Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Rapp.
Hi Ashley, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
If you ask me how I got here, the honest answer is… one dog at a time.
I’ve been grooming for over 25 years, and at this point it’s hard to imagine doing anything else. Grooming has never just been a job to me…. it’s who I am. Over the years I’ve worked with thousands of dogs, each one teaching me something new about patience, behavior, trust, and the incredible bond we share with our pets.
The biggest challenge wasn’t learning how to groom…. it was learning how to run a business. I could groom dogs all day long, but accounting, marketing, scheduling, payroll, and all the behind-the-scenes work? That was a whole different education. There have been plenty of moments where I questioned myself, but every challenge has helped shape the business I’m building today.
When I opened Bed, Bark & Beyond, I wanted it to be more than just another grooming salon. My goal was to create a calm, spa-like environment where dogs could feel safe, comfortable, and genuinely cared for. I also wanted to build a workplace where groomers could enjoy coming to work…. a place that values teamwork, respect, laughter, and quality over chaos. Happy groomers create happy dogs, and I truly believe our clients can feel that.
Now… if you ask my staff, they’ll probably tell you I’m just the resident shop gremlin wandering around with dog hair on my clothes, talking to every pup that walks through the door, and somehow collecting random toys, treats, and grooming tools along the way. They’re probably not wrong. I like to think that a little bit of organized chaos, mixed with a whole lot of heart, is what makes our salon special.
Looking back, I realize this journey was never just about opening a business. It was about creating the kind of place I always wished existed… for the dogs, for their families, and for the people who dedicate their lives to caring for them. Every wagging tail, every nervous dog that learns to trust us, and every smiling client reminds me that all the hard work has been worth it.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but I think that’s what makes the journey meaningful.
The last couple of years have brought more challenges than I ever expected. I’ve gone through difficult breakups, unexpected surprises, major setbacks, and a few moments that genuinely made me question what would come next. At the same time, I was raising my children, caring for my own dogs, and trying to build a business that reflected everything I believe grooming should be.
There were days when it felt overwhelming, but I’ve always believed that you can either let life’s challenges define you or use them to become stronger. Every obstacle taught me something…. about resilience, leadership, patience, and trusting myself.
Running a business has also been a huge learning experience. Grooming came naturally after so many years, but becoming a business owner meant learning an entirely new skill set. From finances and scheduling to hiring a team and creating a positive workplace culture, there has been a steep learning curve. Looking back, I’m grateful for every lesson because they’ve helped me build something I’m truly proud of.
Today, when I walk into the salon and see relaxed dogs, happy clients, and a team that enjoys coming to work, I’m reminded that every setback was simply another step toward where I was meant to be. And, of course, keeping my inner shop gremlin alive through it all certainly helped.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At Bed, Bark & Beyond, we’ve built our salon around one simple idea: grooming shouldn’t be stressful! For the dogs, their owners, or the people providing the care.
Our salon is appointment-based, allowing us to create a calm, low-stress, spa-like environment where every dog receives individualized attention instead of spending the entire day in a kennel. We believe every pet deserves patience, kindness, and a groom tailored to their needs, whether they’re a confident social butterfly or a nervous pup who needs a little extra reassurance.
We’re also incredibly proud of the culture we’ve created for our team. We work hard, we laugh a lot, and we genuinely enjoy what we do. Happy groomers create happy dogs, and that positive energy carries through every appointment. Around here, you’ll find plenty of smiles, lots of tail wags, and maybe even a little “shop gremlin” humor sprinkled throughout the day.
Giving back to our community is also important to us. We’re honored to offer discounts for teachers, military members and veterans, and first responders as a small way of saying thank you for everything they do.
More than anything, I want people to know that Bed, Bark & Beyond isn’t just a grooming salon! It’s a place built on trust, compassion, and relationships. We want every family to leave knowing their dog was treated like one of our own, and every dog to leave looking great, feeling great, and excited to come back for their next spa day.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
One of the things I love most about our city is its small-town charm. There’s a genuine sense of community here, and people truly support one another. I especially appreciate the locally owned shops and family-run businesses that give our town its unique character. As a small business owner myself, it’s inspiring to be part of a community that values shopping local and building lasting relationships.
If I had to choose one thing I’d change, it would simply be having a few more local breakfast spots…especially somewhere to get a really great stack of pancakes! That’s a pretty small complaint, though, because the people and the sense of community here make it a wonderful place to live and do business.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bedbarkandbeyondtn?igsh=MWpnMnYzNzB0cmxrYw==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1CvMuiyrof/
- Yelp: https://m.yelp.com/biz/bed-bark-and-beyond-portland
- Other: https://www.petgroomerfinder.com/salon/bed-bark-beyond
