Welcome to Healthy, Wealthy, And Wise. In this episode, we dive deep into a topic that’s close to our hearts: leaving the grooming industry better than we found it. Join Mary Oquendo, Denise Heroux, and Michelle Knowles as they share personal stories of mentorship, the power of kindness, and the importance of building each other up in a community that can sometimes feel competitive or critical.You’ll hear about the trailblazers and educators who inspired our hosts to speak up, lead with compassion, and push for positive change, even when it wasn’t easy. The conversation also covers the challenges and drama sometimes seen within the industry, and why it’s crucial to support new groomers, celebrate each other's successes, and hold ourselves to high standards not just for the animals in our care, but for each other.Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting your journey, this episode serves as a reminder that everyone has something valuable to contribute, and that together, we really can make the industry stronger, kinder, and more inclusive. So grab your favorite beverage and get ready for an inspiring chat full of wisdom, warmth, and practical advice for leaving your mark. In the best possible way!

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Welcome aboard to another lively episode of the Traveling Groomers Podcast! Today, Chris Anthony, Mary Oquendo, and their special guest, Barkleigh Award-winning author Angie Coates, dive into the world of pet grooming, creative writing, and all the hilarious pitfalls and triumphs along the way. We’re kicking things off with a behind-the-scenes peek into Anjie Coates’s motivation for her latest book, "The Grooming Witch of the Iron Ledge"—spoiler alert: it was sparked by frustration over poorly portrayed groomers in popular media. The hosts swap stories about writing styles—from structured outlines to composing whole chapters in the shower—and how neurodiversity shapes their creative processes. You’ll also get the inside scoop on the realities of self-publishing, from formatting woes and choosing between KDP and IngramSpark, to the unique challenges of creating audiobooks and selecting the perfect narrator. Plus, the conversation meanders through the importance of readable print size (shoutout to Miss Betty!), website tips for pet professionals, and the supportive, tight-knit nature of the grooming community. With plenty of laughs, lessons learned, and a few candid stories about trade show bloopers, this episode is packed with advice, encouragement, and real talk for both the grooming industry and aspiring authors alike. So grab your travel mug, settle in, and let’s roll into today’s episode—where the pets are loved, the stories are heartfelt, and the laughter is contagious!

Welcome aboard, fellow groomers and pet professionals! On this episode of the Traveling Groomers Podcast, Chris Anthony and Mary Oquendo dive deep into the not-so-glamorous but oh-so-important world of business taxes, work-life balance, and—yes—the realities of burnout in the grooming industry. As tax season looms, they share practical tips for keeping tax-time stress at bay, from using QuickBooks and the latest IRS resources to deciding when it’s worth hiring an accountant. But it’s not all numbers and paperwork! The conversation flows into the art of setting boundaries, both with challenging clients and within your own family—because maintaining your mental health is just as vital as running a well-oiled grooming business. Chris Anthony and Mary Oquendo share candid stories, gentle (and sometimes not-so-gentle) strategies for saying “no,” and a healthy dose of laughter about everything from family phone calls at odd hours to accidental cat-hair explosions. If you’re feeling the pressure of busy season or just need reassurance that you’re not alone in the chaos, this episode is packed with relatable wisdom, encouragement, and a few unexpected detours that will make you smile. So grab your travel mug, and join us as we navigate the journey of grooming, taxes, and self-care—because your sanity is just as important as your scissors!

Welcome to Healthy, Wealthy, and Wise, with Mary Oquendo, Denise Heroux and Michelle Knowles as they dive into the challenges grooming professionals face when clients need to stretch out appointment; whether it’s due to economic uncertainty, life events like new babies, or changes in circumstance. The conversation explores how groomers can approach these sensitive situations with empathy, offer practical solutions (like “easy breezy” clips and package deals), and use creative language to avoid client guilt. The episode also touches on the power of AI tools in the grooming business for tasks like marketing and naming special services, as well as strategies for maintaining long-term client relationships during tough times. If you’re a pet professional looking to balance compassion and business, or simply want to hear stories from the grooming front lines, this episode delivers thoughtful advice, a bit of humor, and encouragement for staying connected with your clients—no matter what they’re going through.

Welcome back to Healthy, Wealthy, And Wise Podcast. In this episode your hosts Mary Oquendo and Michelle Knowles dive into the powerful impact of making waves in the grooming industry—and why shaking things up is not just important, but necessary for progress.Kicking things off, Mary Oquendo shares her journey from the early days of mobile grooming, where formal business classes were non-existent and most groomers were left to "wing it." She reflects on how far the industry has come—from the lack of terms of service and educational resources, to today’s abundance of business classes and community-driven standards.Michelle Knowles jumps in to celebrate the advancements in mobile grooming and highlights her recent experience at the unique Speakeasy Institute in Maine, applauding its dedication to next-level education and community connection.Both hosts get real about the importance of speaking up for animals and professional standards, sharing how collective action—whether it’s advocating for better handling practices or creating new educational opportunities—has led to positive change. You’ll also get the inside scoop on upcoming industry events, from Groomed to the Pacific Northwest Grooming Conference and beyond.If you’re passionate about pet grooming, committed to learning, or just want to hear how individuals can spark industry-wide change, you won’t want to miss this episode. Let’s make waves together!

