Today we’d like to introduce you to Johnette Wiggins.
Hi Johnette, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My journey started on Pacetti Street, where my love for dogs first took root. I was the neighborhood girl who always had a leash in one hand and a dream in the other. Over the years, that passion grew into a purpose. I became a certified groomer, graduating from Animal Behavior College and earning multiple certifications along the way—from Poodles and Pet CPR to Dog Psychology and Safe Boarding.
What started as a one-woman show grew into NettaFurryBabies, a luxury grooming and boarding brand known not only for its quality care but for its heart. I partnered with organizations like The Arc Jacksonville and MEGA to give young adults—including those with intellectual disabilities—hands-on training and real career opportunities. I’ve proudly mentored future pet professionals, including my own daughter, who’s now on her path to becoming a veterinarian.
Along the way, I’ve been featured on The Sherri Shepherd Show in her One Last Laugh segment, appeared on River City Live, and been spotlighted in multiple publications. I’ve won Best of Florida twice, Best of Bold City, and I’m currently a finalist for Best of Clay 2025 in Grooming. I was honored to be recognized by the AKC for showcasing my expertise in the Non-Sporting group, and I proudly competed in my very first grooming competition at Groom’d—a milestone that marked the beginning of my journey into competitive grooming. I’ve also joined prestigious programs like Goldman Sachs’ One Million Black Women: Black in Business and was published in the 2025 Marquis Who’s Who in America.
Today, I’m focused on not just growing the brand—but using it to uplift others, inspire the next generation, and set a new standard in pet care. Every part of my journey is built on purpose, passion, and a whole lot of paw love.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but every bump along the way has helped shape the journey. For Netta, building NettaFurryBabies from the ground up came with many challenges—starting with limited resources and little guidance in an industry where representation was rare. There were moments of self-doubt, financial strain, and the pressure of juggling entrepreneurship with being a full time wife, mother and community leader.
Breaking into the grooming industry as a woman of color meant having to work twice as hard to prove her talent and earn respect. There were long nights, missed events, and times when she questioned if her dreams were too big. But with resilience, passion, and faith, Netta turned every setback into a setup for a comeback.
Today, her success isn’t just about grooming dogs—it’s about creating opportunities, pouring into the next generation through programs like MEGA and The Arc Jacksonville, and showing others that no matter where you start—even on Pacetti Street—you can rise, shine, and leave a legacy.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
At NettaFurryBabies, we believe grooming is more than just a service—it’s an experience rooted in love, care, and trust. We specialize in luxury pet grooming, offering everything from breed-specific cuts to therapeutic deshedding, hand scissoring, and custom spa treatments. Our facility is also known for safe and comfortable pet boarding, where every furry guest is treated like family.
What sets us apart is our deep commitment to excellence and community. We don’t just groom—we educate, mentor, and inspire. Through partnerships with organizations like The Arc Jacksonville and Haile Academy, we provide hands-on training and opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities and young adults pursuing careers in animal care.
One of our proudest honors is being selected for the Goldman Sachs One Million Black Women: Black in Business program—an opportunity not everyone receives. It’s a prestigious recognition of our growth and vision as a Black woman-owned business, and we’re honored to be part of such an impactful network.
Additionally, being published in Marquis Who’s Who in America is a true milestone. To be recognized among distinguished professionals for contributions to business and community is something we hold close to heart.
We’ve also had the privilege of being featured on The Sherri Shepherd Show during the One Last Laugh segment, where our journey brought smiles and inspiration to a national audience. Other media highlights include appearances on River City Live, and accolades such as Best of Florida, Best of Bold City, and being named a finalist for Best of Clay 2025 in both Grooming and Boarding.
One of my proudest personal moments was stepping out of my comfort zone and entering the ring as a first-time Competitive Groomer. It was a leap of faith that pushed me to sharpen my skills, embrace the spotlight, and prove that passion and purpose can open doors you never imagined.
When you choose NettaFurryBabies, you’re choosing a brand built on love, excellence, and purpose. Whether you’re seeking expert grooming, safe boarding, pet wellness products, or inspiration, we’re here to serve both pets and the people who love them—The NettaFurryBabies Way.
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
One of my favorite childhood memories was being under my daddy, learning life skills that still guide me today. Whether it was watching him work with his hands, handle business, or simply the way he moved through life with strength and wisdom—I soaked it all in. I loved those moments when he let me help, even if it was just handing him tools or riding along as he got things done. It wasn’t just time spent—it was a foundation being built. Those lessons in discipline, responsibility, and resilience are some of the greatest gifts of my childhood.
Contact Info:
- Email: Netta-Furry-Babies.2018@gmail.com
- Instagram: _nettafurrybabiesllc_
- Facebook: NettaFurryBabies LLC
- LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/johnette-wiggins-122615304
- Youtube: NettaFurryBabies LLC
- Other: NettaFurryBabies LLC on Google
