40 Years in Dog Grooming: Confidence, Pricing & Building a Career That Lasts

40 Years in Dog Grooming: Confidence, Pricing & Building a Career That Lasts

In this episode, Bill chats with Pam Rowley of Best Friends Pets [https://bestfriendspets.co.uk/] as she celebrates an incredible 40 years in dog grooming. From starting out in the days of “poodle parlours”, Yellow Pages adverts and hand shears, to becoming an educator, examiner and long-standing business owner, Pam shares a fascinating look at how the grooming industry has changed over the decades. This conversation explores the evolution of grooming equipment, training, customer expectations, marketing, pricing and professionalism. Pam also shares honest reflections on what it takes to build confidence as a groomer, charge your worth, adapt as the industry changes, and keep your passion for dogs at the heart of your business. A brilliant episode for groomers who want perspective, reassurance and a reminder that grooming can be a long-term, rewarding and well-paid career when you believe in your skills and treat yourself as a professional. As always, I'd like to thank the podcast sponsor, Lopay, the low-cost payment platform that helps you keep more of the money you earn. You can find out more and sign up for Lopay here: https://merchant.lopay.app/ref/PETPASSION2500 [https://merchant.lopay.app/ref/PETPASSION2500] Listeners of this podcast get £2500 of fee-free transactions. And if you’d like support building a stronger, more profitable grooming business, visit: https://petpassiontoprofit.com/ [https://petpassiontoprofit.com/]

The Hairy Universe of Hand Stripping: Saving a Dying Grooming Art

In this episode, Bill is joined by Mia Overnas and Carola from GroomerDK UK to talk about their upcoming book, The Hairy Universe of Hand Stripping. Together, they explore why hand stripping is such an important but often misunderstood grooming technique, and why it is at risk of becoming a dying art. Mia and Carola share the inspiration behind the book, the knowledge gaps they see in the grooming industry, and why understanding the science behind coat care can give groomers more confidence with both dogs and their owners. The conversation covers everything from coat anatomy, genetics, common myths, pricing hand stripping properly, working with breeders, managing client expectations, and why groomers need reliable education rather than just opinion-led advice from social media. Whether you are a groomer wanting to build confidence with hand stripping, an owner of a hand-stripped breed, or simply passionate about preserving specialist grooming skills, this episode is packed with insight, encouragement, and plenty of “don’t panic” moments. To order the book on release visit their website [https://handstripping.wpcomstaging.com/] or the Great British Bookshop [https://www.thegreatbritishbookshop.co.uk/] and https://groomerdkusa.com/ [https://groomerdkusa.com/] (US Purchases) As always, I'd like to thank the podcast sponsor, Lopay, the low-cost payment platform that helps you keep more of the money you earn. You can find out more and sign up for Lopay here: https://merchant.lopay.app/ref/PETPASSION2500 [https://merchant.lopay.app/ref/PETPASSION2500] Listeners of this podcast get £2500 of fee-free transactions. And if you’d like support building a stronger, more profitable grooming business, visit: https://petpassiontoprofit.com/ [https://petpassiontoprofit.com/]

Creative Grooming, Colourful Poodles & Charging What You’re Worth with Katie Darcey

In this episode, Bill is joined by Katie Darcey from Katie Grooms Dogs [https://www.instagram.com/katie.grooms.dogs/] for a colourful conversation about life as a dog groomer, building confidence in your pricing, setting boundaries, and finding your own path in the industry. Katie shares her journey from canine hydrotherapy into grooming, her experience in corporate salons, and how she built her own business after relocating to Devon. She talks openly about charging properly, choosing the right clients, protecting your body and your time, and why pricing your work well can give you more freedom in both business and life. The conversation also dives into Katie’s world of creative grooming, including how her poodle Joey became known for his bold, colourful designs, what goes into planning creative grooms, and why safety, product knowledge, coat condition, and the dog’s temperament all matter. Katie also shares tips for left-handed groomers, the importance of great prep work, handling dogs safely, and what groomers can expect from her one-to-one training and creative grooming workshops. A fun, honest and inspiring episode for groomers who want to grow their skills, charge with more confidence, and maybe even add a little colour along the way. Find Katie online here: https://www.facebook.com/p/Katie-Grooms-Dogs-Grooming-Education-by-Katie-100090731677949/ [https://www.facebook.com/p/Katie-Grooms-Dogs-Grooming-Education-by-Katie-100090731677949/] https://www.instagram.com/katie.grooms.dogs/ [https://www.instagram.com/katie.grooms.dogs/] As always, I'd like to thank the podcast sponsor, Lopay, the low-cost payment platform that helps you keep more of the money you earn. You can find out more and sign up for Lopay here: https://merchant.lopay.app/ref/PETPASSION2500 [https://merchant.lopay.app/ref/PETPASSION2500] Listeners of this podcast get £2500 of fee-free transactions. And if you’d like support building a stronger, more profitable grooming business, visit: https://petpassiontoprofit.com/ [https://petpassiontoprofit.com/]

