The Name Behind the Brand
Hi friends! If you're new here, I'm Bailey DeGroat, the veterinarian and small business owner behind The Turquoise Vet!
What started in 2019 as a small jewelry business to help fund my way to the American Pre-Veterinary Medical Association (APVMA) Symposium has grown into something far greater than I could have imagined. Over the years, The Turquoise Vet has become a reflection of two things I am incredibly passionate about: veterinary medicine and creating meaningful, unique pieces that reflect the people who make this profession so special.
I am a proud graduate of The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, and since earning my Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree, I've had the opportunity to pursue my passion for mixed animal medicine, with a particular love for cattle, agriculture, and rural communities.
Today, my veterinary career has brought me to Alberta, Canada, where I am pursuing a new chapter as a cattle veterinarian. This transition is an exciting opportunity to continue growing professionally, expanding my knowledge of bovine medicine, and serving the agricultural communities that mean so much to me.
So, What About the Jewelry?
For those of you who have followed The Turquoise Vet from the beginning, you know that southwestern jewelry was where it all started. From turquoise stones to handmade pieces, creating jewelry has always been a meaningful creative outlet for me.
As my veterinary career has continued to evolve, I've had to make some difficult decisions about where to dedicate my time and energy. Between practicing veterinary medicine, operating The Turquoise Vet, and now transitioning into a new chapter in Alberta, I've made the decision to temporarily pause jewelry creation.
This certainly wasn't an easy decision, and it doesn't mean that jewelry is gone forever!
My intention is to return to creating jewelry once this season of life settles down and I can give each piece the time, creativity, and attention it deserves. I would much rather take a step back temporarily than rush something that has always meant so much to me.
In the meantime, The Turquoise Vet continues to grow through our veterinary-inspired apparel and accessories, with designs celebrating veterinary students, technicians, veterinarians, and the many different paths within veterinary medicine.
More Than Just a Small Business
One thing I've learned over the years is that I'm certainly not your typical 8 AM to 5 PM small business owner. Balancing a career in veterinary medicine with running a business has never been easy, but it has provided opportunities, friendships, and experiences I wouldn't trade for anything.
Beyond practicing medicine and creating designs, I am passionate about supporting the next generation of veterinary professionals. Through my social media platforms, I share my experiences in veterinary medicine, the realities of this profession, and encouragement for students and professionals navigating their own journeys.
I've always had a particular interest in cattle medicine, population medicine, and the importance of supporting rural agriculture. As my career continues to evolve, I hope to make a meaningful difference in the communities I serve, whether that's through practicing quality veterinary medicine, educating producers, mentoring students, or simply encouraging someone to keep pursuing their goals.
Above all, I believe that God has a much greater plan for my life than anything I could have imagined for myself. I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunities I've been given and hope to continue using them to serve others and glorify Him.
Thank You for Being Here
Whether you've been following along since the first jewelry pieces in 2019, discovered The Turquoise Vet through veterinary school, or recently found one of our apparel designs, thank you.
Thank you for supporting my small business, encouraging my veterinary career, and allowing The Turquoise Vet to grow and change alongside me.
Your support has made it possible for me to continue pursuing both my professional and creative passions, even when the balance between the two looks a little different from season to season.
If you ever have questions about an order, our products, veterinary school, VMCAS applications, collaborations, or speaking opportunities, please don't hesitate to reach out at TheTurquoiseVet@gmail.com.
I'm so grateful you're here, and I can't wait to see what this next chapter brings.
With gratitude,
Bailey DeGroat, DVM
Founder, The Turquoise Vet
