The shop in itself is a special place, as one quickly sees in 

the span of one visit. Located in downtown Pensacola in a 
renovated old shotgun house, it has a homey feel that is cheerful, 
comfortable, and fun. Even the name holds significance, apart 
from the fact that it draws from Vance’s own given name. Named 
after her great-grandfather Ira, Vance’s mother feminized the 
name, coming up with Irie—a name that Vance later discovered 
during a trip to Jamaica is common on the island nation, not only 
as a name, but also as a saying. “People in Jamaica often say, 
‘Everything’s Irie’ in conversation,” Vance explains. “It means 
that everything’s alright, safe, and peaceful. I thought it was very 
appropriate in relation to the salon and what we do.”

And indeed, it is, as the word Irie also means “positive, 

powerful, and happy.” Perfect for this salon where the staff is 
positive and upbeat and the “clients”—as Vance and her groomers 
call the dogs in their care—are happy and leave looking sharp, 
Everything’s Irie is a clear representation of the love for dogs 
that Vance and her team share. “Our greatest reward in what we 
do is developing a relationship with the dogs and seeing that our 
customers are pleased with their pets’ experience with us.”

The entire team is a strong assembly of people who truly care 

about the work that they do, providing services that include baths, 
full groomings, de-shedding treatments, and nail trimmings. A 

top-of-the-line tub soap system and products ensure that pups 
are deep cleaned and ready for the rest of their grooming, and 
each dog leaves smelling pleasantly of cologne and cheerfully 
accessorized with a bow tie or scarf befitting of the occasion or the 
season. “We feel strongly that the safety and the treatment of the 
dog is first and foremost, and we want them to have a real ‘salon’ 
experience,” says Vance. “Our customers appreciate the fact that 
we work hard to take care of their babies.” 

Having just celebrated its second anniversary, the salon has 

already grown to the point that they have recently welcomed the 
addition of a new groomer to accommodate their clientele. More 
than just a business to Vance however, the salon has also been part 
of a journey that Vance credits to her sister and her mother, whose 
generous spirits and battles with cancer are honored through the 
purple ribbon incorporated into the company logo as well as the 
purple scrubs worn by the staff.  

Vance’s heart has, in many ways, been healed through working 

with the dogs at the salon. But so, too, has it found an outlet for 
giving through her charitable donations to various pet adoption 
shelters and local events. Both in giving back and in the work that 
she does each and every day in caring for the dogs she loves so 
much, she honors the memories of her loved ones and sends out 
the message that everything is alright.

Everything’s Irie is located at 

105 South De Villiers Street, Pensacola, Florida 32502

Open Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.

For more information, call (850) 434-3550

May 2018  |   29 

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