Groomer Spotlight

Meet Our Affiliate Groomers!

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Hi Daryl!

When did you start grooming, and what initially drew you to the profession?

In 1984, I was a newlywed college student, but I knew my passion was not in the degree I was studying for but in working with dogs. I convinced a local groomer to teach me the trade. At first, she hesitated to take me on, so I rode my bicycle (we only had one car) 5 miles each way to show up at her workplace every day and make myself useful. I cleaned crates, scooped poop in the dog yards, anything to convince her I was serious. I wore her down until she kindly taught me everything she knew, for which I am forever grateful.
 
 What inspired you to become a certified Petcare Dermatech Specialist and Master Pet Stylist, Meritus?

Although I was working successfully in my career, I wanted to be my best and learn as much as possible about my trade. I looked into the available certification programs and chose the International Society of Canine Cosmetologists because the curriculum looked the most challenging. It was! Achieving my certifications opened many doors for me. I was invited to give classes at trade shows nationwide and in Canada and asked to write for leading industry publications. 
 
What inspired you to become a certified Master Cat Groomer?

As a beginning groomer in the 1980s, very little information about cat grooming was available. At one point, I worked at a Veterinary hospital, and the owner told me he had scheduled some cats for me to groom. I told him I didn't groom cats, and he grinned and quipped, "Then you are fired." I headed to the library and checked out every book they had about cats, interviewed all the vets on staff at the hospital, and began to learn. When I presented my Meritus thesis for ISCC, my topic was cat grooming. Since then, far more information has become available for groomers who want to work with felines, which is a huge blessing for us, and especially for the cats! Adding my Master Cat Grooming certification seemed a natural step, and working with Kim Raisenen, the founder of the Professional Cat Groomers Association of America, was a privilege.
 
 
What has been your most rewarding experience as a writer for Pet Age and Groomer to Groomer magazines?

When Pet Age magazine first contacted me and asked me to write an article comparing grooming clippers, I was thrilled to take on the challenge. That article landed me a monthly column with that magazine, which I wrote for many years. I also began writing for Groomer to Groomer and continue to do so. I love getting feedback from other groomers when they read something I have written that resonates with them, teaches them something, or inspires them.  
 
 What drove you to start your own grooming business, and how did you navigate the journey of becoming your own boss?

I started my first grooming business shortly after the birth of my daughter in 1989. We had moved to Memphis, Tennessee, and I dreamed of being a stay-at-home mom. However, I also liked living indoors and eating, and money was tight with just my husband's income. I wasn't willing to give up my full-time mom dream, so I started what I believe was one of the first house-call grooming businesses. I groomed door to door for eleven years, working part-time on weekends or evenings when my husband was home or, when my daughter got older, while she was at school. That business was a lot of fun, and I am still friends with some of those customers to this day. I eventually bought a converted RV and did mobile grooming for a few years before we moved to a very rural area in Maine. 
 
I was hired at a busy, upscale grooming salon in Maine when we moved here and worked there for 11 years. It was a fantastic experience, but during that time, I'd acquired a horse, some donkeys, sheep, chickens, and ducks, and I worried about them when I was away at work all day. I decided to open a small home grooming business. Because our place is far off the beaten track, I devised an unusual business model. We groom pets one at a time and invite customers to stay and wait while we groom their pets. There are usually freshly baked cookies or brownies and coffee available. People love how we work; we have been busy since we opened.
 
This home grooming shop has ended up being an amazing blessing. Not only can I keep an eye on my livestock all day, but my daughter came to work with me. She, too, believes in being a full-time mom, and she brings her two daughters to work with us. We have a wonderful play area for the girls and are both available to care for them as needed, even while we work. It is not usual for customers to find my daughter washing a dog with a sleeping infant in a backpack while the toddler is coloring or playing with her toys. It delights me to be so involved with our growing family while still working at a career I love. My daughter has become an outspoken advocate for groomers who want to integrate hands-on parenting with a career in pet grooming, and it seems to me that my early goals have come full circle. 
 
I want to mention that my husband, Chris, has been the most incredible support throughout my grooming journey. From budgeting to buy my first set of clippers (from PetEdge!) to helping me build my lovely home grooming studio and every moment in between, he has been in lockstep with my dreams. For me, creating my career has truly been a family affair. 

Thanks Daryl, keep on writing!

Hi Melanie!

Tell us about your grooming journey- where did it start?

