By Scott Halasz
XENIA — Tarren Denger had been wanting to open her own pet grooming business for a while. And the 2000 Xenia High School graduate, who was working in Wilmington, also wanted to shorten her daily commute.
So when the opportunity to move into part of the “rainbow building” on West Second Street, Denger found her pot of gold and Grooming By Tarren was born.
“I had my eye on this building for a while,” she admitted. “It’s easy to find. I’ve got four kids and (I wanted) to be closer to home and them. I’m back in the city and it’s nice to see movement.”
A professional groomer for 14 years, Denger started as a veterinary assistant at Alpha Vet Clinic in Beavercreek. She moved on to Wilmington, sharing space with a kennel, before finally branching out on her own.
Officially opening Nov. 8, Denger provides all the basics for dogs, cats and the occasional rabbit — hair, bath, nails, ears and anal glands. Her store at 299 W. Second St., is currently open by appointment Tuesdays and Thursdays but will be open Monday through Friday April 1, 2017.
So far, the business is growing.
“A lot of my clientele is following me,” Denger said. “I’m staying steady. I hope I keep up the momentum.”
Denger’s husband, Zachary, a respiratory therapist at the Jamestown ER, is also a Xenia native and a 1999 XHS grad.