Suzie Hayes shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Suzie, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
I wake up early, intentionally before the sun rises, because those quiet moments before the world wakes up feel sacred to me. I feed my two dogs and cats, make my coffee, and open the blinds to let the morning light in. Most mornings I water my plants or step outside to my garden to sip my coffee, breathe and listen to the sounds around me. It’s a peaceful rhythm that helps me feel grounded before the day begins. Those first 90 minutes set the tone for everything that follows, whether I’m grooming or running the day-to-day tasks at Puptown.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Suzie Hayes, and I’m the owner of Puptown Mobile Grooming in St. Petersburg, Florida. What started as a one-woman operation and a dream to create a calmer, more compassionate grooming experience has grown into a trusted mobile service loved by pets and their people across the Tampa Bay area with two vans and 2 groomers. I’ve always believed grooming should feel safe, gentle, and personal, not stressful or rushed. Every dog and cat we care for is treated like family.
Puptown was built on the belief that quality and kindness go hand in hand, and that every pet deserves to be cared for the same way we’d want our own to be.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
A moment that really shaped how I see the world was when I realized how deeply animals mirror the energy we bring to them. Early in my grooming career, I worked with a dog who was terrified of being touched. I remember taking a deep breath, softening my tone, and slowing everything down. Within minutes, his whole body relaxed. That day changed me. I understood that calmness, patience, and genuine care can transform fear into trust. It made me see people and animals differently, and it’s the reason I built Puptown the way I did. Energy matters. How we show up matters. For both humans and dogs.
When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
I started using my pain as power when I stopped trying to blend in. For a long time, I felt like an outcast, the one who didn’t quite fit the mold. It used to make me shrink myself to be more acceptable. Over time, I realized that being different was actually my strength. The same traits that once made me feel out of place helped me connect with animals, run a business with heart, and create something real. I stopped chasing approval and began building a life that reflects who I truly am, completely and unapologetically.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends would say that what matters most to me is kindness, connection, and doing things with intention. I care deeply about the energy I bring into a space and how I make others feel, whether it’s people or animals. I believe in treating everyone with respect and in building things that come from the heart, not the ego. I think that’s why Puptown feels different to people. It’s not just about grooming dogs. It’s about creating calm, trust, and care in a world that often moves too fast.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I’m caring for my pets and plants. There’s something so grounding about feeding them, watering them, or just being surrounded by calm, living energy. I love decorating my space and playing my sound bowls too. Those little rituals help me slow down and stay centered. Peace for me isn’t about doing nothing. It’s about being fully present in the simple, beautiful parts of my life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Puptownmobile.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/puptown_mobile_grooming?igsh=YzI5ZjlmcTU0bWQ0
Image Credits
Self