Believe it or not, grooming was initially supposed to be a “stepping stone” to get to where I wanted (climb the corporate ladder). I was managing at multiple different levels for a popular corporate chain. I was on an Internal Development Plan to become a district manager in five years. Due to my young age, in order to continue my IDP, I had to prove that I could run the business inside and out. My next step was to either become a “marketing manager” (early mornings working truck) OR I could run a successful salon. It was a no brainer for me, (thinking grooming was easier-WRONG!) but what they didn’t expect was for me to absolutely fall in love with grooming. Once they approached me for the next promotion I essentially told them to kick rocks-I was staying in the salon (LOL)! I then went on to manage numerous high volume salons, manage a private salon, open a housecall business, to now, running a successful high-end mobile grooming salon. 

What made you want to start your own business? 

I felt that I had managed long enough (6+ years) and reached a limit of my control within the businesses. I kept thinking to myself “I could do this differently”. So I set a 5 year savings plan and worked 3 jobs to save for my van. 

Why Mobile Grooming and not a Salon?

It was an easy choice for me, really. I vividly remember sitting at the dinner table with my partner at the time, thinking “I know I saw 50 dogs come in and out of the salon today. I groomed 9 of them and I can ONLY remember 8 of the 50 dog’s names that were there…let alone anything else.” Sure, the money was fantastic, but I started to realize that’s all it was becoming…”how much can we all make the next  day”. This pulled me further from why I initially fell in love with the career in the first place…taking care of the dogs! Since going mobile 3 years ago, I’ve fully re-ignited my love for this career again. I not only know every dog’s name and individual personality, but am also able to form deep connections with their humans as well without the stress.

Do you ever miss working in a salon?

Some days, yes.  I very much miss having the opportunities to teach new groomers. I’m working on fulfilling that in other ways now by teaching 1-1’s and at salons. 

What got you started into competing?

It all started from my first seminar which was with Jonathan David. I didn’t even know competing or trade shows existed, but I took a hands on lesson with a poodle, and Jonathan complimented my passion saying “you should compete”. When I asked him what that was, he and his staff told me just enough that I couldn’t stop thinking about it when I went home. The next month I adopted my standard poodle Mars, and 2-3 months later competed for the first time with him at FITS (fun in the sun). I then competed again 3 months later where I won 1st place with Mars. I was hooked ever since!  

What is it about competing that you enjoy so much? 

I truly believe in pushing yourself to NEVER stop learning and growing. Competing fulfills that for me. It challenges me, rewards me, and constantly teaches me. Believe it or not, I’ve even learned valuable life lessons that I carry with me…all from grooming dogs on a stage.

What is your favorite part of being a groomer?

I always joke that I was never talented enough to make it as an artist and that I love dogs more than people. Grooming allows me to be a creative artist and have limited human interactions. It’s a win-win!  

Tell us about the new Mushu shears!

I am SO excited to share this shear set that I have been designing and testing for well over a year now! The idea began when I won “rising star best in show” with Mushu in 2023. He is truly my heart dog so I wanted to have something with his name that would allow groomers everywhere to be inspired. I stressed that I wanted these shears accessible to EVERY groomer-no matter what stage of their career they are in. 

What’s next for you?

I’m always looking for the next challenge. Recently it’s been showing AKC and doing sports with my wire fox terrier, Mako. I also have begun teaching in webinars and seminars that truly fills my (metaphorical) cup in more ways than I can explain. 

Knowing what you know now, what would you have told yourself at the beginning of your grooming career?

Great question! Besides telling myself to start sooner, I would remind myself that everyone’s journey is their own unique one and to ONLY focus on being better than I was yesterday

Thanks Melanie, and good luck!

Hi Michelle!

When did you start grooming? 

In early 2022 I started grooming. In August of the same year I finished my grooming certification. Prior to that I was a registered dental hygienist for almost 20 years.

Why did you decide to become a groomer? 

I have always had such a passion for animals. Dog training, grooming, and canine behavior has been a huge part of my life for the past couple of decades. I have such a love for the art of grooming! It’s so rewarding when I visualize how I want my groom to look and then I’m able to deliver it!

Any advice for someone thinking about changing careers and becoming a groomer?

Take the leap! If you truly have a passion for working with animals, this can be such a joyful career…but it’s not for the squeamish! If you’re able to mentor with someone, I would definitely recommend that. I was fortunate enough to have a great friend who owned her own business, and she helped me tremendously.

When did you decide to go into business for yourself? 

Right away! I bought a mobile grooming van and absolutely loved it. It was such a change from working in the dentist office! After a while, I became so busy that I felt it was time to find a shop.
 
What drove you to start your business?

