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
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