Let's dive into the world of pet grooming! Groomers and pet professionals alike share fascinating stories, expert advice and heartwarming experiences on the Groomer Tales podcast. Get ready for helpful products, stylish trims and lots of laughs.
Reading the feed…
Welcome back to Groomer Tales, a podcast by Groomer's Choice. Today's guest is Sam Hollenbeck, owner of Grooms by Sam LLC, a home-based grooming salon in rural Missouri. Sam shares how she went from aspiring veterinarian to business owner, how winning the Groomer's Choice Great Groomer Giveaway helped transform her grooming space, and why creating a calm, one-on-one experience for pets is at the heart of everything she does. A quick heads-up: There are a couple of brief technical difficulties throughout this episode due to our virtual recording, but we hope you enjoy the conversation. Let's ge
Today's guest is Wayne Hartley Jr., owner of Happy Hearts Pet Care in Atlanta. After spending more than a decade as a veterinary technician, Wayne found his passion in grooming and has since built a thriving business centered on education, community, and making a difference in the pet industry. Wayne also shares the inspiration behind Happy Hearts Pet Care, his vision for supporting the next generation of pet professionals, and plenty of stories from life behind the grooming table. Let's get started.
Today's guest is Gisela Lambruschini, owner of My Dog Miami. Originally from Argentina, Gisela's path to grooming wasn't a traditional one. With a background in psychology, human resources, and business ownership, she brings a unique perspective to leadership, mental health, and building a successful salon. In this episode, we talk about her literal journey from South America to Miami and the lessons she's learned as a business owner. And why kindness to your clients, your team, and yourself might be the key to long-term success in grooming. *A quick heads up: There are a few technical bumps i
In this episode, Natasha chats with Emeka Moka from Nkita Pet, a luxury pet care brand blending natural ingredients, family tradition, and innovation. From growing up in a Nigerian entrepreneurial family to unexpectedly entering the pet industry despite severe pet allergies, Emeka shares his incredible story. He explains how groomers helped shape the brand, and what it takes to build a business from the ground up. Plus, trade show stories, product secrets, and, of course, a poop story you won’t want to miss. Please enjoy this episode with Emeka Moka.
In this episode, Natasha sits down with Chelsea Anderson. Chelsea shares how pet grooming gave her purpose, the realities of salon ownership, and why caring for anxious and senior dogs means so much to her. From battling addiction and surviving a near-fatal overdose to building a thriving grooming salon, Chelsea Anderson’s journey is one of resilience, passion, and second chances. Please enjoy this episode with Chelsea Anderson. Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussion of addiction, overdose, and mental health struggles.
In this episode, Natasha sits down with Sierra Elbert, founder of Groom Curriculum, to talk about how she went from small-town beginnings to helping transform the grooming industry through education. She never planned to become a dog groomer, but she is now reshaping the entire industry. Sierra shares her journey, the mission behind Groom Curriculum, and how standardized training is opening doors for groomers across the country.
In this episode, we chat with Shannon Doty, Kennel Supervisor and Behavior Coordinator at the Sioux Falls Humane Society. From her farm upbringing to working hands-on with shelter dogs, Shannon shares what it really takes to support animals with behavioral needs and help them find homes. We talk about responsible pet ownership and the powerful prison partnership program giving both dogs and inmates a second chance. It’s an honest look at life inside a shelter, and why understanding your dog matters more than ever.
On today’s episode, Natasha is joined by Michelle Macias, a Sioux Falls groomer, business owner and the hands behind one of Groomer's Choice's catalog covers. From her early days working in a vet clinic to running her own one-on-one grooming studio, Michelle shares what she’s learned over 16 years in the industry. Michelle talks about building trust with dogs, finding your ideal clients, staying educated and why grooming is as much an art as it is a skill. Please enjoy this conversation with Michelle Macias.
In this episode of Groomer Tales, Natasha is joined by Missy John of Nerdy K9 Academy to talk all things dog behavior, training and second chances. From her start in animal control to running a behavior-focused training business, Missy shares how understanding dogs, and teaching their humans, can transform lives. We also dive into the return of the prison dog training program, Parole Pups, where inmates help rehabilitate shelter dogs for adoption. Plus, we bust common training myths and talk grooming challenges, as well as a few incredible stories along the way. Please enjoy this episode with
On today’s episode, Natasha has a chat with Mackensie Murphy. She’s a Groom Team USA member, an award-winning competitor and a second-generation groomer. She shares her unexpected path into the grooming world, from dropping out of art school to competing on the international stage. Mackensie discusses the pressures of growing up in a well-known grooming family, discovering her passion for competition and education, and the numerous career paths the grooming industry offers. She also shares honest insights on burnout, social media, creative grooming and life beyond the competition ring. Please
In this episode of Groomer Tales, Natasha sits down with emergency veterinarian Dr. Azalia Boyd to talk about the powerful connection between grooming and animal health. From spotting lumps and infections to preventing dental disease and ear issues, Dr. Boyd shares why groomers are often the first line of defense in a pet’s well-being. They also discuss how groomers and vets can collaborate more effectively to serve pets and their people. Plus, Dr. Boyd opens up about her passion for cultural intelligence in animal care and how understanding pet owners’ backgrounds can lead to better outcomes
In this episode, we sit down with Blake Hernandez. Blake opens up about his path from competitive gymnastics and personal trauma to finding purpose through dogs, grooming and creative expression. He also shares behind-the-scenes stories from Pooch Perfect and Netflix’s documentary, Dogs. We talk about the realities of competitive grooming, building a personal brand, navigating online hate, and why showing up authentically with loud suits, hair flips and all, has always been non-negotiable. Please enjoy this conversation with Blake Hernandez.
