Dear Future Groomers,
This time last year, August 2024, I was sitting in class just like you, learning the skills and techniques that would shape my future in grooming. I want to share my journey since graduating from the Dog Grooming School of Pennsylvania in the hope it encourages you as you take this next step toward your own grooming career.
Before school, I had never groomed a single dog. I worked in the medical field for 8 years, and while I gained valuable experience there, I felt burnt out. I had always wanted to work with dogs, so taking the leap into a completely new career path was scary, but I pushed myself to go for it.
After graduation, I began searching for a space to lease. Some places didn’t work out, but I never gave up. In November I found the right space, signed the lease in February, and officially opened Little LuLu’s Dog Spaw LLC on May 27, 2025, in Whitehall, Pennsylvania. To my surprise, the salon became fully booked very quickly without a single dollar spent on advertising. I was featured in The Morning Call newspaper and will be in the Lehigh Valley Style Magazine in September all for free. Clients came through word of mouth, and today I have wonderful regulars who love the private salon atmosphere. I’m proud to share that my business has all 5 star reviews, which has helped me grow even more.
I worked hard to save up enough money, and with the help of my family, I was able to purchase all of my equipment and supplies. I completely updated the space into the shop I had always envisioned: clean, welcoming, and uniquely my style. What makes my salon stand out are the décor, the energy, the accessories, and the “Dogs of the Week” pictures and videos I post on social media. Owners absolutely love them because they feel a part of their dog’s grooming experience.
A word of advice: always be respectful when posting. Never share anything that could be taken as bashing a customer, even if you don’t name them, they’ll know it’s their dog. Always get permission before posting photos or videos. Clients should feel their pets are in safe, caring hands. Keep a positive, genuine attitude and always do this work for the right reason: because you love dogs. I tell my clients all the time that I’m not in this for the money or to rush through 10 dogs a day. I groom because I love working with dogs and making them look and feel their best. I take my time, stay calm and relaxed, and both the dogs and their owners appreciate that energy.
Running a business and grooming solo is not as hard as it might seem. With the right training, connections, and mindset, you can absolutely succeed. Yes, you’ll face challenges like scammers or no-shows, and getting all your permits and paperwork finalized can take time, but once it’s done, everything falls into place. Set boundaries, create protocols, be honest with your clients, and always do your best work, success will follow.
For the business side, I use Vagaro for scheduling, I have an accountant who helps with taxes, and I had a lawyer review my lease before signing. I became cat and dog first aid certified through American Red Cross. I also created my own intake forms for clients to complete upon arrival. This covers all the bases, helps you learn each pet’s history, and keeps things professional while protecting you from difficult clients. In addition, I made my own groomer forms to track every appointment, including what services were done, which blades I used, and any specific haircut requests. If anyone would like to see any of my forms, feel free to reach out!
I’ve gone from unsure to confident, thanks to Jim and Shara, my family, and my own determination. So if you’re nervous about taking the leap, don’t be. You can do this. Stay focused, keep learning, and never underestimate the power of believing in yourself. The best impression starts the moment someone walks through your door. If you ever have questions about starting your own salon or would like to see mine in person, I’d be happy to help and would love for you to stop by! I will also be attending the Grooming Expo in Hershey again this year, continuing education and networking are so valuable. Good luck to you and your future!