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From Pet Store Teen to Competitive Groomer | Bethani Oaks

Bethani has been grooming for about seven years and competing for three, but dogs and the grooming industry have been around her for much longer.

Growing up in South Dakota, her father worked as a regional manager for Groomer’s Choice, giving Bethani an early glimpse into the industry—even though she never initially imagined grooming would become her career.

At just 15, she began working at a local pet store. After high school, she went straight into grooming and never looked back.

Her first competition wasn’t with a perfect show dog. Bethani stepped into the ring with her parents’ Maltese-Poodle mix—a dog she already knew and trusted. That experience eventually led to competing with a longtime Standard Poodle client and discovering just how addictive the challenge of competition could become.

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Burnout, Boundaries & Building a Career That Lasts | Melissa Jepson

With more than two decades behind the grooming table, Melissa has built a successful career without defining herself through competition trophies or traditional certifications.

Instead, experience, curiosity, creativity, and a willingness to keep learning helped shape her into a salon owner, educator, speaker, and advocate for a healthier approach to professional grooming.

Melissa owns Pupscale Pet Salon in California and has become known throughout the industry for bringing practical, real-world education to everyday groomers.

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She Bought a Grooming Salon 6 Months Postpartum | Melinda Stanford

Before becoming a grooming-industry entrepreneur, Melinda worked as a Registered Veterinary Technician with experience in both small-animal and equine medicine—including working around racehorses.

Then life took her in a very different direction.

In 2022, Melinda and her husband took over an existing grooming business while she was only months postpartum. Suddenly, she wasn't just caring for animals—she was responsible for employees, customers, operations, finances, culture, and figuring out how to turn an existing business into something that truly reflected their vision.

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One Graduation Gift Changed Her Entire Career | Karen Osper

Karen’s involvement with dogs began long before grooming became her career. Starting with Golden Retrievers, her path changed when she received her first American Cocker Spaniel as a high school graduation gift—beginning a lifelong connection with the breed.

Over the years, Karen became deeply involved in breeding, handling, showing, and grooming American Cockers, building the Beachstone name and developing the eye for balance, structure, coat, and finishing that comes from years in the show ring.

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From Second-Generation Groomer to Team Canada Captain | Jovi Wagner

As a second-generation groomer, Jovi was introduced to the industry long before most people begin thinking about their careers. But being surrounded by grooming didn't automatically mean she knew where the journey would take her.

At just 19 years old, Jovi found herself taking on a grooming salon and learning very quickly what it meant to move beyond simply grooming dogs and become a business owner.

That early responsibility eventually became the foundation for a career that would take her far beyond the salon.

Today, Jovi owns Churchill Dog Groomers in Saskatchewan, competes internationally, educates other groomers, breeds and shows dogs, and has represented Canada on the world grooming stage.

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From Art & Architecture to Award-Winning Groomer | Nicole Hillison

Nicole originally pursued art and architecture, never expecting that her creative background would eventually lead her into professional dog grooming. When life changed her direction, she found a new canvas behind the grooming table.

After learning the fundamentals and working in different salons throughout the Chicago area, Nicole began questioning the traditional high-volume grooming model. She wanted more time to understand each dog, identify changes in its skin and coat, and create a calmer, more personalized experience.

That vision eventually became DOGnormous, Nicole’s one-on-one grooming business.

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From Cuba to Miami, Grooming Changed Everything | Yoe Molina Perez

Growing up in Cuba, Yoe imagined his future would involve computers, technology, production, and editing—not dog grooming. His journey eventually took him from Cuba to Mexico and then to Miami, where an unexpected job opportunity introduced him to an industry he knew almost nothing about.

After months without work, Yoe began bathing dogs for around $8 an hour. The money was limited, but he quickly became fascinated by the transformations and by the happiness owners showed when they picked up their pets.

A friend already working as a groomer began taking Yoe along to appointments, lending him tools, and giving him opportunities to practice. What started as a way to survive slowly became a creative passion and the beginning of an entirely new life.

