About
Why I Got Into Grooming
My experience with dog grooming began with my shih tzu mix, Bubby. It was my first time caring for a breed with long hair. Learning how to brush her, especially around her face, and clipping her nails did not come naturally to me and was quite intimidating at the time. The first time I took her to be groomed, I was informed that she was very stubborn around having her face touched. I turned to YouTube for tutorials and used some cheap dog clippers I bought online to groom her myself. Though her haircuts were choppy, she was clean and tidy, and that made me happy. This led to me eventually pursuing an apprenticeship so that I could learn to groom professionally.
Where I Trained
I began my apprenticeship in the fall of 2020 at a Petco in Abilene, Texas, where I earned my certification. Starting with bathing, blow-drying, brushing, nail clipping, and teeth brushing, I gradually worked my way up to doing haircuts. My former salon manager and coworkers provided a wealth of knowledge and support, and my experiences are truly invaluable.
Post Training Experience
After I left Abilene and moved to Austin, I started grooming at Pet Supplies Plus, a small franchise. With just one other groomer, we co-managed the salon. Despite being part of a much smaller team, I was able to learn so much from my coworker, who had several years of experience. In a smaller salon, we could work at our own pace and focus more on the comfort and well-being of the pets in our care above all else.
Additional Certifications
Outside of my work in the salon, I've dedicated time to earning certifications like the AKC S.A.F.E. Groomer certificate. I've also taken courses and attended webinars by industry experts such as Jess Rona and Kayla Scott. I'm planning to obtain Barkleigh's Pet Professional First Aid/ CPR Certification soon.