Meet Makenzie Woodall | Owner and Stylist of Pawfections

We had the good fortune of connecting with Makenzie Woodall and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Makenzie, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit. Growing up, I watched my father run his own trucking business, which taught me the value of hard work and dedication. He was on call around the clock, but he loved what he did and had the freedom to manage his time and finances on his terms. That level of independence and passion left a lasting impression on me.
After high school, I realized college wasn’t the right fit for me. Around that time, my dad spoke more intently with our local groomer and suggested I consider dog grooming. My sweet spaniel mix Lucy was who truly sparked the idea. She wasn’t just my pet; she was my heart. Caring for her, brushing her coat, and making sure she felt comfortable and loved helped me realize how rewarding it could be to offer that same care to others.
Inspired by Lucy and encouraged by my dad, I pursued professional grooming training. I quickly found that I had a natural talent for it, and more importantly, a passion for the work and artistry. With my father’s support, I opened my first salon in 2019. What started as a way to care for my own dog grew into a career built on compassion, trust, and connection.
Today, I’ve created a business where every dog is treated like Lucy—loved, safe, and cared for as family. And that’s the heart behind what has become our Pawfect family.

What should our readers know about your business?
I’m incredibly proud of the loyalty this business has earned and sustained over the years. The bond we’ve built with our clients (dogs) and their families (customers) truly feels like a second family. At the heart of what we do is creating a calm, compassionate environment where every dog feels safe, cared for, and, of course, adorable.
We prioritize individualized attention over efficiency, ensuring dogs aren’t passed from groomer to groomer. Our team builds personal relationships with our clients and customers to foster trust from the very first visit.
Of course, grooming presents its challenges. Puppies are unsure, matted dogs are often in pain, and some pets come to us with trauma. New customers also bring past experiences, or inexperience, that can cloud expectations. Every dog is different, and so is every groomer; it’s a learning process on both sides.
Grooming is often misunderstood as simple or easy, but it’s far from it. We work with live animals, sharp tools, and unpredictable behaviors. The physical and emotional demands are high, and the costs of equipment, products, and maintaining a clean, safe space are significant.
Still, it’s the appreciation and support from our loyal customers that keep us going. We’re deeply grateful for that trust. My goal is to continue spreading awareness about the realities of our work and to help dog parents better understand the care their pets truly deserve.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Charlotte and it’s surrounding areas are full of incredible dining options. For a night out, we’d likely head to Epic Chophouse in Mooresville or 131 Main in Huntersville. Both offer consistently excellent service and unforgettable meals.
For after-dinner drinks, Murto Made Distillery is a perfect choice. They have two locations—one conveniently located directly across from Epic Chophouse, and the other just a short drive from 131 Main. They craft all their spirits in-house, and their Bananas Foster Rum cocktail is 10/10!
Depending on the season, Front Porch Sundays Market makes for a great daytime outing, with local vendors, shopping, and a chance to support small businesses. For entertainment, a concert at Spectrum Center or PNC Pavilion is always a fun experience, and catching a comedy show at the Music Factory guarantees plenty of laughs.
Of course, we’d make time for the dogs, too! She’d bring hers to play with my Lexi girl, and we’d head out for walks at Fisher Farm in Davidson or explore other dog-friendly parks in the area. If time allowed, a day trip to the Blue Ridge Mountains would be a refreshing escape for some trails and cooler weather.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I owe my dad my life. I would not be here without him. He was the one that encouraged me along this path when I had no direction after high school.
He was my foundation to get started, and he helped propel my business in any way he could; loaning me the money for the initial set-up, telling all of his friends, and even coming to help bathe some of the dogs with me if I was in a pinch. Unfortunately, he’s no longer with me to see how I continue to grow the business with employees, a mobile unit, and offering exclusive boarding services, but I know he’s looking after me in spirit. I know I’m making him proud!

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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Pawfectiongroominghuntersville

Image Credits
My photos