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From Salon Groomer to Rising Star Finalist | Tasha Sunday

Tasha began her grooming career in 2014 and has continued challenging herself through hands-on experience, professional education, certifications, and competition. What began with a love for dogs developed into a career focused not only on creating beautiful grooms, but also on understanding the health and condition of each dog’s skin and coat.

Over the years, Tasha has become a Nationally Certified Master Groomer, Certified Canine Esthetician, award-winning competitor, and mentor to groomers who are beginning their own careers.

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From Pakistan to Japan to Building Kenchii | Sammy Cheema

Sammy’s story stretches far beyond the grooming industry.

Born in Pakistan, he moved with his family to Japan as a teenager, where he learned the language, became immersed in Japanese culture, and developed an appreciation for the craftsmanship that would later become part of Kenchii’s identity.

After eventually moving to the United States, Sammy became heavily involved in breeding and showing dogs. That passion introduced him to the tools professionals depended on and ultimately sparked an idea: create grooming shears that combined professional performance with the precision and craftsmanship he had experienced in Japan.

That idea eventually became Kenchii.

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From Mobile Groomer to the “Scissor Queen” | Jessica Adorno

We sit down with Jessica Adorno of Pupparazzi Pets for an honest conversation about building a career, surviving a major health battle, and learning that strength doesn’t always mean handling everything alone.

Jessica has spent more than two decades in the grooming industry, developing a reputation for her precise scissor work, mobile grooming expertise, larger-than-life personality, and passion for educating everyday groomers.

Her journey took her from training at the New York Academy of Dog Grooming to launching Pupparazzi Pets, becoming an international educator, working with major grooming brands, and appearing on Haute Dog.

But this conversation goes beyond the résumé.

Jessica opens up about her experience with breast cancer, multiple surgeries, physical pain, recovery, and the challenge of continuing to balance work, travel, family, and the identity she had built within the grooming community.

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The Work Behind the Products Groomers Use Every Day | Dana Colbert

We sit down with Dana Colbert for a conversation that goes beyond the grooming table and into the business, products, people, and ideas that help move the industry forward.

Dana and Elli talk about what happens behind the scenes when creating and improving products for working groomers. A product has to actually do what it promises and some of the most valuable feedback comes directly from the professionals using it every day.

The conversation also dives into the realities of doing business within the grooming industry, from listening to clients and professionals to continuing to adapt, improve, and figure out what people actually need.

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She Drove Six Hours for One Grooming Seminar | Morgan Dobbs

Morgan knew she wanted to work with dogs and had explored areas such as dog training, but it was the creativity and variety found in professional grooming that truly captured her attention. As she began learning, however, she discovered that finding nearby education and someone willing to teach her wasn’t always easy.

Rather than allowing limited resources to hold her back, Morgan began learning from different groomers, studying a variety of techniques, and traveling outside her local area for new opportunities. At one point, she drove roughly six hours from Louisiana to attend a grooming seminar then took the additional step of reaching out for mentorship.

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From Show Dogs to Master Groomer | Sommer Ferguson's Journey

Sommer entered the dog world at 18 after getting her first Bichon Frisé and learning to show as an owner-handler while attending college. Grooming wasn’t part of the original plan, but the people she met through dog shows began opening doors she never expected.

One of those people was Lisa Bettis, someone Sommer regularly competed against before the two became close friends. Lisa helped Sommer improve her trims week after week, showing how a competitor can also become one of your greatest teachers.

Sommer also shares how her path took her through nursing, computer support, teaching, marriage, divorce, Master Groomer certification, competition grooming, and traveling across the United States to work alongside different groomers before eventually settling in Wisconsin.

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From Puppy Mill Employee to Animal Planet Star | Jonathan David

Jonathan never planned on becoming a groomer. At just 16 years old, he took a job at a local pet store, where a groomer rented space inside the building. What started with bathing dogs and borrowing a pair of scissors quickly became the beginning of a lifelong career.

Although he originally dreamed of becoming a veterinarian, Jonathan discovered that grooming offered something different—the opportunity to improve dogs' lives while avoiding many of the emotional hardships he experienced in veterinary medicine.

