As a beloved Hoboken pet groomer, Erica Li has served the Hoboken community for many years. She’s a local resident, business owner, former Hoboken Girl of the Week, cancer survivor, and dog lover. Many rely on her for dog grooming services and feel a deep sense of trust in leaving their furry friends in her care. When it was announced that she was leaving her space due to a pet supply store coming in, locals were concerned about where she’d end up. But, lucky for the Hoboken community, she’s staying put in Hoboken — and joining newer Hoboken grooming salon, Furever Fresh, located at 367 1st Street, as a groomer. Read on for more on the transition.
About Erica
“I was in corporate for almost 30 years and the last company I worked for let me go. I didn’t know what I wanted to do after that, but I knew I didn’t want to go back to corporate. My daughter encouraged me to check out grooming school, and I decided to give it a try. I thought if it doesn’t lead to a grooming career, I can at least groom my own dogs and save some money. Grooming would never have entered my mind if I didn’t have my dogs. They completely changed my life.”
Her Journey to Dog Grooming
Erica’s dog grooming business is located at 155 4th Street in Hoboken. Erica became a licensed groomer after working a corporate job for over 30 years. After being let go from her job, her daughter {local fitness instructor Dana Chau} suggested she go to grooming school — Erica had a few of her own pups and the mother/daughter duo figured that even if it didn’t turn into a career, then Erica could learn to groom their dogs herself and prevent them from the stress of going to the groomers every few weeks.
Erica worked as a groomer at the Hoboken Dog Wash for a few years before getting the opportunity to open to her own space.
“The highlight of my career [was] when Heather Gaida, owner of Trusty Tail Pet Care, approached me to rent space from her property. I’ve always wanted to open my own grooming shop, but finding the right space in Hoboken is very challenging. But thanks to Heather, I have a cute and cozy shop of my own,” Erica told us.
She’s also been in remission for several years after beating ovarian cancer, barely stopping her grooming business while she was undergoing treatments.
What’s Next
With news of L&B Pet Market taking over the space at 155 4th Street, Erica had to find somewhere new. She posted about the transition in the Hoboken Dog Lovers Facebook group, which caught the eye of Will Ferman, the owner of Furever Fresh Dog Grooming and Furever Friends Dog Walking. Will said that he reached out to Erica to see if she would be interested in joining the Furever Fresh team. “Most groomers have a really close relationship with their clients,” Will said. “They often provide a lifetime of care. Erica was worried she wouldn’t be able to care for them or ensure they were receiving proper care.”
“I’m looking forward to starting a new chapter in my career at a brand new facility,” Erica said. “I can now just focus on grooming and loving the pups with zero distraction. I thank the Hoboken/JC dog community for the loyalty and support through the years, I’m blessed to have such great clients.”
Will said that Erica will move out of her current location by the end of March and be set up with Furever Fresh in early April. “This arrangement lets her do the things she loves. I think it’s going to work out for the best,” he said. “Furever Fresh is a collaborative team. We want to keep Erica’s same style of work.”
A few more Qs from a past feature of Erica:
Who is your biggest source of inspiration?
My dogs are my biggest inspiration. I was in corporate for almost 30 years and the last company I worked for let me go. I didn’t know what I wanted to do after that, but I knew I didn’t want to go back to corporate. My daughter encouraged me to check out grooming school, and I decided to give it a try. I thought if it doesn’t lead to a grooming career, I can at least groom my own dogs and save some money. Grooming would never have entered my mind if I didn’t have my dogs. They completely changed my life.
See More: Hoboken Girl of the Week: Courtney Roselle {of Brazen Athletics}
What does a typical day look like for you?
My day usually starts at 9:00AM and ends between 5:00PM to 6:00PM. My daily schedule varies as I work strictly by appointment only.
“I’ve always wanted to open my own grooming shop, but finding the right space in Hoboken is very challenging. But thanks to Heather, I have a cute and cozy shop of my own.”
What has been the highlight in your career so far?
The highlight of my career would be when Heather Gaida, owner of Trusty Tail Pet Care, approached me to rent space from her property. I’ve always wanted to open my own grooming shop, but finding the right space in Hoboken is very challenging. But thanks to Heather, I have a cute and cozy shop of my own.
Tell us about another business in the area you admire.
Jungle Juice, they have the best smoothies and açaí bowls in town. Not to mention the amazing service of their staff.
Hoboken + Jersey City Favorites
What are your favorite restaurants in Hoboken and JC?
Court Street in Hoboken, Matthews in JC.
What is your favorite boutique in Hoboken?
MARGO Market in Hoboken for their uniqueness and their support of individual designers.
What do you love most about Hoboken?
I live and work in Hoboken. I love Hoboken’s sense of community, and of course, the pups in town.
What is your favorite thing to do in Hudson County?
I only give myself one day off a week. My favorite thing to do on my day off is to hang out with my dogs and take them out for walks.
How long have you lived and worked in Hoboken?
I’ve lived in Hoboken for about 15 years and worked in Hoboken as a groomer for over 10 years.
Read More: Hoboken Girl of the Week: Carly Heitlinger {of Carly the Prepster}
What is your favorite outdoor place to spend time in Hoboken?
Bwé Kafé.
What is your favorite place to work out in Hudson County?
The streets of Hoboken, I like to walk.
Where do you go out with friends in the area?
Court Street restaurant, Tosti Cafe, Elysian Cafe, Antique Bakery, Bwé Kafé.
What is something you think needs to come to Hoboken?
Anything but real estate offices, nail salons, bars, banks. A Whole Foods market would be awesome.
