Today we’d like to introduce you to Briana Bransfield.
Briana, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I have always had a love for animals and knew my occupational path would head in that direction. I went to Essex Agricultural and Technical School where I studied Companion Animals with a concentration in Grooming, I started my first business my senior year in high school call GROOOOM! I owned that for about three years but wanted to do more than groom so I took my passion to the area of Pet DayCare and Grooming, Eventually I found my way to Harbor Hounds where owner Sara Noonan and I have built a business together that includes dog daycare and Groom by the Harbor. Our business is a “women owned” business that is thriving in the newly developed East Boston waterfront. Along with DayCare and Grooming I will be offering Canine Good Citizen Training for all dogs!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I think in business, entrepreneurship in general, there are ups and downs. Passion to me is the key to developing a good strong business. I have always had a passion to be in the pet industry, especially working with companion animals. While the scary feeling of “having to make a paycheck” can be very real… when you do what you love, as the saying goes, you never really “work” a day in your life! I look forward to the long hours, the dedication and continuing to become the best at what I do! Watching the business grow and people happy with what I do is the most fulfilling feeling in the world.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into Groom by the Harbor story. Tell us more about the business.
I specialize in “cuts” of all types for dogs and cats. I have always been able to deal with all types of temperaments but what sets me apart is my love for the animals in my care. Companion animals, for many people, are like their children. When you send your four legged animal to me you can rest assured they are treated with respect and love! I am proud of the Harbor Hounds/Groom by the Harbor brand we have been able to establish it is quickly becoming the “go to” for care and grooming in the Boston area!
Who do you look up to? How have they inspired you?
I have been inspired most by my mom! My mom was a woman business owner in Malden and as a child I watched the time and dedication she put in to build her business. She took a child care business and built it, both reputation and financially, into one of the most well known in the area. Her passion to take care of other people’s children and treat them like her own is what made her and her business special. I am basically taking her business plan and using it with the pet industry.
Contact Info:
- Address: 256 Marginal St
East Boston - Website: www.groombytheharbor.com
- Phone: 857-256-2578
- Email: groombytheharbor@gmail.com
- Instagram: @groombytheharbor
- Facebook: Groom by the Harbor
- Other: www.theharborhounds.com
Image Credit:
Briana Bransfield
Getting in touch: BostonVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