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The Truth About Toxic Grooming Workplaces | Rita Buckenmeyer

Rita Buckenmeyer joins us for an honest conversation about leadership, workplace culture, and building a healthier grooming community.

After discovering grooming almost by accident, Rita built her career from a veterinary hospital to PetSmart before becoming a competition groomer and co-owner of Dash Hound Grooming in Bakersfield, California.

Rita shares her experiences transitioning from employee to business owner, creating a positive workplace culture, and leading with both compassion and accountability.

We also discuss toxic work environments, social media's impact on mental health, and the importance of finding a company whose values align with your own.

This is one of those shear stories that reminds us great leadership isn't just about building successful businesses—it's about creating workplaces where people genuinely enjoy showing up every day.

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She's Only 16... and Already Managing Two Grooming Salons | Johanna Ogreen

Johanna Ogreen joins us for a conversation about leadership, confidence, and proving that age doesn't define your potential.

Starting in her mother's grooming salon, Johanna worked her way from bather to groomer and discovered a passion she never expected. Today, she balances online high school, competition grooming, and helping manage and co-own two grooming salons.

Johanna shares her experiences leading employees older than herself, earning trust through hard work, and embracing opportunities that pushed her to grow.

We also discuss competition grooming, entrepreneurship, and building confidence through consistency and perseverance.

This is one of those shear stories that reminds us leadership isn't measured by age, but by character, dedication, and a willingness to keep learning.

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The Mindset That Separates Great Groomers | Victor Rosado

Victor Rosado joins us for a conversation about growth, humility, and the mindset behind becoming the best version of yourself.

What began as shaving dogs before surgery while working as a veterinary assistant in Puerto Rico eventually grew into a lifelong passion for professional grooming. After moving to Tennessee, Victor built a successful grooming business while continually challenging himself through education and competition.

Victor shares his philosophy on canine structure, lifelong learning, and why humility and discipline are essential to long-term success.

We also discuss avoiding burnout, embracing personal growth, and why the best groomers never stop learning.

This is one of those shear stories that reminds us becoming a better groomer starts with becoming a better version of yourself.

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The Seminar That Changed Kayla Croteau’s Grooming Career

Kayla Croteau joins us for a conversation about growth, opportunity, and finding a career that pushes you to become more than you ever expected.

What began as a job at PetSmart eventually turned into a passion for grooming. After 11 years growing from bather to groomer to management, Kayla took a leap of faith to pursue new creative and professional opportunities.

Kayla shares how mentorship, competition grooming, and continued education transformed both her career and her confidence, ultimately leading her to salon ownership.

We also discuss taking risks, embracing lifelong learning, and finding the courage to leave what's comfortable behind.

This is one of those shear stories that reminds us that real growth often begins when we're willing to step outside our comfort zone.

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From Special Education Teacher to Pet Spa Owner | Krista Shanower

Krista Shanower joins us for a conversation about leadership, resilience, and building a business through uncertainty.

After leaving a career in education, Krista pursued her dream of working with animals and opened her grooming business just weeks before the COVID-19 pandemic changed everything.

Krista shares her experiences leading a team, building a positive workplace culture, and balancing empathy with accountability.

We also discuss social media, hiring, communication, and creating a business where people feel valued.

This is one of those shear stories that reminds us great businesses are built on people, trust, and the ability to navigate challenges together.

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Building a Life of Freedom Through Grooming | Danielle Costea

Danielle Costea joins us for a conversation about creativity, stability, and finding your way back to what you're meant to do.

Starting as a bather at PetSmart at just 18 years old, Danielle's journey took her through several careers before she ultimately returned to grooming, where she discovered the perfect blend of creativity and purpose.

Danielle shares how entrepreneurship, homeschooling, and creative grooming helped shape the life and career she's built today.

We also discuss community, family, artistic expression, and why some passions have a way of calling us back.

This is one of those shear stories that reminds us the path to success isn't always a straight line, and sometimes what you're meant to do finds its way back to you.

