Enterprising Women Magazine Honors Ceo Of Happy Tails Dog Spa

TYSONS CORNER, VA (Friday, January 27, 2006) - Amy Nichols, President and CEO of Happy To Be Here Inc., the franchise company of Happy Tails Dog Spa™, has been named an "Enterprising Woman of the Year" by Enterprising Women magazine.

Selected from more than 400 female entrepreneurs nationwide, Nichols will be honored at a two-day tribute celebration held at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa in Lake Buena Vista, Florida on February 24 and 25.

"The Enterprising Women of the Year Awards Celebration brings together the nation's finest women entrepreneurs to recognize their accomplishments and celebrate their outstanding achievements," Monica S. Smiley, the magazine's publisher and CEO, said. "The award recipients are influential, powerful women with high-growth businesses who are leaders in their communities and have given back to mentor other women entrepreneurs."

Headquartered in Cary, NC, Enterprising Women magazine is the nation's only women-owned magazine published exclusively for women business owners that chronicles the growing political, economic and social influence and power of entrepreneurial women. The magazine provides a friendly meeting place, a public forum and a national stage for the critical issues confronting women's businesses and daily lives from the unique perspectives and experiences of entrepreneurial women.

"Since I founded Happy Tails Dog Spa™, I've made it a priority to be a pioneer for other female entrepreneurs because I know that they will have similar challenges," said Nichols. "I am truly pleased to be honored by Enterprising Women Magazine. It is wonderful to be recognized by a group focused specifically on women business leaders."

An avid dog lover with a keen business sense, Nichols capitalized on the opportunity
to work within the evolving pet care industry. Under Nichols' leadership, vision and drive to expand the dog day care industry, Happy Tails Dog Spa™ has experienced overwhelming success and growth over the past two years.

In 2004, the company grossed more than $1 million and attracted customers throughout the Metropolitan D.C. area. Success followed in 2005 as Nichols franchised Happy Tails Dog Spa™ nationally, selling six franchises in six months to dog enthusiasts in Virginia, Maryland and Texas. More franchise announcements are planned for 2006.

A member of National Women's Business Center, Nichols is part of its CEO Council. She is also a member of the National Association of Women Business Owners. In
conjunction with Happy Tails Dog Spa™, Nichols is a member of the International Franchise Association, the Capitol Area Franchise Association, the Women's
Franchise Association, the American Boarding Kennel Association and is listed on the Small Business Administration's franchise registry.

On top of her focus to help franchisees, Nichols is also committed to giving back to
the local and international communities. The company is proud to sponsor foster
dogs and support animal rescue missions. From hosting safety classes to planning fundraising events, such as "dog washes" and "K-9 fashion shows," Nichols
and her team are always ready to pitch in and help dogs in the Metropolitan
Washington, D.C. area. On an international level, Nichols recently created K-9

Support, Inc., a charitable arm of her company, to support working dogs of all types
– from seeing eye dogs to rescue dogs to military dogs.

Originally from the Baltimore area, Nichols graduated with a B.A. in psychology from
the University of Maryland in College Park. After receiving her degree, she spent
five years in technology sales before founding Happy Tails Dog Spa™ in Vienna,
Virginia.

Nichols lives in Herndon, Virginia with her husband, Mike Schlegel, their son,
Aidan, and their two dogs, Griffin and Bodhi.

For more information about Happy Tails Dog Spa™, visit www.happytailsdogspa.com.

View all Dogtopia Press Releases

This article has been read 198 times.

Printed From:
http://www.thefranchisemall.com/news/articles/13298-0.htm