I’m a risk taker, I always have been. I was so excited to start my own business. I just had so many ideas! I love critical thinking and problem solving, so being my own boss really works well for me. Plus juggling a business and a family, it’s nice to have the freedom to make my own schedule.
 
When did you get started with your social media activities? 

So originally, I started with just an Instagram to post pictures of grooms to market my business. When I opened my shop in January 2023 I was able to have a little bit more fun with photography. The videos started shortly after that. I really had no intention of making all these videos but it’s been a ton of fun! I joke that I think of silly video ideas to make every time I’m blow drying dogs…which is often!
 
What aspects of the grooming community are you involved in?

So I’m trying now to definitely become more involved. Starting a business really consumed a ton of my time originally but I am definitely planning on going to more shows over the next year. I had such a blast at Intergroom. I’m really looking forward to upping my grooming game this year. I got some exciting things coming up!
 
Tell us more about your journey!

This whole journey has just been absolutely amazing! I really didn’t think it was going to be this good. I’m so honored to be a part of this industry and work with some of the most lovely human beings I’ve ever met. Everyday I try to learn something new and do more beautiful grooms than the day before. I’m truly enjoying this whole process of learning and making pups beautiful while giving them the most enjoyable experience possible. I can’t wait to see what the future holds!

Thanks Michelle, good luck and we can't wait to see your next video on social!

  Hi Gloria!

When did you start grooming? 

I started grooming in May 2019 due to the pandemic, and I completed my training a year later on May 1, 2020. 

Why did you become a groomer? 

To be honest with you, grooming chose me. I had moved to a little city called Pace, Florida and needed to find a job in my area. As there was a dog grooming salon on every corner, I applied for a kennel job. I knew I loved animals but did not know how to care for them. However, I was willing to learn and so they trained me. I worked there for about 2 to 3 years and then one day, my boss asked me to give a dog a bath. She showed me how to bathe the dog professionally and I asked her if she could train me to be a bather or a dog groomer. To my surprise, she told me that I could never ever be a dog groomer. Her words motivated me to learn more about the grooming industry. So, I did some research and enrolled in a grooming school. I graduated on May 1, 2020.

When did you decide to go into business for yourself? 

After I returned from the Atlanta Pet fair in 2020. I had met my mentor, Jessica Adorno and she told me that she saw potential in me and encouraged me to pursue my dream of opening a shop. On the ride home from Atlanta, I was so inspired that the very next day, I started looking around the area for a suitable place to open my shop. After some searching, I found a small shop and I approached the owner to inquire about renting it.

Tell us more about your journey!

Despite the challenges I have faced along the way, I absolutely love what I do.
When I first started out, I opened my first shop, but unfortunately, it was damaged by a hurricane just as I was getting started. Despite this setback, I was able to recover and move on. I decided to open anew shop in a better location in the city. However, just a month after opening the new shop, I had a serious accident on July 26th that left me with multiple injuries. To recover, I had to undergo surgeryand learn how to walk again. I was in a back brace for three months. I had a fractured T9 vertebra,hip, and pelvis, and I had to use a cane for another three weeks.
It took me a long time to recover, and I was only able to come back to work on very light duty. I underwent a couple of surgeries, and it was not until December 4, 2023, that I was finally dischargedback to full duties. I am so happy to be back at work and able to show my support at trade shows for the people who supported me during my recovery.
In addition to overcoming these challenges, I have also been recognized for my hard work. I won "Best of Bay" and "Best of my City" in 2023, which is a true testament to my dedication to my craft.

Wow! Will we be seeing you at trade shows?

I've done a few demos at trade shows with my dogs. I competed with my dog, Bryce, at a dog show in2023 at Groom’d. Unfortunately, Bryce passed away when I was hospitalized after the car accident. I did two demos with my dog Mary Kate at the Sharpie booth in Orlando, Florida in October 2023. And I also did a demo with my new dog Ashley at the Atlanta Pet Fair in 2024. Yes, I have two dogs named after the Olsen twins!

That's amazing! And you are teaching, too?

I teach 101 classes for creative styles and scissor work. I have already conducted three successful classes. The first class involved painting poochies, while the second class was about turning dogs into zoo animals, called Zoo Poochies. The third class I held was called Enhance Your Scissors Class with Gloria the Groomer.

Thanks Gloria, good luck and happy grooming !

Hi Mary!

Why did you decide to become a groomer? 

It wasn’t so much a conscious decision, but rather an opportunity that presented itself and I ran with it. The Help Wanted Bather sign at a corporate store caught my attention as I walked in while thinking there needed to be some changes in my life. 

