"Being in such a positive environment with like-minded women made me blossom, and I quickly lost my inhibitions and fear of failure,"

Melissa Warren has always loved animals. However, she never imagined that she could turn her love into a successful business until she found herself as an unemployed dog groomer just over a year ago. That was when a friend told her about CWE, and another generous friend offered her the cash she would need to start her own business.

In April 1999, Melissa enrolled in CWE's First Step FastTrac. By June 1999, she and her business partner had opened Animal Spirit, a full-service pet supply and grooming shop in Cambridge.

"Being in such a positive environment with like-minded women made me blossom, and I quickly lost my inhibitions and fear of failure," Melissa said.

With business thriving, Animal Spirit is preparing to hire its first employee. Melissa couldn't be more pleased. "I love what I'm doing more than anything. . . I really couldn't be happier."