Meet the Founder of Flawless Paws VA - Virtual assistant for the pet industry

Growing up in a family who didn't want pets, to running multiple pet businesses

Hi, I'm Nicola and I’ve always been the odd one out in my family, the only one who loved animals.

While my family were happiest without a pet in sight, I was the complete opposite. From the moment I could walk, I was drawn to animals.

Growing up in a village, I finally convinced my parents to let me have pet rabbits when I was ten. That tiny taste of responsibility (and unconditional love) sealed my fate, I knew I wanted a career working with animals.

After leaving school I studyied Animal Management at college, working part-time at a local cattery and kennels, and dreaming about the day I’d have a dog of my own. After college, I joined the RSPCA rehoming centre, helping dogs and cats find their second (or third, or forth) chance. It was an incredible experience that deepened my love for animal care even more.

At 21, I trained as a professional dog groomer and opened my own business - finally turning that lifelong passion into a reality. And when I finally got my own dog at 24, everything came full circle. Together, we explored trick training, agility and rally which we enjoyed competing in both. We eventually discovered hooper, where we enjoyed training and competing in this too. I fell in love with it instantly and knew I wanted to share it with others. So I began to teach hoopers myself.

After many years running my own successful pet business, I decided to combine my love for organisation with my love for animals and now work as a Virtual Assistant supporting other pet professionals. It’s the perfect blend of everything I care about, helping others in the industry I know and love to thrive.

Meet The Team

Nicola

Founder

Dobby

Chief snuggler

Harley

Head of snacks

Alongside me are my two miniature poodles — Dobby and Harley — who keep life both joyful and full of character.

Dobby, my first dog, is an apricot poodle (though most people think he’s white!) and he’s now 10 years old. I rescued him when he was just a nervous seven month old, who had never been on a walk before. With patience, training, and lots of love, he’s blossomed into an amazing companion. He’s experienced all sorts over the years, agility, rally, hoopers, and trick training, but his favourite place will always be snuggled up on the sofa.

Then there’s Harley, my youngest at two years old, an apricot parti poodle (ie partly coloured). I decided to get a poodle puppy because Dobby has always had a soft spot for other poodles and puppies. Harley’s the complete opposite of Dobby in personality: full of energy, loves to work, and will do almost anything for food… except sit still for cuddles! He’s a clever little character who keeps us both on our toes.