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Spotlight:  Praise-Worthy Folks in the Grooming Industry

               As you begin to read, you may realize that some of these categories look a lot like a ballot that will be releasing soon.  It is true.  The categories are exactly mirroring the Barkleigh Honors categories.  Starting August 1^st, there will be about a 2-week time window where groomers subscribed to the Barkleigh mailing list can cast votes for who they want to see as nominees on the 2024 Barkleigh Honors ballots.  I have no desire to influence anyone’s votes.  This is simply my way of telling all of the folks I admire in each category how amazing I think they are. 

Groomer of the Year
Last Year’s Nominees:  Jacob Robinson, Lindsey Dicken, Lis Johnston, Mackensie Murphy, Nadia Bongelli
Last Year’s Winner:  Mackensie Murphy

Nathan Austin, Jacob Robinson, and Nicole Beckman have my vote here.  Here is the breakdown on why.

Nathan Austin:  Countless Open level wins (this means extremely perfect grooms consistently being powered out), Best In Show wins, multiple nationwide seminars this year, educational video production, and a well-produced podcast that mixes humor and education.  Not only is Nathan Austin leading the way in the competitions this year; he and his wife, Kathlena Austin, are sacrificing their down time to travel the US teaching others.  If you have not attended one of their seminars, I highly recommend it.  While both are very talented NCMG groomers, I really appreciate how they humbly explain things.  Kathlena is also so deserving of stand-alone mention as well; she is Nathan’s greatest strength!  When I met her, she was instantly kind and extremely inclusive despite me virtually being a nobody.  Furthermore, she is an amazing instructor at the seminars her and Nathan put on.  10/10

Jacob Robinson:  I have not tracked his wins, but I know I have seen a bunch this year.  Jacob always delivers the most eye-catching grooms and it is really awesome seeing how much he has risen in the last couple of years.  Just today a salon was asking who I would recommend for a next seminar for hand scissoring.  I immediately said Jacob Robinson.  I am a super-fan for sure.  I also really liked the “mock competition” seminar him and Elizabeth Gibbs put on.  That was genius. 

Nicole Beckman:  Nicole Beckman is one of the most well-rounded competitors I know.  She not only slays the competitions in creative grooming categories; she also competes in poodles, abstract, and freestyle.  Often, she will sign up for all of these competitions in each show.  That means she is very busy the entire time, moving as fast as possible, and still landing placements.  All though she competes at the intermediate level, the amount of skill and talent she possesses is worth mention in this category.

Up and Coming Groomer of the Year
Last Year’s Nominees:  Charlene Walker, Loren Mesquita, Sophia Staples, Sophie Rebehn
Last Year’s Winner: Sophia Staples

This year’s pick:
Nicole Beckman:  It was brought to my attention that although Nicole Beckman is extremely talented, she did just move from entry to intermediate this year.  I expect she will be an open level competitor in no time, and she is open level in competitive.  Since she is not already open level this would make her a better candidate for up-and-coming groomer of the year.  If that is the case, I feel like this is her award for the taking.  The amount of talent she has and the drive she brings to each and every show is simply astonishing.  I want Nicole Beckman to get the praise and mention she deserves just in case there are folks who have not been seeing all the magic she is producing.  Great work Nicole!

Kayla Marion:  Kayla Marion got best first time competitor at Groom’d in the freestyle category this year.  That particular competition had a lot of first time competitors, yet she was the one who stood out.  She is constantly learning and putting new skills into motion through her work.  I cannot wait to see her continue to grow her skills and get more competitions under her belt.  I am so proud of the start she has had this year so that is why she has my mention!

Morgan Dobbs:  This is another groomer I am proud to say is a part of our Groomer Supply House family.  She is a very talented groomer who also has entered her first competitions this year.  With each competition there is marked improvement.  She also pursued her dream job and made a move to work for Elizabeth Gibbs so I foresee Morgan growing even more with such an awesome educator for a boss!  I am so extremely proud of Morgan for stepping up to the challenge and doing her first competitions this year, so that is why she has my mention here.  She has gotten up and she is coming for the top! 

To everyone who got up, pushed yourself to step out of your comfort zones, and met your own personal goals, you are all remarkable up and coming groomers too!  That first competition, or first competitions in a new level, or even the seasoned pros who have been great forever but are New to Groom Team USA.  No matter where you are today, if it is closer to your goals than yesterday, you are up and coming greats!  Keep pressing forward.

Judge of the Year
Last Year’s Nominees:  Jay Scruggs, Jonathan David, Scott Wasserman, Sue Zecco, Teri DiMarino, Victor Rosado
Last Year’s Winner: Victor Rosado
Teri Dimarino, Sue Watson, Victor Rosado, and Mindy Dinwiddie were commonly mentioned to me this year.  Teri Dimarino I think was one of the most praised judges I saw being tagged on my feed.  I am excited to see my friend Mindy Dinwiddie also getting into judging at shows too so here is the mention.  (…and by mention I mean journalism-high five obviously!)

