Iben Rønhoff grew up among dogs. Throughout her childhood, she has helped in her mother's dog pension, and she knows the whims of dogs inside and out. She knew that her future work would have something to do with animals, and she has also always dreamed of becoming a veterinarian.

When Iben finished her schooling and had to choose a field of study, she decided to take a completely different path:"My mother and I had always talked about starting something together, and I knew there was a shortage of dog groomers" says Iben, and continues: "Since there is no state-recognised education in the profession, I investigated the possibilities for an apprenticeship, and I ended up starting a self-paid master's apprenticeship with a dog groomer in Vojens. 8 months later I took the exam, and 2 weeks after that I started my own dog salon”.

It is only a year since Iben Rønhoff, who was 19 at the time, started Rønhoff's Hundesalon, and things have been going strong for the salon, as Iben says: "Some dog salons in the area are closed due to illness or maternity, so there are many customers who have suddenly been sent my way - haircuts have been booked right up to October".

Starting a dog grooming salon was a natural and obvious choice for Iben. Together with her mother, Tanja Rønhoff, she has trained dogs for many years, and as previously mentioned, she has also always helped out at Rønhoff's Hundepension. She herself says: “It was quite obvious. People want it to be the same people who deal with their dogs – it has to be someone they know and are comfortable with.” and she elaborates with a smile: "The dogs are often quite dirty when they have been roaming around the dog boarding house for a week, so here people now often take advantage of the fact that the dogs can have a thorough bath before they have to take them home".

In the long term, Iben Rønhoff would like to expand with an employee, but she is not in a hurry. "I'm very much a perfectionist, and if I'm going to hire someone, it has to be someone I can trust and can deliver the quality I want" she says, adding: "I have to be able to vouch 100% for the work I hand in, and even though there is actually a need, the time just isn't right for me to learn one right now - it requires time and attention, and I can do that not at all right now. But in the long term, there is no doubt that the ambition is a few extra hands in the salon".

It is not without costs to start out as self-employed, and although there are some things she has had to give up, she has no regrets. "I am very busy during a working week, but for me it is also important to create a balance with private life", she says and ends: "Many ask if I can't take appointments at weekends - and I could easily, there are enough dogs for that - but you also have to prioritize and remember that there are other things as well. I want to be able to last for many years".

Rønhoff's Dog Salon originates from Rønhoff's Hundepension. The salon is located on the same land, and the close relationship with the dog pension, together with the great expertise Iben Rønhoff has built up in the area, is of great benefit to her business.

If you want to know more about starting your own business and how to can use the spinoff method to get started, you can contact our business developer Susanne Gren Svendsen at sgs@billunderhverv.dk and 9282 6965.