Groomer Tales: A Podcast by Groomer's Choice

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 chat with Britney Mack.

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.

In Episode 24 of Groomer Tales, I sit down with Danelle German, the visionary founder of the National Cat Groomers Institute. Danelle shares her journey from a hobbyist showing Persian cats to becoming a leader in feline grooming education. We explore the vital need for professional cat grooming, dispel the myth that cats groom themselves, and discuss her innovative products like Chubbs Bars and the Catty Shack Vac. With insights on establishing a cat grooming business, handling various feline temperaments, and the importance of continued education, this episode is packed with valuable tips for groomers and cat owners alike. Join us as we uncover the fascinating world of cat grooming and the community that supports it.

In this episode of Groomer Tales, I chat with Natascha Herdman, founder of PAWsparity, a nonprofit dog grooming school in Kansas City. Natascha transformed a simple phone call into a national movement, training individuals facing homelessness, addiction recovery, or incarceration to become professional groomers. We explore the challenges and triumphs of her mission, including the emotional stories that drive her work and her fight against government classifications that undervalue groomers' wages. Whether you're involved in the grooming industry or passionate about second chances, Natascha's inspiring journey showcases how PAWsparity is not just changing the lives of pets but also transforming people. Join us for this compelling conversation that highlights the power of compassion and community.

Today, we're joined by the talented Rachel Colant. She’s a groomer, educator, and all-around industry powerhouse.

From growing up with Newfoundlands in Illinois to managing luxury salons in LA and now shaping the future of grooming education, Rachel’s story is full of heart, hustle, and humor. We talk about her career journey, competing without being competitive, handling burnout, and why she’s all about making dogs cute, not perfect.

Whether you’re a new groomer or a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with relatable insight and inspiration. Enjoy this conversation with Rachel Colant.