Published by Alex Martin and Shannon Wynings Roberts
Tales, tails, and tangles from professional groomers across the world
Listen on Apple Podcasts23 min
After Hours Episode #109: In this episode of After Hours, I’m getting into something that affects all of us, whether we realize it or not—our own triggers. We all carry stuff from our past, and if we’re not paying attention, it can show up at the grooming table and change the way we handle dogs, clients, and even ourselves. I share a few personal stories, talk about why self-awareness is so important, and how learning to stay calm and grounded can completely change the energy you bring into every groom. This isn't about being perfect. It's about recognizing what's going on, doing the work, and showing up a little better every day.
39 min
After Hours Episode #108: In this episode of After Hours, it’s just me, Shannon Wynings, talking about how our mindset and energy affect every dog we work with. I share my thoughts on staying present at the grooming table, giving each appointment a clean slate, and handling challenging moments without carrying stress from one groom to the next. I also talk about upcoming grooming shows, a few personal lessons I’ve learned lately, and simple ways to bring more calm and consistency into both work and everyday life. It’s an honest conversation about the things that often happen behind the scenes but have a big impact on the dogs, our clients, and ourselves.
1 hr 5 min
After Hours Episode #106: In this episode of After Hours, I sit down with Jayne Gallagher to get real about social media drama, the pressures and power of authenticity online, and what happens when negativity creeps into our community. We talk about navigating online negativity, supporting other groomers, making difficult decisions for our pets, and why respect and intention matter in this industry. We also get into setting boundaries, charging what you're worth, the responsibility that comes with grooming, and the little routines that help us stay grounded—with a fun conversation about moon rituals to wrap things up.
16 min
After Hours Episode #106: In this episode of After Hours, I talk about the role energy plays in the salon and in everyday life. I share some thoughts on mindset, why it matters when you're working with dogs, and the simple three-step approach I use: assess, process, and readdress. I also get into self-awareness, staying honest with yourself, and why being calm, confident, and consistent can make a real difference behind the grooming table. Plus, don’t miss my top product recommendations and a special listener discount!
38 min
Summary In our latest episode of The Daily Groomer, I’m joined by Brit Strackbein to talk about what it really takes to build a grooming business that works for you. We discuss Brit’s path from retail management to owning a Wolfies mobile grooming franchise, how she creates lasting relationships with clients without a physical storefront, and her approach to training and supporting new groomers. We also get into the value of adding services like pet sitting and dog walking to grow your business. Whether you’re established or just getting started, Brit shares plenty of practical ideas you can apply right away. Timestamps 07:34 Client phone consultations 10:25 Learning from industry mentors 16:00 Overcoming too much corporate structure 26:11 Training challenges in pet grooming 33:22 Promoting additional pet services Stay connected with our guest speakers! Follow them on their social media @woofiescolumbia . 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!
21 min
After Hours Episode #105: In this episode of After Hours, I talk about the power of relationships—not just between groomers and dogs, but also with clients, coworkers, family, and ourselves. I share how our energy and emotional regulation shape every connection we make, revealing my own struggles and lessons learned. Discover the transformative “assess, process, readdress” approach, why calm, confidence, and consistency are keys to trust, and why self-care isn’t selfish. Let’s explore how every relationship—inside and outside the grooming salon—truly starts with you.
1 hr 54 min
After Hours Episode #104: In this episode of After Hours, I sit down with Jayne Gallagher and Sasha Riesse for a real, raw conversation about what goes on behind the scenes in the grooming world. We go deep on self-awareness, vulnerability, the importance of creating safe spaces for both dogs and people, and how personal growth shapes our connection in and out of the salon. If you want to hear about the deeper side of grooming life, this episode is packed with laughs, a few tears, and a whole lot of heart.
39 min
Summary In our latest episode of The Daily Groomer, talk with Christina Easterly of Furry Land Mobile Grooming in Albuquerque and Santa Fe about how she grew from having no grooming industry background to running a five-van operation. Christina shares what she brought over from her corporate experience, how she approaches hiring and team management, and the systems she’s built to keep the business running smoothly. We also get into the realities of scaling, handling slower seasons, using technology effectively, and why “hands-off ownership” usually isn’t as passive as people think. Timestamps 05:41 Learning the grooming terminology 15:54 Importance of employee feedback 21:31 Managing groomer preferences 28:22 Taking risks to grow business 34:20 Importance of efficient systems Stay connected with our guest speakers! Follow them on their social media Furry Land Mobile Grooming . 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!
27 min
After Hours Episode #103: In this episode of After Hours, I'm flying solo and sharing some thoughts that have been on my mind as my birthday gets closer. I've been reflecting on growth, self-awareness, and the value of checking in with yourself halfway through the year. I talk about setting boundaries, embracing different sides of who you are, and showing up confidently in both business and personal relationships. I also break down my three-step approach to client communication and share a few things I've learned about having honest conversations and breaking old patterns. If you're working on becoming a better version of yourself while still enjoying the journey, this one's for you.
1 hr 0 min
After Hours Episode #102: In this episode of After Hours, I’m hanging out with the awesome Ada Sanchez to talk all things authenticity—why showing up as your true self is the ultimate superpower. We share stories from the grooming industry, how to hold boundaries, the power of owning mistakes, and why being real is contagious. From grooming show drama to hilarious salon mishaps, we get candid about the highs and lows. Tune in for laughs, raw truths, and inspiration to embrace your weirdness and align with who you really are.
