Stephanie DuBose’s journey from working as a kennel technician to becoming the owner of Wags to Riches Grooming in Vidor, Texas, showcases her love for animals and her determination to succeed.

With two years of grooming experience under her belt, Stephanie recognized a growing need for a reliable grooming service in her hometown. The recent closure of Dirty Paws, Vidor’s busiest dog grooming and boarding business, left a significant gap, and Stephanie saw it as the perfect opportunity to step in and create a business that reflects her passion for dogs and their well-being.

Wags to Riches Grooming is more than just a grooming service — it’s a place where dogs and their owners can feel truly at home.
Wags to Riches Grooming is more than just a grooming service — it’s a place where dogs and their owners can feel truly at home.

“My love for animals, especially dogs, has always been a huge part of who I am,” Stephanie said. “Grooming isn’t just about giving a dog a bath or a haircut; it’s about contributing to their overall well-being. I find so much joy in doing that.”

In a town like Vidor, with a population of around 10,000 people, many of whom are dog owners, the need for a new grooming and boarding service was clear. Stephanie quickly realized this demand and decided to take the leap.

“When Dirty Paws closed, it left a real need in the community. That’s why I decided to open Wags to Riches,” she explained.

Wags to Riches Grooming opened its doors to the public on August 26, 2024.

Stephanie has put in a lot of effort to create a warm and welcoming environment for clients and their dogs.
Stephanie has put in a lot of effort to create a warm and welcoming environment for clients and their dogs.

“I want people to feel that this isn’t just another grooming place,” Stephanie said. “It’s more like a home where both they and their dogs can feel comfortable. I believe that once they see that, they’ll be drawn to it.”

Getting Wags to Riches off the ground wasn’t without its challenges. Stephanie initially struggled to secure financing for her business, but her persistence paid off. After reaching out to several banks, she connected with John Lee at the Lamar University Small Business Development Center, who then introduced her to the Lending Team at Communities Unlimited (CU).

Working with CU Senior Economic Development Loan Officer Chris Ranniger, Stephanie was able to secure the necessary funding through the T.L.L. Temple Foundation to cover the costs of equipment and supplies for her new grooming business.

“Chris Ranniger at Communities Unlimited was helpful and supportive throughout the process,” Stephanie said. “I’d give my experience a 10 out of 10.”

"Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Their support means so much to me.”

Wags to Riches is located in a 3,000-square-foot space near the interstate running through Vidor, making it easily accessible for customers from both Vidor and neighboring communities like Beaumont and Orange. The space, which previously housed a daycare owned by a family member, has become the new hub for pet grooming and boarding services in the area. Stephanie is both excited and a little nervous about this new chapter in her life.

“I’m excited, though a bit nervous, to start this new journey,” Stephanie admitted. “But I’m ready for it.”