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She Went to School to Be a Doctor… Then Chose Grooming | Lisa Lopez

Lisa Lopez joins us for a conversation about education, competition, mentorship, and finding your place in the grooming industry.

Although she grew up helping in her mother's grooming salon, Lisa's path wasn't always headed toward grooming. After years pursuing a medical career and earning both Bachelor's and Master's degrees, she ultimately chose the profession she loved most.

Lisa shares how growing up in a grooming family, showing dogs, and competing helped shape her approach to education, breed standards, and continuous growth.

We also discuss mentorship, overcoming career ruts, and why learning never truly stops in the grooming industry.

This is one of those shear stories that reminds us that growth often begins when we're willing to see things from a new perspective.

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The “Spam Email” That Changed Jay Batista’s Life Forever

Jay Batista joins us for an honest and inspiring conversation about accidentally discovering a career in grooming that would completely change the course of his life.

Growing up in Puerto Rico, Jay never planned on becoming a groomer. While studying communications and trying to make ends meet, everything shifted after attempting to groom his girlfriend’s schnauzer at home using a Wahl clipper kit and tutorials on a broken laptop.

What started as survival quickly turned into a passion that led to over 22 years in the grooming industry and more than a decade educating groomers around the world.

We also dive into competition grooming, the importance of the grooming community, humble beginnings, and how unexpected opportunities can completely reshape your future.

This is one of those shear stories that reminds us the careers that define us are not always the ones we planned for.

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A Skunked Dog Changed Tina Clem’s Life Forever

Tina Clem joins us for an honest conversation about how an unexpected late-night skunk emergency sparked a 35-year grooming career.

What started with searching for help for her terrier eventually led Tina to Nash Academy, where watching groomers at work completely changed the direction of her life.

Tina reflects on learning grooming before feeling fully ready, working in vet clinics, building a home grooming setup, raising a family, navigating divorce, and rebuilding her business from scratch in South Georgia.

We also dive into burnout, confidence, raising children around the grooming industry, and the resilience it takes to keep moving forward through every stage of life.

This is one of those shear stories that reminds us life-changing careers are not always planned, and sometimes the moments that shape us happen completely by accident.

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From Grooming Family Legacy to Trade Show Leader | Judi Thacker

Judi Thacker joins us for a conversation about legacy, education, competition grooming, and the family-like connections found throughout the grooming industry.

Raised around trade shows and the grooming world from a young age, Judi shares how her journey unexpectedly shifted from pursuing aeronautics engineering to building a life and career within the industry instead.

Judi reflects on competition grooming, mentorship, teaching, raising three children as a single mother, and eventually helping lead the Lone Star Groomers Conference after the passing of her father.

We also dive into the importance of growth through failure, keeping an open mind in education, and why every groomer has something valuable to offer.

This is one of those shear stories that reminds us how deeply connected the grooming industry truly is.

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She Drove Herself to the Hospital During a Heart Attack | Monica King

We sit down with creative groomer Monica King for an honest conversation about burnout, mental health, loss, and the moments where she questioned whether she wanted to keep grooming at all. She also shares a life-altering experience, suffering a heart attack at 44 and driving herself to the hospital without realizing what was happening.

Throughout the episode, we talk about the bond between groomers and their competition dogs, the reality of aging in the ring, and the difficult decisions that come with it.

This episode is about resilience, identity, and learning how to keep moving forward, one of those shear stories that goes far beyond grooming and into real life.

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From Army Veteran to Grooming Business Owner | Donald’s Journey

In this episode of Shears & Stories, we sit down with Donald Buckenmeyer for a raw and honest conversation about his path into the grooming industry.

After serving 7 years in the Army, Donald struggled to find purpose in civilian life until discovering dog grooming through his wife. What followed was a journey filled with challenges, growth, and hard-earned perspective.

Donald opens up about addiction, rebuilding his life, and the reality of navigating both personal struggles and business ownership. From being fired from jobs to shifting into entrepreneurship, he shares the mindset and resilience it takes to keep moving forward.