In this episode, we sit down with Denise Heroux. She is a groomer, salon owner, educator and co-founder of the Pet Stylist Relief Fund. Denise shares her path from early career uncertainty to owning three grooming salons, including a cat-only facility and becoming a strong advocate for groomer support and education. We talk about burnout, employee retention, financial stability and what it really takes to build a sustainable grooming business. She also explains the mission behind the Pet Stylist Relief Fund, how it supports groomers facing unexpected hardship and why bringing this resource bac
Welcome back to Groomer Tales, a podcast by Groomer’s Choice. Today’s guest is Sandy Gyorgyi, the founder of Showseason and one of the most influential voices in professional grooming. In this episode, Sandy shares with Natasha how she transitioned from a career in journalism to building a dog shampoo brand from scratch. They also chat about what groomers actually need from the products they use, and why scent, transparency, and listening to feedback have always mattered to her. They discuss the lessons learned from failures, the power of community, and what it takes to leave a lasting mark in
In this episode Natasha sits down with Macie Pisa! She is a Groom Team USA member, 'Pooch Perfect' champion, educator, judge and mobile grooming business owner. Macie talks competition grooming, teaching around the world, life behind reality TV, and the actual realities of building a career beyond the grooming table. Honest, funny and packed with insight for groomers at every stage. Please, enjoy this conversation with Macie Pisa.
In this episode, Natasha chats with Ryan Alvarez of Loyalty Pet Products about his path from teaching to entrepreneurship. They discuss how one trip to a grooming trade show opened his eyes to a huge industry and an even bigger opportunity. Ryan shares the early wins (and expensive lessons), how customer feedback shaped everything from apparel to tools, and why he’s built Loyalty around innovation, authenticity, and real support for groomers. Now, let’s jump into this conversation with Ryan Alvarez! Audio note: Portions of this episode may sound a bit rough due to technical difficulties during
In this episode, Natasha chats with award-winning Canadian groomer Marcia Strong about her journey from struggling beginner to international competitor and industry influencer. She shares hilarious stories, honest insights, and the reality behind competing, running a salon, and staying sane in a fast-paced grooming world. You’ll hear stories of exploding poop, popping eyeballs (yes, really), community over competition, the pressure of social media, and the mentors who helped her along the way. Please enjoy this conversation with Marcia Strong.
In this episode, Natasha sits down with Jess Rona. She’s a groomer, an educator, a creative powerhouse and a reality TV judge! You may know her from her hilarious viral videos or from the HBO Max show “Haute Dog.” They discuss everything, from how she found her creative voice to building a business from her garage and learning to balance it all with a good dose of self-care and laughter. It’s real, it’s inspiring and it’s a reminder that passion can take you anywhere. Enjoy the conversation with Jess Rona.
In today's episode, we’re heading up to North Dakota to talk with Jacque Opp. She is a Certified Feline Master Groomer, educator, and mobile grooming business owner. Jacque started her grooming career nearly 20 years ago, moved into mobile grooming, and eventually found her true passion in helping cats, and their humans, live cleaner, happier lives. We’ll chat about her journey from dogs to cats, what it really takes to go mobile in the Midwest, and how she balances business, family, and a growing social media presence. Let’s get started. Enjoy this chat with Jacque Opp.
In this episode, Natasha chats with Johanna Ogreen. At just 16, Johanna already manages a salon, competes in grooming shows, and inspires other young groomers. They talk about growing up in her mom’s shop, balancing school and clients, and finding confidence in a career she truly loves. Johanna proves age is no barrier when passion leads the way, from doodles to competitions to hilarious salon stories. Please enjoy this discussion with Johanna OGgeen.
In this episode, Natasha talks with Britney Mack, owner of Fetching Friends LLC in North Carolina. From aspiring makeup artist to groomer, business owner, and social media educator, Britney shares her late start in the industry, the challenge of being allergic to dogs, and the joy of building a one-on-one salon focused on “humanity over vanity.” We cover her viral videos, role as a Wahl ambassador, and how she balances grooming with life on a busy family farm. Honest, funny, and inspiring. This conversation is packed with grooming insights and a few surprises from farm life. Please enjoy this
Welcome back to Groomer Tales a podcast by Groomer’s Choice. In this episode, you will meet Heidi MacRunnels, owner of The Colorful K9 in Sioux Falls! We chat about it all. From her first dog at 18 to building a salon known for bold, creative grooms, Heidi shares her journey, the challenges of starting a business, and why she believes dogs love the extra attention that comes with a splash of color. Tune in to hear how she turned passion into a thriving business! Enjoy this conversation with Heidi MacRunnels.
Welcome back to Groomer Tales a podcast by Groomer’s Choice. In this special episode, Natasha sits down with Joe Zuccarello, who is the new VP of Groomer Services and Innovation at Groomer’s Choice. We will learn about his career journey from his start as a teenage dog bather to becoming a leader and educator in the pet industry. Joe shares lessons on leadership, pricing, and the future of the grooming industry. Please enjoy this conversation with Joe Zuccarello.
Welcome back to Groomer Tales, the podcast by Groomer’s Choice. Today we’ve got a first for the show, a listener turned guest! Amanda Gattis is a Texas groomer who’s truly done it all, from salons and mobile grooming to her current role in a busy veterinary clinic. She’s Fear Free certified, passionate about helping even the most challenging pets, and she’s full of stories you’re going to love.
Today’s guest is Lydia Best. Lydia is the VP of Operations at Woofie’s. Before she landed at Woofie’s, she climbed the corporate ladder, but then gave it all up to start her own business. She built a pet care empire and now helps others do the same. We talk about growing a franchise and creating community in a competitive industry. It’s heartfelt, hilarious, and full of wisdom for anyone in the pet care world.
-Friends-of-NPACE-Logo--1.jpg){kind=logo}
.png)
