The definition of transition according to Merriam Webster is a passage from one state, stage, subject, or place to another. It can also be a movement, development, or evolution from one form to another.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic hit us in March 2020 life as we know it has altered; dramatically for some. It has even become obvious that change to the existing structure of some businesses may be in order. For instance, I had to close down my pet spa twice since the pandemic hit. First by government order and second due to inadequate staffing. Transition is underway for many now and our compassionate pet care services are no exception.
My Personal Transition
My name is Erica Lucille Salvemini and I am the Founder and CEO of Just 4 Paws Pet Spa LLC., J4P Franchise LLC, and Just 4 Paws Academy. I attended the School of Hard Knocks starting from a very young age.
I am also a 48-year-old mom of two middle school-aged boys. Liam was adopted and Alexander was born of IVF. These are the absolute lights of my life.
I am a Master Reiki practitioner which came about through my desire to heal myself and remove the label of “unknown infertility” that the medical profession had assigned me. As a Master Reiki Practitioner and empath, I often work with people and animals in need. I feel it’s been my life’s calling to offer this gentle, non-invasive care. I am also mom to 3 furry kids; Dalai the 6-year-old border collie, Sherbert, the 17-year-old, talking, orange and white cat, and our newest addition, 3-month-old Dipper the orange fuzzy tabby.
In 2004, this former marketing gal decided to follow her bliss. That’s when I decided to go to the, then prestigious, Nash Academy to learn professional pet grooming. I soon created the Just 4 Paws Mobile Pet Spa. In 2008, I opened the brick and mortar version to be close to home with my baby boys.
Over the last 16 years I mindfully transformed my pet salon into a safe-haven of comfort and beauty for all small furry pets. We’ve intentionally specialized in compassionate pet care services for all, with a strong emphasis on individualized care especially for those pets with special needs.
In March 2016, I was ready to go to market with the newly signed FDD documents for the J4P Franchise LLC business model. This seemingly fortuitous event coincided with great, unexpected family turbulence which shifted the next 4 years of my life’s focus.
Transition in Business
I offer this very personal information as I’m often asked, “so, what happened to the Just 4 Paws Pet Spa Franchise?” My most authentic response is that my children needed me and so I placed my life’s work on the shelf.
As you can see, I am no stranger to change or transition. Over the past many years, I’ve learned that choosing to ride a crushing wave of unknown life circumstances instead of bailing due to personal resistance, often brings great opportunity in its wake.
Its June 2020 and our compassionate pet care franchise model still exists as a wonderful business opportunity for the right animal advocates who are deeply interested and invested in improving the lives of animals. The business model is simple as it is founded on a genuine need for improved pet care services in the world today. I created this franchise model with the intent and sole/soul purpose of inserting moral responsibility into the still unaccountable Pet Care Industry.
The Just 4 Paws Academy has been my latest venture. In 2018 I began the Academy due to the overwhelming numbers of people asking, “Can you train me?!” I realized the industry was only going to get gentle pet groomers if it intentionally started training them to become so. That’s when I began sharing my wealth of compassionate pet care knowledge with those impassioned animal-loving souls ready to do this great and noble work! When we work with our pet and human clients, staff, and students we do it with integrity and authentic love daily. We do this within a kind, gentle, and loving environment. This will continue for as long as the need exists.
If you’re interested in learning more about these areas of expertise, please write via our website, LinkedIn or Facebook:
- Expert pet care service industry knowledge
- Reiki energy healing
- Becoming a professional pet care worker
- Training your existing pet care workforce
- Becoming a compassionate pet care franchisee
I’m certain many of you may be wondering what the future has in store for Just 4 Paws or when we may be re-opening our doors. The most honest answer I have for you is that I’m not sure what the new tomorrow will hold in store for us or how the “new normal” landscape will present itself after transitioning.
Until this new world order finishes its roll-out, let’s just say we’ll stay in touch. I’ll continue posting, blogging, teaching, creating/participating in pet care events, and grooming when/where I can.
Please stay tuned-in and connected. We can wait, watch, and hopefully participate together as the greatness of our new world unfolds before us.
In love and light always,
E.L. Salvemini