Esko woman opens home - Cat Litter Group Co.,Ltd

ESKO — When Nichole Jopke opened 'Sota Pup Grooming in October, she said it felt a bit like starting over.

Jopke previously owned a pet grooming business in Hermantown. She sold the business to one of her employees in 2022 in anticipation of moving to Farmington, Minnesota, with her husband and children.

The move didn't happen, so she decided to follow through on what her long-term plan for her previous business would have been: She opened a smaller, home-based grooming business, and that's how 'Sota Pup Grooming was born.

"My ultimate goal would have been to downsize that business anyhow and work from home just because my kids are going to be starting school and I wanted to be more available," Jopke said.

'Sota Pup Grooming is located at 81 E. Stark Road in Esko. Jopke and one employee work with clients Monday through Friday by appointment only. They work solely with dogs.

Since opening about six months ago, Jopke said business has been steady.

"It’s been going really well. I actually got pretty busy pretty quickly a lot quicker than I thought I would, which was good," she said.

Jopke has been grooming pets since 2001, when she worked at a pet boarding facility in Duluth. She owned the Hermantown business from 2010 until she sold it in 2022.

After more than 20 years grooming dogs, Jopke said she enjoys being with the animals.

"For me, I love seeing the transformation from when they first come in to when they leave. It’s rewarding to see the change even in their personality — sometimes they leave feeling like they know that they look good," she said.

For many dogs, going to the groomer is a stressful experience, but Jopke said she understands that, and tries to make the experience as fun as it can be. After dogs are done with their grooming appointment, she makes a point to play with them if they're up for it.

Amanda Burcar-Annis, of Hermantown, has been bringing her dogs to Jopke for grooming services for about five years. Burcar-Annis first met Jopke at an event at Horses and Hooves Horsemanship Arena in Deer River.

The two have built a friendship over the years, and Burcar-Annis said she keeps taking her dogs to Jopke because of how comfortable Jopke makes the dogs feel and the quality care they receive.

"She really loves the dogs and you can tell that she really loves them. Every time I come, they’re so excited to see her," Burcar-Annis said.

'Sota Pup Grooming may add boarding services in the future. Jopke said those interested should watch the 'Sota Pup Grooming Facebook page for updates.

'Sota Pup Grooming81 E. Stark Road, Esko218-900-7432 [email protected] 'Sota Pup Grooming LLC on Facebook