Bill talks Pricing, Profit & The Pet Pro Expo with Vicki from The Pet Accountant

In this episode, Bill is joined by Vicky Clark from The Pet Accountant for a no-nonsense conversation about pricing, profit, numbers, and the realities of running a pet business. They dive into why pet professionals need to stop copying everyone else’s prices, why small £3 or £5 increases often are not enough, and why knowing your numbers is essential if you want to build a sustainable business. Vicki shares her thoughts on pricing properly, working with the right clients, breaking through the VAT threshold, and why Making Tax Digital may be more “Making Tax Difficult” for many business owners. Bill and Vicki also chat about Crufts, trade stands, strange encounters behind the stand, the value of networking, and what pet professionals can expect from this year’s Pet Pro Expo in Birmingham. Expect plenty of laughs, honest opinions, business lessons, and practical reminders that if you want to grow your pet business, you need to understand your numbers, charge properly, and surround yourself with people who push you forward. As always, I'd like to thank the podcast sponsor, Lopay, the low-cost payment platform that helps you keep more of the money you earn. You can find out more and sign up for Lopay here: https://merchant.lopay.app/ref/PETPASSION2500 [https://merchant.lopay.app/ref/PETPASSION2500] Listeners of this podcast get £2500 of fee-free transactions. And if you’d like support building a stronger, more profitable grooming business, visit: https://petpassiontoprofit.com/ [https://petpassiontoprofit.com/] IF THIS EPISODE INSPIRED YOU TO TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR PRICING AND FINANCES, MAKE SURE YOU SUBSCRIBE AND SHARE IT WITH ANOTHER GROOMER WHO’S READY TO LEVEL UP.

Perception of Value: The Business Shift Every Groomer Needs

In this episode, Bill sits down with Shayla Knipe and Chris Phillips from Stylish Canine in Australia https://www.stylishcanine.com.au/ [https://www.stylishcanine.com.au/] for an honest and inspiring conversation about pricing, perception of value, burnout, customer experience, and what it really takes to build a premium grooming business. Shayla shares her incredible 20+ year journey through the animal industry — starting as a veterinary nurse before becoming one of Australia’s most recognised and awarded canine stylists. Her passion for learning led her into canine psychology, nutrition, handling, grooming competitions, and eventually onto the world stage representing Australia in Belgium at the World Grooming Championships as the Australian Groom Team Terrier Specialist. Listeners may also recognise Shayla from Channel 7’s Pooch Perfect with Rebel Wilson, where she showcased the skill, pressure, and artistry required to compete at the highest level of dog grooming. Alongside Chris — whose background in customer service and business helped shape the Stylish Canine brand — the conversation dives deep into the realities of running grooming salons, managing teams, overcoming burnout, and learning how to charge properly for the value you provide. Together they discuss: * Why groomers undervalue themselves * The mindset shift behind premium pricing * Understanding customer perception of value * Creating luxury experiences without unnecessary expense * Building salon culture and customer loyalty * Managing burnout and overbooking * Learning from business mistakes and financial challenges * Mentorship, mindset, and continual growth * Why community matters more than trophies Shayla also opens up about stepping away from the traditional high-volume salon model in 2026 to return to her roots — creating a private studio focused on quiet artistry, education, mentorship, and raising the next generation of leaders within the grooming industry. This episode is packed with practical business insight, real-life experience, and powerful mindset shifts for groomers who want to grow sustainably while creating a business they truly love. For more information and contact links for Shayla & Chris please visit the website https://www.shaylaknipe.com.au/ [https://www.shaylaknipe.com.au/] As always, I'd like to thank the podcast sponsor, Lopay, the low-cost payment platform that helps you keep more of the money you earn. You can find out more and sign up for Lopay here: https://merchant.lopay.app/ref/PETPASSION2500 [https://merchant.lopay.app/ref/PETPASSION2500] Listeners of this podcast get £2500 of fee-free transactions. And if you’d like support building a stronger, more profitable grooming business, visit: https://petpassiontoprofit.com/ [https://petpassiontoprofit.com/] If this episode inspired you to take control of your pricing and finances, make sure you subscribe and share it with another groomer who’s ready to level up. 🐾