My Personal Grooming Philosophy
It's More Than A Job
In a country where grooming is a BILLION DOLLAR, *UNREGULATED* industry, countless people pick up a set of clippers and claim to be professional pet groomers. With only seeing dollar signs, they're often untrained, uneducated, and uninsured. It is up to you to properly vet your pet's groomer. It is up to me maintain and raise the integrity of this wonderful industry. My personal philosophy on grooming guides my every decision and action.
Pet grooming isn't just about a haircut. It isn't just about buying the newest, most expensive tools and products. It isn't even all about rapport with clients and their pups. Don't get me wrong, it's about all those things...but also so much more.
Above all else is safety. Yours, mine, and especially, the pups'. As a professional groomer, I've been trained to safely handle all dogs from puppyhood to old age and in-between. Safe handling entails knowing a dog's limits, as well as knowing when the use of a tool (muzzle, shear, loop) will work for or against the desired outcome. This comes from training, but also from a kinship and understanding of dogs' communication cues that cannot be taught. I'm a dog person. I feel their energy, they feel mine.
Safety doesn't end at handling. It also encapsulates products. A thorough knowledge of ingredients in the products I use is vital for choosing the best shampoos and conditioners for each individual dog. It also ensures that I don't select cheap, shoddy products, or those that are likely to cause skin reactions.
Because grooming is unregulated, companies aren't obligated to disclose ingredients in their products. I use only those companies who fully disclose their ingredients lists.
I don't have a "basic shampoo", as we often call it in the industry. This refers to a shampoo that is used on the majority of dogs. It's often used for its price point. This is definitely useful for a busy salon. But I am a one-on-one Luxury service. Each pup gets one of a number of shampoos and conditioners that best suit the needs of their skin and coat.
A knowledge of the anatomy of hair and skin assists with my choices for products. Damaged coat and skin need different care than oily skin and coat. Clear skin and coat needs different care than itchy, flaky skin. Knowing the ingredients of my products and the anatomy of the skin and coat allows me to make informed choices to help heal pups' outsides, and that makes me happiest.
Most clients want a neat, uniform style for their pup. But they notice when it's done basic and when it has ✨️ style. ✨️
What's the difference? A knowledge of breed standard grooming. Your dog isn't a show dog? That's okay! They still benefit from techniques we use in the show world. This is the knowledge that allows us to create beautiful angles, slim down chubby pups, make couch potatoes look athletic, and make looooong backs look shorter and give that trendy square appearance. It all comes from breed standard knowledge!
No matter how much I know, no matter how much I spread my knowledge to other groomers and aspiring groomers, I'm still learning. Continuing education is VITAL. This industry is constantly evolving. We are always learning better ways, getting better science, formulating better products. I will never be done learning, and that keeps me engaged, passionate, and loving my career. I do this by traveling the country for expos, seminars, and racking up certifications! I also compete in grooming competitions, mostly with hand scissored breeds.
Some professions are jobs. Some professions latch onto your soul and become a huge part of your identity. My personal grooming philosophy has been cultivated over 2 decades of trial, error, success, and failure. My dedication to my craft has been unwavering. I can't imagine doing anything else. I look forward to meeting you and your pups!
