A DOG groomer from Goldhanger has finally branched out and opened her own parlour after starting out in her parents’ back room.

Aimee Rycraft first began to practice dog grooming 13 years ago when she was 18, after leaving school and not being entirely sure where to go.

After training in the field, she set up her groomers “Shaggy2Short” in the backroom of her parents’ pet store.

Following a move to an industrial estate several years ago, Aimee has wanted to move the parlour closer to the family farm at the Gardener’s Farm Shop on Maldon Road.

After several applications and finally being approved by the district council, the business had its grand opening on October 25 with its newly-converted building of its own, previously a barn.

Aimee said: “It’s been a very long journey from starting it out 13 years ago, and to finally move to the farm my family owns felt like it was finally bringing the business back home.

“None of this would have been possible without my brother Aiden for undergoing all the building and design works to get this barn converted into a parlour.

“It’s now a wonderful parlour to be proud of and will help to improve the business and services we can provide even more.”

Shaggy2Short offers grooming for all breeds of dog, and is open Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Email shaggy2short@hotmail.com.