Let's Be Social!
We Accept:
NATIONALLY CERTIFIED GROOMER!
BLACK-OWNED & WOMAN-OWNED BUSINESS
Fully Covid-19 vaccinated
Business Hours
Monday Closed
Tue - Fri 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Sat - Sun Closed
About Bark N Park Mobile Grooming
Meet Kioana, Your Groomer
I have always been passionate about animals and wasn't allowed to have a pet until I was 13. My mother adopted Chi-Chi, a Fox Terrain Mix, from Providence Animal Shelter. I knew from then on that I wanted to work with animals. I am happiest when creating, so it was no surprise when I started dyeing my mother's Chihuahuas with food coloring.
Vet Technician to Groomer
I took a leap of faith by applying to a local veterinarian's office as a vet technician. In addition to veterinarian services, the office offered pet grooming services. The vet's office is where I met the woman who would change my life and set off a series of events that would help shape my career! Meeting Danielle showed me that there is room for strong, creative African American women in this field.
I was always learning and watching in the grooming room when I wasn't working with the doctor. After three years as a vet technician, I knew that wasn't something I wanted to do forever. I started working at PetSmart in 2009 as a bather for three months. I then enrolled in grooming school, receiving my certification as a dog and cat groomer.
Certified Creative Groomer
In 2013 I became a certified creative groomer by one of the industry's top creative groomers, Lori Craig.
I started my home grooming business in 2015. I was the only African American groomer in my small town. I overcame many challenges by being active in the community with animals. I volunteered to groom shelter dogs as needed, and I would also hold nail clinics at the local dog park once a month.
I have mastered the art of patience in handling challenging and nervous dogs with soothing energy to bring calmness to the grooming experience.
Starting Bark N Park Mobile Grooming
In 2016 I realized that I wanted to get a mobile grooming bus. So, I started to pursue that goal. By 2018 I purchased my bus to convert it into a mobile grooming bus.
I met Cheron "Ronni" in 2019, and when I walked into Diva Dogg Grooming, it was like meeting my long-lost family. Ronni and I shared the same passion, struggles, and goals in life! I was able to help the shop become #3 in Providence, Rhode Island
I still had my dream of making Bark N Park Mobile Grooming real. With a lot of blood, sweat, and tears, Bark N Park construction started in 2020 in the middle of a pandemic.
My Family
I have been married to my husband, Eric, for 15 years, and we have two dogs. J'adore is a 6-year-old Standard Poodle, and Juno is an 11-year-old Bichon Frise.
Do you have pets of your own?
Answer I have a long-haired chihuahua named Jinxy Bleu, Juno a Bichon, with a unique colorful Mohawk and goatee. Last but not least, J'adore, a standard poodle, is sporting matching dreads like her mom and always a splash of color.
What is your grooming specialty?
Answer Creative Grooming & Mohawks: Two of my dogs are my canvas, and we get many compliments.
What is the most rewarding thing about being a groomer?
Answer I enjoy grooming all kinds of dogs. As a groomer, I face challenging behavior and neglected coats. I find these challenges extra rewarding in the end.
What is the most rewarding thing about being a groomer?
Answer I love knowing that every dog that leaves my bus will feel better and more comfortable.
Q & A With Kioana
We'd love to hear from you! Text us at 401-391-2322.