Welcome to another episode of the Traveling Groomers Podcast! This week, your hosts Chris Anthony and Mary Oquendo take us on a colorful journey through the world of creative grooming. Joined by guest and talented creative groomer Erin Hulan, the crew shares stories about the evolution of creative grooming competitions, the artistic spark that got Erin started in the field, and how she balances her passion for canine creativity with the practical challenges of running a grooming business. You’ll hear candid discussions about the realities of poodle coat maintenance, the supportive culture among creative groomers at shows, and Erin’s path from her first trade show inspiration to competing and teaching across the country. The episode is filled with laughs, relatable tales about mistaken identity in the grooming world, tips for beginners, and behind-the-scenes insight into grooming contests and the importance of learning from judges’ feedback. Whether you’re a seasoned professional, an aspiring creative groomer, or just curious about the artistry behind mobile and house-call grooming, this episode promises inspiration, education, and a dose of fun. So fill up your travel mug, climb aboard, and get ready to roll with the Traveling Groomers Podcast!

Welcome to Healthy, Wealthy, and Wise,with hosts Mary Oquendo, Michelle Knowles and Denise Heroux as they unpack the elusive concept of joy in the workplace—especially within the grooming industry. Together, they share honest stories about finding and sometimes losing happiness both as groomers and business owners.Listen in as Michelle Knowles opens up about her planned transition from hands-on grooming to pursuing new paths, and Mary Oquendo recounts her journey from loving her job to hitting burnout—thanks in part to a particular  dreaded poodle client. Denise Heroux gives perspective as an owner on finding joy through helping her employees grow, while also navigating the challenges that come with leadership.The conversation isn’t all sunshine and roses—they dive into the realities of burnout, how toxic work environments can sneak up on you, and the importance of self-awareness. You’ll hear tips on self-assessment, boundary-setting, and the value of taking time off to recharge. Plus, the trio shares upcoming events and opportunities for the grooming community.Whether you’re a business owner, an employee, or anywhere in between, this episode will help you reflect on your own joy at work—and remind you that, yes, you do have options.

Welcome aboard to another lively episode of the Traveling Groomers Podcast! Join hosts Chris Anthony and Mary Oquendo as they kick off episode 316 with their signature blend of industry insight and playful banter. Today, they dive into how grooming styles and techniques have evolved—going from bell heads on everything to the puffy, adorable "Asian fusion" looks and the ever-changing trends influenced by doodle breeds. Along the way, Chris Anthony and Mary Oquendo swap stories about outdated tech (remember iPods?), creative clients, and the impact of new tools on grooming fashions.They also tackle the importance of developing strong relationships with veterinarians, sharing practical tips—like virtual vet services—especially for groomers in rural areas. If you’re a pet professional curious about new grooming styles, keeping up with technology, or just need a laugh as you work, grab your travel mug and jump in for a fun, informative ride with the Traveling Groomers!

Welcome to the Healthy, Wealthy, and Wise podcast with your  hosts Mary Oquendo and Denise Heroux. Listen as they dive into the ins and outs of employee management in the grooming industry. From the challenges of hiring the right people to the importance of workplace culture and boundaries, Denise Heroux shares hard-earned wisdom from her years of building a thriving business. Meanwhile, Mary Oquendo reflects on her own experiences, highlighting the lessons learned working for corporate grooming shops and why she chose a different path. Whether you’re an employer, employee, or solo groomer, this conversation is packed with real talk, practical tips, and honest stories about what it takes to create—and keep—a healthy, happy team. Plus, hear about upcoming classes, trade shows, and what topics to expect in future episodes. Settle in for the blend of humor and expertise you’ve come to expect from Traveling Groomers!

Welcome aboard to episode 315 of the Traveling Groomers Podcast! In this lively installment, Chris Anthony and Mary Oquendo kick off the new year with a candid conversation about practical strategies for mobile and house call grooming businesses. They dive into everything from smart money-saving hacks—like tackling runaway subscriptions and slashing utility bills—to the importance of setting realistic, actionable goals instead of flimsy resolutions. Packed with real-world anecdotes (including what happens when clients get “stuck” in Aruba!) and plenty of humor, this episode explores how small changes can have a big impact on your bottom line. The hosts also take on hot topics like the pros and cons of using AI in the grooming industry, sharing personal takes on everything from AI-generated images and copy to tools that can streamline your client communications. So grab your favorite travel mug, settle in, and get ready for honest advice, playful banter, and a few surprises—including a laugh-out-loud story about bully sticks you won’t want to miss. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out in pet grooming, this episode is full of insights to help you make 2024 your most efficient and successful year yet!