A new business has opened its doors in Iola, bringing grooming services to local pet owners. Champion Cuts, owned by Lynsey Champion, opened March 1. The business, 101 N. Washington Ave., is managed by Patricia Simpson, Champion’s daughter-in-law, who has deep roots in the area.
Simpson, a Moran native and 2019 graduate, married Cameron Simpson, a native of Great Britain, in 2020. The couple met while attending Allen Community College, where Cameron had come to play soccer.
As newlyweds, the couple traveled to England to meet Cameron’s extended family, but their trip was unexpectedly extended due to COVID-19 travel restrictions.
“We were in England for six months,” Simpson recalled. “It was beautiful, but we didn’t get to do much sightseeing because of COVID.”
During this time, Simpson and her mother-in-law brainstormed ideas for potential business endeavors.
ORIGINALLY from England, Lynsey Champion has owned three businesses in the past, including restaurants and a clothing store.
She decided to open Champion Cuts in preparation for her family’s move to the U.S. this summer.
“She’s come to visit us and she absolutely loves it here,” Simpson said. “One of the fastest and easiest ways for her to come over was to start a business here, so that’s what prompted her to do this.”
Simpson, who has a lifelong love for animals, saw an opportunity when her mother-in-law was looking for a business idea.
“I’ve grown up with dogs my entire life and groomed my own dogs and friends’ dogs. I love animals, and I already live here, so a pet grooming business was a natural fit.”
Before taking on the role of manager at Champion Cuts, Simpson worked as a quality assurance lead at Russell Stover. She viewed that job as a means to pay for schooling while she pursued her passion for working with animals. Currently, she is earning a degree online in business management and marketing at Penn Foster.
“This is what I truly enjoy,” she said of the new venture.
BUSINESS AT Champion Cuts has been steady since its opening.
“I have a minimum of one appointment a day, which is really good since we just opened,” Simpson shared. “We just need to get more awareness out there, really, since it’s such a small town.”
Champion Cuts operates from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday, by appointment only.
Simpson notes that because she is the only groomer, the hours may vary due to personal obligations.
