Alicia Dale & Julio Bañales Talk Passion, Business & Dog Grooming

The Chicagoan

In the heart of Chicago, Julio Bañales took a leap of faith that not many would. Opening his dog grooming business, Mouse House, in the South Loop wasn’t just a professional move; it was a deeply personal decision born out of love, loss, and a desire to make a difference. After years of working for big companies like PetSmart and local family-run businesses, Julio realized that his passion went beyond the grooming table. It was about creating a space where animals could feel loved, and owners could trust that their pets were getting the best care possible.

When COVID hit, the world shifted for Julio, like it did for so many. He had been working steadily, but the pandemic made him rethink his priorities. The loss of his beloved dog, Maui, served as a wake-up call. "It made me realize, life is short," Julio says, reflecting on that time. It wasn’t that he disliked his job at Chrysler’s; it just wasn’t fulfilling him in the way he needed. The loss of Maui inspired Julio to open Mouse House in honor of his dog. "If we hadn’t found the location that we did, I don’t know if Mouse House would even be here," he admits. But once the doors opened, there was no turning back.

Julio’s approach to dog grooming goes far beyond the basics. For him, it’s not just about cutting fur or cleaning paws; it’s about love. "We promise to love your animal the way you do," he shares. Julio’s philosophy is centered on comfort over vanity. If a dog’s coat is matted, it’s not about maintaining a specific look; it’s about ensuring the pet’s well-being. This functional approach is what sets Mouse House apart from other groomers in the city. Julio wants each dog to feel like they're in a safe, loving space, and that’s why he’s built an environment where animals can be animals.

Decorating the space has been another labor of love for Julio. Every season, Mouse House is transformed with new themes, bringing warmth and personality into the shop. From festive blankets to seasonal decor, Julio creates an atmosphere that clients—both pets and humans—appreciate. “People love to see the decorations,” he says, and it’s clear that this attention to detail extends to every aspect of his business.

One of the hardest parts of Julio’s work is dealing with senior dogs or pets who are a little more skittish. "I like to do meet and greets," he explains, noting that some dogs come in with nervous energy, especially if they’ve had bad experiences at other groomers. "We try to eliminate every stress factor," he says, describing how he adjusts the environment to make each pet as comfortable as possible. The open, kennel-free setup at Mouse House helps dogs feel less confined and more at ease.

Over the years, Julio has built a team that shares his passion. Working alongside his wife, Lisa, and his growing team of groomers, Mouse House has become more than just a business—it’s a family. "It’s a growing family," Julio says, adding that their camaraderie extends to the dogs they care for. "The dogs feed off the environment," he shares, emphasizing how much the energy in the room affects the animals' experience.

When it comes to running his business, Julio admits he didn’t have all the answers at first. But that didn’t stop him. "There’s no better time than now," he advises anyone considering starting their own venture. Julio dove into entrepreneurship with heart, learning as he went. He didn’t wait for the perfect business plan or website. Instead, he trusted his instincts, leaned into his passion, and let social media do the talking. "Instagram has been a big help," he says, noting that his humorous posts and behind-the-scenes videos have helped build a loyal following.

For anyone thinking about jumping into their passion, Julio offers this advice: "Don’t go into it with a money mindset. Go into it with love, and everything will fall into place." It’s that love that has made Mouse House such a success, and it’s clear that Julio has found his calling—not just as a groomer, but as someone who creates a community for animals and their owners.