There’s a new dog groomer in the Village of Webster, ready to help even the dirtiest of dogs become fresh, clean, and polished.
It’s called the Polished Pup, located at 181 North Ave., next door to Salvatore’s Pizzeria. It’s owned and operated by Mackenzie Kinley who, you could say, started her business at a rapid clip.
At just 19 years old, Mackenzie’s route to becoming a small business owner was a rather circuitous one, quickly turning from a traditional college career to entrepreneurship. Shortly after graduating from Webster Thomas High School in the spring of 2022, Mackenzie went south to Coastal Carolina University to study either marine biology or forensic psychology. Quickly realizing that neither was right for her, she withdrew after just a month.
She was pretty sure back then, however, that what she really wanted to do was work with dogs. “I always loved them and grew up with them,” she said. “I knew this was a passion of mine.” Becoming a veterinarian didn’t appeal to her (“I couldn’t handle seeing them pass away and in pain”). Instead, grooming felt like a perfect fit. She started saving for her own apartment, studio and equipment, signed up for grooming school and officially opened the Polished Pup last August.
Even though she’s only been in business for about five months, Mackenzie’s already developed a steady clientele. She attributes her early success to the personal attention she gives to every one of her canine clients.
“It’s a basic thing,” she said, “but I really do care about them. … I only do two dogs a day and I go at their own pace. I tell my clients two hours baseline instead of one, to really make (the dog) feel comfortable.” Mackenzie added that she uses all natural products — shampoos, conditioners, sprays and treats — “to keep them healthy and happy.”
“I really hope that once a dog starts coming here, they never leave, they never have to go anywhere else.”
The best way to get in touch with Mackenzie and the Polished Pup is to text her at (585) 645-9200. For more information and to see lots of cute puppy photos, check out her Facebook page and website and her Instagram feed at @polished_pup.
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(posted 1/17/2024)
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