Hidden Gems: Meet Deja Pearson of True Vibes Unleashed

Today we’d like to introduce you to Deja Pearson.

Hi Deja, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
In January of 2020, I was offered a space that would be perfect for a dog grooming business in the Chagrin-Lee corridor. I had always wanted my own business and had been looking around but I didn’t think I was ready. When the pandemic hit in March of 2020, I was home planning out all of the details and realized, I was as ready as I’ll ever be. I found out I was pregnant in July but decided I would sign the lease, as this opportunity would be best for the baby. I was up and running in December, and went on maternity leave in March of 2021 for six weeks. When I came back, I had a full list of clients because of the people I had already served telling their friends and family.

Today, True Vibes Unleashed has grown to include another groomer and a client list so full we’ve had to start a waitlist for welcoming another groomer to our team. Our success is largely due to our unique business model – we stay low-volume and high-quality. We give each dog 1-on-1 attention and care in a stress-free environment. Our clients pick up shortly after their groom to help the atmosphere remain calm and relaxed.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The first 3 years were very hard. I started the business pregnant with no savings. For the first year, I didn’t have signage and much of the space was empty. I only had my tools, a tub, a dryer, and one table. All of the upgrades I made since then were little by little. Because this was the height of COVID, many daycares in the area were not accepting new children. It was stressful bringing my baby to work with me, as I had to slow down a lot to care for him and the dogs. I did notice that the same music I played to calm my baby would calm the dogs too, and the dogs loved the little breaks in between to sit at my feet or play while I fed my son. Looking back, it was a blessing to have that option to care for my baby where I worked – it created a lot of cherished memories.

The city was instrumental in providing resources and help where needed. I had family and friends who helped along the way. In all of the hard times I’ve had with my business, there was always someone who stepped in to give me a hand. As an entrepreneur that had trouble letting go of control, this process has taught me to accept help and that the business could go much further when the community’s hands are on it too.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
We are a peaceful and professional dog grooming salon located in Shaker Heights, OH. We are known for providing a calm environment and high quality service and attention. When people walk into our studio, they can feel how calm it is. We also offer many add-on spa services like mud masks, sugar scrubs, and upgraded conditioners. I’m most proud of how the space has transformed from an empty shell to an environment rich with decor, plants, and high-quality products – our space is matching the level of luxury we strive to keep improving on.

We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Business success to me is marked by the impact I have in my community. I work hard on my business, but I’m seeing our community being positively impacted by having a place they trust with their beloved pets. We hear stories all the time of how much better their pet’s behavior is when they pick up from us. I call that behavior their true vibe – it’s unleashed when they feel safe and cared for. All of us can show who we truly are when we feel safe and accepted within a space.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.truevibesunleashed.com
• Instagram: @truevibesunleashed