Ribbon-cutting held to celebrate grand opening of Bark & Bows Grooming

Thursday, March 6, 2025 at 10:31 AM

By Wes Dehne

The ribbon has officially been cut for the grand opening of Bark & Bows Grooming at 710 Main St. in downtown Rochester.

Owner Sarah Hensley had always been an animal lover prior to starting her grooming business. Growing up on a farm near Akron, Hensley's father was a farmer and her mother showed horses, but the one inspiration who helped shape the career she carries today was her grandmother, who held a business grooming Irish Setters.

Hensley starting the business in her home 10 years ago, and she eventually got so many clients that in April 2024 she opened Bark and Bows Grooming in Bourbon. She had initially planned to have two locations, but ultimately decided to sell the location in Bourbon.

"It's still a grooming shop, so people are still being serviced there, but just not by us," Hensley said of the Bourbon location.

The response in relocating to Rochester has been great, she added, noting the business is probably twice as busy now.

Hours are 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday, and appointments are accepted for Saturdays. The staff of five, including Hensley, all have more than a decade of grooming experience under their belts. Among them is Helen Simmons, who used to own Woof & Whiskers in Logansport.

Having such experience on staff is invaluable for learning different techniques and cuts, Hensley said.

"Everybody is real valued on the team. I couldn't do it without them," she added.

Looking to grow the business in Rochester, Hensley hopes to increase the volume of dogs being groomed to around 20 per day.

"Right now, we're doing in between 10 and 15," she said. "We've got about five more dogs to go a day. That would be Monday through Friday."

Her goal for Saturdays is 10 dogs per day, as there is only one groomer staffed.

She also aims to have services complete in an hour or two.

"I don't really offer day boarding yet, but as we grow, that is a goal of ours just to help accommodate the need of grooming," she said.

Despite the name, Bark & Bows Grooming will take on a variety of animals other than dogs. Kitty cuts are surprising popular, and some clients have even brought in bunnies or guinea pigs for nail trimming.

A recent addition to the grooming shop is a dog treadmill to benefit overweight dogs and those in recovery from an injury as a physical therapy option.

"We pride ourselves in having a good, safe, clean environment," Hensley said. "We're not affiliated with anyone. We started this on our own, and that's the way we intend to keep it. We're not chain-groomers."

At the grand opening, Hensley pointed out there was still more to do, as far as decor including pictures and dog models. Still, she was excited to give the public the opportunity to come in, learn more about services offered and meet the staff.

To make an appointment or get more information about the business you can contact Hensley at 574-377-9247.