber of commerce, it wasn’t just a new business celebrated, but a testament to Nikki’s dedication and pursuit of her dreams. Her mobile pet grooming business can be reached at (951) 933-4718.