MOSES LAKE — Lindsey Zunker and Sarah Greenwalt come from different backgrounds. One is from Richland, the other from the small town of Odessa. One has past business experience, the other is a first-time business owner.

Combined, they have 14 years of experience, and their dream is to make Bark Avenue the premier dog grooming salon in Moses Lake.

“This is my dream. I’m a first-time business owner and this was always my goal,” said Greenwalt, who grew up in Odessa, but lived in Seattle before moving to Moses Lake. “I have worked in enough different environments to know what I want and don’t want. This is my opportunity.”

They are committed to the downtown district, signing a 5-year lease at their location at 118 W. Broadway Ave.

Zunker is in her eighth year as a dog groomer. She’s originally from Richland. Her past business experience gives the team an edge. They have the location, now it’s a matter of turning that dream into a thriving business.

“We want to really stand out on Broadway and not just benefit from the fact that we have a good location,” she said. “We want to be the premier salon in Moses Lake when it comes right down to it.”

Besides the vested interested in a business, Zunker and Greenwalt want to be an active part of the business community.

“We take a lot of pride in being part of the downtown, to be honest with you,” Zunker said. “It says a lot. Brand new salons, 99 percent of the time, don’t have this kind of location. The fact that we’re right here on Broadway. We literally have a door that goes out onto the street and a door in the back that opens up to the park. It’s something special.”

Said Greenwalt, “We know what it means (from a business perspective),” she said. “But everybody that works down here, is like family. People will say, we’re just a few doors down. That’s one of the things I love about being here in Moses Lake is that it really feels like we’re welcome, and we intend to work really hard to make it work.”

Bark Avenue opened on Monday and grooms all ages and breeds of dogs. What they like about the process is making the dogs and their owners feel good about their appearance, as well as getting to know the different personalities of each animal.

“I love what I do. Every dog has a different personality and I love working with them all,” Zunker said.

They operate by appointment, which can be made via text Facebook or by calling 509-750-4942. The shop is open Monday through Friday.

Rodney Harwood is the business writer at the Columbia Basin Herald and can be reached via email at businessag@columbiabasinherald.