A Darlington woman has launched her own business from home, inspired by her love for dogs.

Stacey Heys has started her own dog grooming business from home and has converted a shed into a dedicated dog grooming area.

The business, Stacey Heys Dog Grooming, is based in Cockerton, Darlington, and was set up just two months ago.

When The Northern Echo headed to Stacey Heys Dog Grooming, Stacey was bathing Leo, a two-year-old Cockapoo.

The Northern Echo: Leo loved his bathLeo loved his bath (Image: Sarah Caldecott, Newsquest)

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It was Leo’s first visit to see Stacey and he loved the pamper session and his photoshoot with photographer Sarah Caldecott.

Stacey told The Northern Echo: “I’ve just always loved dogs, I’ve worked with dogs before, and I’ve been doing grooming on and off for the past three years so setting up my own business just seemed like a natural progression, so I’m happy doing what I’m doing.

“Business has been really good so far, I’m only part time at the moment but in January I’ll be doing this full time.

“My favourite part of the job is just getting to meet so many nice dogs. I think because this is quite a calm and quiet home environment away from the noise of traffic, the dogs feel at ease.

“I usually bath them first, then dry, then cut and style.”

The Northern Echo:

The Northern Echo: Enjoying being pamperedEnjoying being pampered (Image: Sarah Caldecott, Newsquest)

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Although the British Bulldog-enthusiast has only been running her business for eight weeks, she’s thrilled out how well business has been so far.

Her calm nature was clear from the offset, leading us to believe she could put even the most nervous of canine’s at ease.

Stacey is a one-woman-band, and decided to set up her business from home due to the current economic crisis and high rent costs.

Having her own Jack Russel and an elderly Labrador, Stacey understands how to care for a variety of breeds.

Opening hours currently are 8am-7:30pm on Wednesdays and Saturdays and Stacey is currently seeing five dogs per day, giving each pooch the time and attention he/she deserves, rather than having a conveyor belt approach.

Stacey will, however, be moving to full-time hours in January.

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