Foreign Speaker of the Year
Last Year’s Nominees:  Colin Taylor, Lisa Hart, Nadia Bongelli, Taylan Bradley
Last Year’s Winner: Nadia Bongelli
Nadia Bongelli and Colin Taylor are still the two top picks amongst my friends.  Great work!

Creative Groomer of the Year
Last Year’s Nominees:  Alicia Mulac, Alyssa Kasiba, Jolene Siebeneck, Leslie Waldrep, Madeline Rothwell, Milena Kon, Nicole Beckman
Last Year’s Winner: Alyssa Kasiba

Holly Baker and Nicole Beckman have my vote here.  I already mentioned how Nicole Beckman competes like a machine.  Holly Baker is no different.  As groomers, we all know, a routine and order of events makes the grooms go more smoothly.  Well, both of these groomers go from shaping silhouettes to shaping faces into dog legs without missing a beat.  It is exceptional watching what they care out of these coats.  Not only are they both constantly thinking up what designs they will do for competitions.  They both do traveling seminars and help others learn about creative grooming.  Holly has a lot of additional insight on how to work creative grooming into your business.  Both groomers get a 10/10 for consistently amazing creative grooms, educating others, and being positive influences in the grooming industry.

Instagram/Tiktok of the Year
Last Year’s Nominees:  Anneli Abyholm Burke, Marcia Strong, Nathan Austin, Reginal Moorer
Last Year’s Winner:  Marcia Strong
Rachel Jordan Colant:  If you have not checked out her Instagram, you should.  She has many videos on yorkies.  Nearly every groomer who tells me what breeds they struggle most with say yorkies and Maltese.  My favorite video on there is the latest yorkie head tutorial, but there are several other really good ones giving tips and pointers on drop coat dog grooming.  I asked her if there will be more, and she stated she hopes to post a lot more educational videos next year as well as teaching more seminars.  I am so excited to see what she will do.  Super talented and super kind groomer!  10/10 
Michelle Calluneo:  This is one I recently discovered.  Michelle seems like such a sweetheart in her videos.  Every single dog impression is always spot on, and her humor is just clean sweet uplifting humor!  If you are having a bad day, open up Michelle’s Instagram and check out what awesome videos she has posted.  If it does not induce smiling and/or laughter, contact a physician! 
Anneli Abyholm Burke:  I will always be a fan of her camera footage and videos.  Free laughs every time I view?  Score!

General Distributor of the Year
Last Year’s Nominees:  Groomer’s Mall, Pet Store Direct, Ryan’s Pet Supplies, Whitman’s
Last Year’s Winner:  Ryan’s Pet Supplies
This year?  Obviously I am going to be super biased, but hear me OUT.  Groomer Supply House is the business.  Groomer Supply House has amazing distributors, all of which are amazing sharpeners.  While I receive a lot of praise for my writing and educational material, I am often inspired by the other sharpeners on the Groomer Supply House team.  I came into GSH as a groomer/sharpener.  I WANTED on this team because I have severe hand damage and these shears were comfortable enough for me to continue grooming.  Countless times, GSH owner, Cody Thweatt, has offered me mentorship, guidance, and support to help me get my footing in sharpening.  Countless times, I have seen him silently help others as well.  (Cody, how sneaky do you think you can be?  You are 6’8”.. we see you being kind to every single person!  Haha)  GSH also stood up to support the pet stylist relief fund started by Denise Heroux.  I was going to volunteer to help with sharpening, and before I could they said GSH had stepped up.  Things like that make me know I am on the right team with amazing people.  When you pick your distributor of the year, think about what they are selling, but also think about how much they are investing back into the industry.  I am always proud to see GSH contributing in all the ways at every turn.

Entertainment Video of the Year

Last Year’s Nominees:
“Dog Grooming:  A Summary” -Anneli Abyholm Burke
“When the Husband Picks Up” -Marcia Strong
“The Old, Intact Cocker Spaniel” -Nathan Austin
“Handstripping: How I think I look vs. Reality” -Loren Mesquita

Last Year’s Winner:  “When the Husband Picks Up” – Marcia Strong

Marcia Strong: Dog People
I will not lie, I believe this will be the winner.  I mean, it has to be right?  This series has all of the Entertainment Video Royalty!  Marcia, Kathlena, Nathan, Anneli, and this dude named Chain who looks a bit like Loren Mesquita.  Hahaha.  I absolutely love it.  I love the humor and the jokes.  I love spotting little cameos.  I hope it never ends!  Need I say more?  Vote for Dog People!

