The Daily Groomer

After Hours Episode #98: In this episode of After Hours, let’s get real—burnout happens to all of us groomers, even when we love what we do. I’m flying solo and talking about the stress that comes with full books, feeling overwhelmed, and realizing it might be time to raise your prices and know your worth. I’m sharing personal stories, a few laughs, honest advice about setting boundaries, practicing gratitude, and trying to keep your sanity through it all. There are a couple rants, maybe even a tear or two, but mostly this is a reminder that you’re not alone in feeling this way.

Summary

In our latest episode of The Daily Groomer, I chat with Valerie Partynski—a second-generation groomer and a close friend—about her journey in the industry. We get into her early days learning from some of the greats, how grooming has evolved over the years, and her take on professionalism, client care, and training. Valerie also shares practical advice on building strong client relationships, setting up training programs, and handling pricing conversations with confidence. It’s a solid listen if you’re looking to sharpen your approach and run things a little smoother.

Timestamps

04:04 Evolution of Grooming Industry Practices

10:03 Challenges in Groomer Training Today

19:13 Pareto Principle for Client Care

29:21 Encouraging Repeat Visits Strategies

32:29 Summer Price Strategy Adjustments

37:15 Business Strengths and Weaknesses

Stay connected with our guest speakers! Follow them on their social media @chicagogroomer. Curious about Teddy? You can sign up here. For more grooming tips, insights, and stories, check out our website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Daily Groomer⁠⁠⁠⁠. Join and be part of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Daily Groomer Community⁠⁠!

After Hours Episode #97: In this episode of After Hours, I talk about what it really means to lead with kindness, why your intentions matter, and how to stop letting other people control your energy. I get into the drama that can happen in the grooming world, the importance of setting boundaries, and why protecting your peace has to come first. I also share some personal stories, thoughts on self-love, and simple reminders to focus on what you can control. At the end of the day, being the queen—or king—of your own universe starts with taking care of yourself first.

After Hours Episode #96: In this episode of After Hours, I hang out with my “twin from another timeline” Jay Snowdon, for a funny, honest, and surprisingly heartfelt conversation. We get into Jay’s journey from rehab to grooming, building a following by being unapologetically authentic, and the kind of energy that can completely change the vibe behind the grooming table. We also talk about social media, queer identity, viral moments, favorite grooming products, and why real connection—with both dogs and people—is what matters most. And yes, there’s definitely a little Taylor Swift talk too

Summary

In our latest episode of The Daily Groomer, I sit down with Jessica Craun, owner of Fluff and Fetch Grooming in Fishersville, VA, to talk about what really goes into creating a great client experience. We get into everything from intake forms and booking systems to the small personal touches that make clients come back—and how to deal with no-shows without the stress. Jessica also shares how she went from junior showmanship to running a busy salon, along with simple, practical ways to build systems that actually work for both you and your clients.

Timestamps06:31 Client Intake Process Streamlined

11:33 Building a Better Grooming System

15:32 Boosting Online Bookings Success

Stay connected with our guest speakers! Follow them on their social media @fluffandfetchdoggrooming. Curious about Teddy? You can sign up here. For more grooming tips, insights, and stories, check out our website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Daily Groomer⁠⁠⁠⁠. Join and be part of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Daily Groomer Community⁠⁠!

After Hours Episode #95: In this episode of After Hours, I get real about the energy we bring into grooming. I talk about my time at Groomed Atlanta, dealing with imposter syndrome, and learning to actually own your worth in this industry. We get into connection too—not just with the dogs, but with people—and why there’s honestly space for everyone to win. I also share a few simple ways to stay grounded when salon life gets chaotic. It’s an unfiltered convo about showing up with love, supporting each other, and focusing on being better than you were yesterday—not competing with everyone else.

After Hours Episode #94: In this episode of After Hours, I sit down with Perry Q—aka “Perry from BioGroom”. We chat about the world of trade shows, grooming competitions, and what it really takes to find your place in the grooming industry. From the behind-the-scenes hustle to dealing with self-doubt and building a business you actually enjoy, it’s a laid-back conversation full of stories, insights, and a few laughs along the way. Whether you’re deep in the industry or just curious about it, there’s a lot to take away from this one.

Summary

In our latest episode of The Daily Groomer, I sit down with Xavier Sanchez of Fluff 'n' Buff in East Austin to share his journey from side hustles and DIY dog tubs to running a successful grooming salon. We discuss building better systems, using social media to attract real clients, and finding pricing strategies that support long-term growth. A practical conversation for groomers looking to grow their business.

Timestamps

08:33 Modern Grooming Business Insights

15:47 Passion vs. Business in Grooming

19:40 Social Media: Today's Business Card

24:58 Optimizing Visibility for Pet Groomers

30:11 Raising Prices with Business Mindset

35:58 Pricing vs. Costs and Value

Stay connected with our guest speakers! Follow them on their social media @fluffnbuffatx. Curious about Teddy? You can sign up here. For more grooming tips, insights, and stories, check out our website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Daily Groomer⁠⁠⁠⁠. Join and be part of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Daily Groomer Community⁠⁠!

After Hours Episode #93: In this episode of After Hours, it’s just me, Shannon, I get real about accountability, why self-awareness matters, and how our mentality shapes everything in the grooming world. We chat about industry drama, wild stories from the salon, raising prices without losing your mind, and how to handle negativity like a boss. I even answer some live questions about keeping your energy strong in a corporate setting. If you’re ready for honesty, laughs, and some straight-up advice, this one’s for you!

After Hours Episode #92: In this episode of After Hours, I’m hanging out with Axel the Groomer Guy and we’re keeping it super real—talking all things “Slow Groomers Gang,” why taking your time matters, and the wild stuff that goes down behind the scenes at trade shows. We get into doodle drama, those double coated dogs, handling tough client convos, and even a bit of industry beef (no holds barred after hours!). If you want honest groomer talk, some laughs, and lots of real-life advice, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive in!