Rosario pictured above with Lola (left) and Tucker (right).
Two dogs walk into a day spa...okay, more than two dogs. No joke, Tucker + Lola Luxury Dog Grooming Studio has seen dozens of dogs since its grand opening in November. Founder and CEO Karl Rosario said the Coraopolis community has welcomed him with open arms.
“The love everyone has for Coraopolis makes me proud to be part of the community. Everyone is excited to see the community grow and is vested in the success of their neighbor. Our local patrons have been beyond nice,” Rosario commented.
One new customer even gifted the salon with hair bows for the pooches, which will go nicely with Rosario’s one-of-a-kind dog colognes that he has been selling online since August 2019. Rosario’s love of dogs began when his brother adopted a Goldendoodle, Lola, earlier that year.
“I always loved dogs,” said Rosario. “But having a pet in the family took this to the next level. I lived in New York City, and whenever I visited my family in Moon Township, I always looked forward to spending time with my “niece” Lola. A couple of months later, I adopted my very own dog, Tucker.”
Rosario and Tucker, a Cavapoo, lived in NYC but moved back to his native Moon Township when the COVID-19 pandemic hit last March. It was love at first sight for Tucker and Lola, and Rosario says that having the two dogs brought his family closer and helped everyone deal with the lockdown a bit better.
“You cannot help but feel happy when you watch two cute pups enjoy each other’s company all day!” he continued.
Since then, Rosario has been working to build his brand locally. As a management consultant, the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School grad spent the last six years helping consumer and retail companies tackle some of their biggest strategic issues. Now, as the owner of his own business, he’s combining his love of dogs with his expertise to make an authentic brand.
“As a consultant I did a lot of work with e-Commerce brands, so our natural starting point was launching our online store...As the traction of the brand grew we started getting requests from groomers across the country to carry our products as they not only loved the scents but also loved what the brand represented,” Rosario said.
The close-knit community of Coraopolis gave Rosario’s Tucker + Lola the authenticity he was seeking. He continued, “We have a ton of entrepreneurs doing fantastic work in the community from gourmet coffee and craft beer locations to wellness centers and hair salons. It is amazing to see how far this community has come, and the potential is endless.”
Though opening his studio has been an enjoyable experience, the global pandemic has added some challenges. Rosario reflected, “[You have to] expect the unexpected. Plan for as much as you can but remember than only so much can be controlled. The main skill of running a business is to be able to roll with the punches and adapt.”
Rosario looks forward to the continued revitalization of downtown Coraopolis, attracting new businesses and residents. “All businesses rise together as the community becomes more vibrant. Additionally, [the establishment of] a forum for all local businesses to connect would be great. It would allow seamless collaboration efforts.”
He offers the following advice for other small business owners: “Engage with the community. Coraopolis is a small, tight-knit family that looks out for one another. Lend a helping hand to your neighbor as you know they will do the same for you!”
Typically an avid international traveler, Rosario currently indulges in his more local hobbies during his limited free time. “I play basketball regularly and box twice a week in Ambridge. I love wines and try new bottles all the time.”
Plan to make a stop at Tucker + Lola for your beloved pet’s next grooming appointment, or to pick-up a gift for a furry friend. Visit them online at www.tuckerandlola.com and check out the new studio at 924 4th Avenue in downtown Coraopolis. And tell your friends about their second location opening this week at 431 East Ohio Street on Pittsburgh's North Shore!
