Groomer Tales: A Podcast by Groomer's Choice

In this episode, Natasha sits down with Tatum Lundin, owner of The Spot in Bemidji, Minnesota. Tatum talks about building a grooming business, becoming a Certified Master Groomer, and why she loves giant breeds.

She shares what she learned about burnout, continuing education, and pushing through imposter syndrome on her journey to Master Groomer certification. Plus, she explains why Newfoundlands and other giant breeds are her bread and butter!

It’s a funny, relatable conversation about growing as a groomer and never putting 'just' in front of dog groomer. Please enjoy this episode of Groomer Tales!

This episode is dedicated to the memory of Tatum’s beloved Dalmatian, Darling, who sadly passed away after this episode was recorded.

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 get started!

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 in this episode. That's the joy of virtual recording. Technology likes to keep things interesting!

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 Missy John.