How did you learn to groom? 

Two weeks into working as a bather, the assistant store manager came into the grooming shop, pointed at me and said that grooming school starts tomorrow. Yes or no. 

Why did you decide to go into teaching? 

I begin to notice holes in the type of education available to us at conferences. At the time, conferences were the best option for continuing education, yet I was unable to take pet first aid classes. That really hit home when Binngo had a heart attack on my table and I couldn’t remember how to do CPR because it was over 6 years since I had taken a class. It was the reason I became a pet first aid instructor and started hounding the directors to offer pet first aid again. I now train other people to become pet first aid instructors. My focus was always on what was lacking at the time. I specialized in safety and business programs. And my focus is moving again to help train the next generation of educators to give them confidence and the skills to start teaching.

What are a groomer’s best options for continuing their education? 

There are so many options today. There are in-person trade shows. I attend several every year. There are online options for those that either don’t want to or can’t travel or just want an affordable continuous option for education. Podcasts, books, and trade publications are another way to get free or low-cost education. 
Let’s not forget, network with your local colleagues to brainstorm and have someone come into your local area to offer hands-on workshops.

What changes in the grooming industry do you foresee? 

It’s exciting to watch the younger generation of groomers starting to step up to the plate. They are starting to fill in the holes in grooming education according to their perspectives.  I believe you’re going to see more of a  focus on ergonomics,  planning for the future, and work life balance.

Tell us about PetPro Talk! 

I wanted to not only encourage other groomers to do podcasts, but also make it easy to find industry podcasts. I approached Boss Pet at Groom Expo in 2022 with my vision. To my delight, he said PetEdge is on board and got the ball rolling with all the behind the scenes technology to make it happen. It is exactly as I envisioned it to be and I have to give kudos to all the behind the scenes team that put it together. There are so many wonderful podcasts to choose from and we are always looking to add more.

What do you hope PetProTalk brings to the Grooming industry/community? 

I hope it encourages other pet professionals to share their expertise. To make it easy to find the podcasts that are relevant to our industry. And to place value of being colleagues instead of competition.

Thanks Mary, and happy podcasting !

Why did you decide to be a groomer?

I started grooming in 2011 when I was pregnant with my son. I was working at a vet clinic that wasn’t conducive to raising a child and I wanted the ability to be with him as much as possible. I learned to groom from one of my best friends, Kiri Holzer. We built a very DIY grooming salon in my garage. Grooming gave me the opportunity to follow my passion and continue working with animals while balancing time with my family. 

How did you begin competing?

My good friend Renae Watts took me to All American one year and I watched her compete. Being in the prep area and watching the amazing and brave groomers preparing to compete was so inspiring. In 2020 I competed in an online creative grooming competition for the first time. I was shocked when I placed 1st! The bug had bit and I decided to compete in Creative at All American and SuperZoo and to my surprise I placed first at both of those. It was very validating to see my hard work and effort recognized. 

What is your grooming educational background?

I am a primarily self taught groomer, but I took in as much continuing education and training as I could after my first competitions and decided to work towards my Master Groomer Certification. 
I would get overstimulated when trying to study on my own, private lessons were much more helpful. I decided at PetQuest to just go for it and finally took my Sporting and Short Legged Terrier Practicals. It wasn’t nearly as scary as I thought. If you’ve been letting fear hold you back I strongly encourage you to go for it! I hope to have my Masters by the end of the year.

When did you decide to go into business for yourself?

In 2016 I went from being a solo groomer to buying a salon with 4 groomers. Last year I bought my second location and I now have 12 employees. The first thing I told myself is that I wanted to be the boss I never had. I wanted my employees to know they are valued, respected and loved. I want them to have every opportunity I am able to provide. When I grow, they grow with me. They are amazing and I wouldn’t be where I am without them. Michelle, Jasmine, Teah, Taylor, Cody, Becca, Felice, Alex N, Maggie, Alex M, Jan, and Sadie you are so loved and appreciated. 

Wow! How do you retain your employees?

As an employer it’s important to recognize your employees’ individual talents. Don’t expect them to be carbon copies and instead let them flourish in their strengths and challenge them to grow where they are weaker with the proper support. Having employees is one of the most challenging but rewarding things I have done in my career. 

What do you think is important for long-term professional success?

I know a positive attitude goes a long way so I’m always looking for a silver lining and when I fall short I know there’s always a possibility to do better the next day. I think that is the secret to longevity in this industry. I hope to encourage others in this industry to be authentic, honest and kind. 

Thanks Miranda, and good luck!