This is a story about purpose, growth, and figuring things out when the path isn’t clear.

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From PetSmart Groomer to Business Owner | Elli’s Journey

This episode of Shears & Stories features Elli in an honest conversation about what it really takes to grow in the grooming industry.

From starting out at PetSmart to building her own business, she shares the highs, the setbacks, and the lessons that come with both.

Elli opens up about the early struggles every groomer faces, the risks behind the work, and the mental side of grooming that often goes unspoken. From competition and business growth to imposter syndrome and balancing life outside the salon, this conversation offers a real look behind the scenes.

This is a story about growth, resilience, and what it actually takes to keep moving forward in this industry.

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She Almost Lost Everything Building Her Grooming School | Adamaris Lopez

We sit down with Adamaris “Ada” Lopez, owner of Dog Groomer Academy, for an honest look at a journey that almost didn’t make it through.

After 15 years as a dog trainer, Ada stepped into grooming by taking over an education facility (without knowing the craft herself). What followed were long drives to learn, limited Spanish-speaking resources, and moments where everything nearly fell apart completely. But she didn’t quit.

Through persistence and a commitment to doing things the right way, Ada built a thriving grooming school focused on proper education, safety, and accessibility for the next generation.

This episode is about risk, resilience, and the power of creating opportunity. A story that proves success isn’t about where you start, but how you keep going.

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Shears & Stories That Built a Champion | Adriane Pope’s Journey in Dog Grooming

From her start in Conway, South Carolina to becoming a respected judge, educator, and creative grooming artist, Adriane shares the real experiences that shaped her career.

She reflects on her early days as a mobile groomer, working with high-profile clients—including grooming the dogs of Anna Nicole Smith—and the reality of chasing success in a competitive industry.

Adriane also opens up about setbacks, missed placements, and the perseverance it took to keep showing up until she finally broke through.

This episode is about resilience, passion, and what it truly takes to grow in the grooming world—one of those true shear stories every groomer can connect with.

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From Mobile Groomer to Salon Owner | Wayne Hartley’s Journey

We sit down with Wayne Hartley for an honest conversation about the evolution of his grooming career and the path that led him to where he is today.

From starting out as a mobile groomer to building a brick-and-mortar salon and stepping fully into business ownership, Wayne shares the pivotal decisions, challenges, and lessons that shaped his journey.

We also dive into an unexpected chapter… how COVID, despite its challenges, ultimately created growth and opportunity within the grooming industry.

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LaTonya Smith on Grooming, Giving Back & Finding Purpose

In this episode of Shears & Stories, we sit down with LaTonya Smith to talk about her journey through the grooming industry, the experiences that shaped her, and the heart behind her nonprofit work.

From real-life challenges to the impact she’s making beyond the grooming table, LaTonya shares a story that’s honest, inspiring, and deeply rooted in purpose.

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Scott Wasserman: 40 Years of Craft, Passion, and Precision

In this episode of Shears & Stories, we sit down with Scott Wasserman, known to many as Mr. Terrier, for an honest conversation about a life spent in the grooming industry.

With 40 years behind the table, Scott reflects on the moments, lessons, and experiences that shaped his career and shares where he is today.

Whether you have been in grooming for years or are just getting started, this is a story worth hearing.

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Shyanna: Strength in the Middle of It All

In this heartfelt conversation, Elli sits down with Shyanna—a groomer navigating life while facing serious health challenges.

Through it all, her love for grooming, her coworkers, and the animals she cares for never wavers.

This is a story about resilience, empathy, and continuing forward—even when things feel uncertain.

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Jess Adorno: Showing Up When It Matters Most

If you know Jess Adorno, you know she’s a force in the grooming industry—educator, innovator, and mentor.

But beyond all of that, she’s someone who shows up when it matters most.

In this conversation, Elli sits down with Jess to talk about passion, perseverance, and the moments that test us in ways no one else sees.

This episode is about strength.
About community.
And about standing beside the people who have always stood for others.

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