Nathan Austin: Alpha Dog Dads
If the powers to be say that it has to be one singular video and not a series of video gold, my vote is on Nathan’s Alpha dog dad video.  This is so spot on, and I think the funniest part is picturing Nathan do a character study to nail his role.  I picture these alpha dog dads (you all know some!) walking into the salons, doing their theatric drop offs/pick-ups laced with male dominance, and leaving.  Then I picture Nathan saying, “Katie, did you see that?  There was another one.  These peculiar men are a type.  Do you think I could be like that?  Just for a video?  I’m doing it.”  In any case, the character study was masterful.  10/10 for this video and Nathan’s epic portrayal of this peculiar type.  Haha

Michelle Caluneo- Tipsy Pups
This is the funniest depiction of what each dog breed would be like at a rager.  As you watch this video, you are laughing, but also impressed like, “how did she KNOW!?”  10/10

Contribution to the Industry
Last Year’s Nominees:  Ren & Lynn Netherland of Animal Photography, Mary Oquendo, Teri Dimarino
Last Year’s Winner:  Ren & Lynn Netherland of Animal Photography

*My selection for Contribution to the industry is a posthumous award suggestion for Kathy Rose.  I do not feel qualified to write on her behalf, but to not list her here would be an injustice of its own.  Although I did not know her personally, she was a large part of this industry.  In the comments of posts sharing her obituary there were countless groomers saying they attributed their successes within the industry to her.  There were SO many saying they learned all they knew from her or from emulating her.  She was part of Groom Team USA, she was a writer, she was a friend to many, she was a contributor.  On every aspect, in every detail of the industry, she was contributing.  While her passing is a tragedy, her contributions to the industry will leave a lasting, residual legacy.  Those that she inspired will continue on, hopefully inspiring others.  The standards she demonstrated will be standards that are expected throughout future generations.  To those that lost a best friend when she passed, I am terribly sorry for your loss.* 

New Product of the Year
Last Year’s Nominees: 
Avocado Scissor Spray – Botaniqa
Detangling Mist – Hyponic
Giggle Water – 3 Whiskers
The Hand Saver – All For Groomers

Last Year’s Winner: Detangling Mist – Hyponic

This year:
Jody Murphy’s Coat Tender is the ultimate hot product right now.  Everything from the tool itself to the release date is just pure genius and excellent marketing.  The product was a raving hit  at the American Spaniel Club National Specialty event in Colorado, and it will be the freshest item on everyone’s WANT lists once the nomination ballots go out this week!  If you all are like me, when an item sells out and is on a backorder, it is all I can think about until I get it.  As far as the people I know who got one of the initial release ones?  They all LOVE them!  I am excited to get one.  Based on what I have seen, this is going to revolutionize carding!
The Dryer Handles!  Michelle Jara-Price’s Handle it and Vanity Fur’s Furmgrip are both amazing new tools!  I encourage everyone to research them, feel them in your hands at the shows, and adopt one into your salon.  Both allow for nozzle angling while maintaining a neutral wrist position.  So which one is better?  Honestly both have excellent traits.  All of my friends prefer the Handle It.  I have tiny hands, so I prefer the Furmgrip.  I can say both are great quality.  The Handle-It does boast more ergonomic features and shaping, but the shape and size of the Furmgrip make it better for my hand.  There were folks who tried to pit these 2 products and creators against each other.  Both were working on prototypes for a while, and both released very different designs.  Both designs will be appreciated because every hand is different.  Try them, buy them, and give both ladies the praise they deserve.  Great work, you two!    

Vendor of the Year
Last Year’s Nominees:  All For Groomers, Artero, Celtic K9, Evolution Shears, Hyponic, Precision Sharp
Last Year’s Winner: Hyponic
This Year:
Celtic K9:  Amanda is a super-human.  The amount of products she creates for groomers and pet parents from all over the country is amazing.  I am so guilty of always messaging her to ask about products, what may be next, what is in stock, etc.  She is always so kind to me, and answers.  A large deal of credit for who I am and my professional growth is attributed to Amanda pushing me forward.  As if she does not stay busy enough, she is always in my corner pushing me to achieve new goals and take on new challenges.  When I told her I wished I was affiliated with All For Groomers, she immediately phoned Tommy to tell him to have a conversation with me. Amanda has used her company to help contribute to the Irish Grooming Team.  She has also collaborated with other companies within the industry, and can always be caught cheering others on.  She puts her entire heart into helping others, mentoring, contributions, and her amazing product line.  Celtic K9 offers amazing products from an amazing LIGHT within our industry.  Thank you for being such a beautiful soul, Amanda!
All For Groomers:  All For Groomers is another example of amazing vendors.  I remember at the last show they paid me to work the booth at, new groomers were coming up and asking me questions about tool recommendations or what they should be trying out at the show.  I looked at Tommy, and he was like, “Just go ahead and go!  You are educating them, and that is important!”  Imagine paying for an employee, and then they go do other things.  Tommy explained to me he told me to go show them other tools because education on proper tools is important, too.  Tommy and Kemlyn

