Stay at home mum to Successful Businesswoman | Aurora Velicias

Aurora's journey from being a stay-at-home mum to running a successful dog grooming business in Lincoln is a testament to determination and strategic thinking. After separating from her children's father, she returned to study at ARA aged 30 to complete her high school credits, followed by an Animal Care course at the National Trade Academy.

Initially working at boarding kennels, she pursued dog grooming training despite the financial challenges. Her mentor later connected her with a business opportunity in Lincoln, which she acquired despite difficulties securing funding due to limited assets and credit history.

Now operating from a purpose-built cabin at home, Aurora's business has flourished. She's fully booked, with a waitlist of over 40 clients, and hasn't accepted new customers for some time. Most clients book six-weekly appointments, with many scheduling a full year in advance.

The transition has provided the work-life balance she sought, allowing her to be present for her children while running a thriving business. Though expansion isn't immediate, she's considering scaling when her children are older, given the substantial local demand and limited competition.

Aurora emphasises the importance of continuous learning in the industry and maintains competitive pricing despite high demand. Her success story encourages other parents contemplating business ownership, demonstrating how following one's passion with determination can lead to meaningful outcomes, even without having everything planned from the start.