43 min
Summary In our latest episode of The Daily Groomer, I sit down with Felicia Gutierrez, also known as the Profitable Groomer, to talk about the systems and habits that help grooming businesses stay profitable long-term. Felicia shares lessons from her experience working in corporate salons, private shops, and coaching groomers across the industry. We cover client retention, rebooking, getting customer feedback, marketing, and how small changes in communication and consistency can make a big difference in revenue. Timestamps 07:53 Building a Profitable Van Fleet 13:00 Maximizing Utilization for Profitability 21:05 Mobile Grooming Hiring Process 33:02 Van Energy Challenges & Insights 43:22 Marketing, Expectations, and Retention Stay connected with our guest speakers! Follow them on their social media @theprofitablegroomer . 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!
25 min
After Hours Episode #102: In this episode of After Hours, I’m getting real about what truly matters in grooming. It’s not just about the haircut—it’s about bringing calm, confident, and consistent energy to every dog on your table. I’m sharing my own stories, why I believe in restraint-free grooming, and how respect and good vibes make all the difference. Whether you’re working in a salon or out on the road, join me as we talk about making every groom a great experience—for you and the pups!
35 min
After Hours Episode #101: In this episode of After Hours, I 'm diving deep into personal development, vulnerability, and the journey from surviving to thriving. I reflect on how social media can misrepresent our true selves, share an honest apology to Barkleigh, and open up about self-sabotage and embracing accountability. If you’ve ever struggled with fear, self-worth, or staying true to your heart, this episode is for you. Let’s get real together and grow as a community—one authentic conversation at a time.
55 min
Summary In our latest episode of The Daily Groomer, I chat with Doug Eaton and Bill Kuszajewski, the team behind Big Wave Mobile Grooming. We get into how they went from automotive manufacturing into mobile grooming, what it really takes to scale a fleet, and the challenges of hiring and keeping good groomers. They also share how they design vans that actually hold up in the real world. If you’ve been thinking about going mobile or growing your setup, there’s a lot here you can learn from. Timestamps 06:00 Startup Decisions and Research 13:00 Maximizing Utilization for Profitability 20:04 Hiring and Retaining Groomers 33:02 Van Energy Challenges & Insights 39:58 Balancing Quality and Cost 45:44 Localized Growth Strategy Explained Stay connected with our guest speakers! Follow them on their social media @bigwavegrooming . 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!
46 min
After Hours Episode #100: In this episode of After Hours, I’m answering live questions from the TikTok community and getting into all kinds of grooming topics — from learning breed trims and competition grooming to my thoughts on Dawn soap, de-shed and oatmeal shampoos, shaving double coats, and helping nervous bathers build confidence. We also talk about handling difficult dogs, staying involved in the industry, and why focusing on the process matters more than chasing perfect results. Whether you’re just starting out or have years behind the table, there’s something in this episode for you.
44 min
Summary In our latest episode of The Daily Groomer, I’m with my good friend Deidra Propst from Pet Spa Crossville about going through a slower season in business and the tough calls that come with it, like downsizing a team. We get into the real side of losing long-time clients, what it looks like to rebrand and bring in new business, and how to stay grounded when things feel uncertain. If you’re a salon owner dealing with similar challenges, this one will hit home. Timestamps 10:13 Questioning Grooming Craftsmanship 14:41 Pet Groomer Pricing Discussion 20:10 Adapting to Change in Business 23:42 Get 100 Google Reviews 30:04 Encouraging Pet Appointment Rebooking 36:07 Brand and Experience Define Value Stay connected with our guest speakers! Follow them on their social media Pet Spa Crossville . 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!
22 min
After Hours Episode #99: In this episode of After Hours, I’m getting into something we all deal with—energy. The kind we bring into the grooming van, back home, and everywhere else in our day. I talk about a simple three-step reset I use when things get hectic (yeah, even with those wild dogs), share a few real-life moments, and touch on handling tricky situations in relationships. I also mention some upcoming grooming shows to keep on your radar. Just a reminder to pause, reset, and keep showing up in the best way you can.
44 min
Summary In our latest episode of The Daily Groomer, I had the chance to chat with Ninoshka Tashira, the powerhouse behind Groovy Pups in Fort Lauderdale. She shared how she got her start in Puerto Rico with just $300, grooming dogs in a backyard cage, and how that hustle eventually turned into a thriving mobile grooming business in Florida. We talked about the challenges of starting over, what it really takes to earn client trust, how she approached pricing as she grew, and her vision for a true luxury grooming experience. She also had some great tips for other groomers chasing their own big goals. Timestamps 08:09 Affordable Dog Grooming Journey 18:52 Mobile Grooming: Flexibility and Growth 30:39 Mobile Venture Delay Reasons 35:20 Dog Grooming Pricing Strategy 40:27 Passion Over Strategy Stay connected with our guest speakers! Follow them on their social media @groovypup.s . 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!
35 min
After Hours Episode #98: In this episode of After Hours, I’m getting real about confidence—what it is, how to find it, and why it matters so much, especially for us groomers. I’m sharing my own ups and downs, those “oh crap” moments before walking into a room, and why confidence is way more about how you feel than how you look. If you’ve ever doubted yourself or wished you could just “be that confident person,” this episode is for you. Let’s chat, laugh, and learn how to hype ourselves up—no faking required!
29 min
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.