Ever since she was a young child, Kortni always dreamed of working with animals. While her early career led her to start an insurance company, it lacked the joy and fulfillment she craved. Determined to rediscover her purpose, the recently divorced mother of two took a part-time job as a bather at PetSmart. Surrounded by wagging tails and furry companions, she felt a spark she hadn't experienced in years, reigniting her passion for animals and inspiring her to envision a new career path filled with meaning and joy.
In September 23, Kortni was approached by a former colleague of hers at PetSmart, with an invitation to join the Sparkle team and help launch the company's first salon. Despite the risks of a new venture, she was drawn to the company’s values: prioritizing the well-being of dogs in a low-stress environment, while fostering a culture of care for both pets and people. The decision wasn’t easy—her life was already in flux, just days before she had been diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer, an aggressive form of the disease.
Yet, Kortni took the leap. She was inspired by Sparkle’s vision and the encouragement of Sparkle’s leadership. “It sounded like how salons should be,” Kortni recalled. Her timing was serendipitous. Sparkle opened its doors in October 2023, just weeks after her diagnosis. Despite undergoing a double mastectomy later that month and starting chemotherapy soon after, Kortni stayed committed to her goals and her belief in the company’s potential to redefine the industry for the better.
Balancing work and cancer treatment tested Kortni’s limits. She endured six months of chemotherapy, followed by 30 rounds of radiation, all while raising her two young boys. But, it all certainly paid off. Kortni’s perseverance and passion for life and the business, had her first in line to go through an intensive six week mastery program to become a full-time groomer at Sparkle.
Kortni credits Sparkle’s unwavering support for helping her persevere. From flexible work arrangements to emotional encouragement, her Sparkle family stood by her every step of the way. “When I told my hiring manager about my diagnosis, it wasn’t even a question. He just said, ‘Get better. You’re not going anywhere,’” she shared tearfully. That compassion gave Kortni the strength to keep pushing through.
Instead of hiding her battle, Kortni chose to embrace it. She openly shared her journey with her children, colleagues, and community. “It’s easier to live out loud,” she explained. “When you ask for help and let people in, it makes the hardest things a little less hard.”
Now cancer-free and back to full-time grooming, Kortni is thriving. She describes her work as fulfilling and therapeutic, a career where she can grow while perfecting her craft. Sparkle, with its mission of personalized care and kindness, remains her second family.
Kortni’s journey is far from over. She dreams of helping Sparkle expand across the US while continuing to be a role model in their culture for resilience and positivity. “I’m in the trenches right now, but I know it’s going to be worth it,” she says with conviction. “I don’t know exactly where life will take me, but I do know this: I’m exactly where I need to be.”