GSH:  GSH is consistently growing at each show, so if you have not taken notice yet, it is time!  Our vendor booths consistently have lively antics, nice displays, and insane show specials.  If you are looking for the best show deals, I can go ahead and tell you no quality tools will beat the prices of the quality tools found at our booth!  The booths host demos, education, and giveaways!  Also, just going to piggy-back a special-shout out to Lance Hayner.  If you pop by a GSH booth with him present, you can also check out his personal line of Hairy Hound shears.  Also, shout out to Dennis Brooks and Tyler Moyer.  These 2 are always adding those free maintenance classes and sharing content with us so we can also host maintenance classes.  Vendor skills 10/10!

Evolution:  The Evolution booths are always a magical place.  Moe is a great sharpener and one of the most kind people you can chat with.  Chris Bear Anthony is perhaps the queen of ergonomics.  We were actually fast friends because we both focus a lot on ergonomics and what will best preserve the hands.  Moe’s wife and Mindy Dinwiddie are also great assets at the booth as well.  The entire team is 10/10.  They are consistently at the shows.  They very patiently size shears, explain the importance of ergonomics and help groomers adjust to the feel of their patented design swivel handles.  I love them and I love the shears.  The proof?  I sell Evolution shears, and I only sell things I love.

Website/Facebook of the Year
Last Year’s Nominees:  Groom Haus, Groomers Continuing Education, Handstripping Education, Pro Groomer Network
Last Year’s Winner: Pro Groomer Network

Groom Haus:  Honestly I am surprised this did not win last year.  Groom Haus is one of the first places I recommend groomers to reference if they are looking for more continued education online.  The learning material and the line up of groomers providing the videos is top-notch.  I am definitely a fan.

Pawsitive Ed:  This recently switched ownership to Anjie Coates, and I am excited to see how it grows and evolves over time.  This was the first continued education site I was ever directed to.  I remember Barb Hoover telling me it would be a great place for me to learn more, and ever since, it has been bookmarked in my favorites.

Uncensored Canine Beauticians:  Perhaps I enjoy laughing at posts and comments on this group more than I should.  The antics of Pedro Ortiz and the administrative gang are second to none.  There are no non-groomers sneaking in, and it is a great spot to keep up with the ever growing collection of Trash Can Groomer cards by Cayela Sherman-Williams.

Pro Groomer Network:  I feel it is obligatory to keep Pro Groomer Network in the running forever.  Afterall, it is practically the main group holding us all together. 

Blog, Vlog, or Podcast of the Year
Last Year’s Nominees: 
“Groomer Problems” – Helen Schaefer
“Handling It” – Gavyn Freeman & Sierra Elbert
“The Traveling Groomers” – Mary Oquendo & Chris Anthony
“The Groom Pod” – Barbara Bird & Susy the Groomer

Last Year’s Winner: “Handling It” – Gavyn Freeman & Sierra Elbert
This year’s Podcast:  Another Grooming Podcast.  Obviously, this is tough for me to say so definitively since I have so many great friends with podcasts, but the production value of this podcast is so clean and professional.  I feel like there was planning, testing, and then finally a release.  The podcast covers everything from grooming and competitions to what breastmilk tastes like.  Where else will you find THAT?!

Seminar Speaker of the Year
Last Year’s Nominees:  Kelsey Ann Sexton, Olga Zabelinskaya, Sue Zecco & Jay Scruggs, Victor Rosado
Last Year’s Winner: Sue Zecco & Jay Scruggs
This year I really formed a friendship with Samantha Palya.  If you are not familiar with her, she has the Enrichment Stylist Pet Business Consulting Classes.  She also coaches.  Her material is amazing, her seminars include music.  It is funny because when I met her, I was like, “I bet you start your seminars with music.  Probably like Bruno Mars.”  She just busted out laughing and said, “Actually, I do!”  haha.  Samantha interacts, cracks jokes, and educates.  The balance keeps folks engaged and helps them absorb the information.  Samantha’s class goes over things from tax topics to management and pay strategies and business value.  There is much much more, and depending on the audience and which way they are leaning, there will be more information packed in there just to help out.  The class isn’t scripted.  The jokes and conversations change based on the needs of the audience, and to me that is what makes Samantha a worthy nominee.  She is truly a subject matter expert on the business front.  So, for all the groomers that message me about exit strategies or what to do along-side/after grooming OR for those messaging ready to open their own salons, Samantha coaches and she is an expert.

Dr. Cliff:  Seriously, if you see a class or seminar led by him, sign up!  His classes and writing are things I recommend to folks on a daily basis.

Other nominees for Speaker of the year?  The previous year’s nominees still are highly sought this year.  I will also add Denise Heroux to the list as well.  Very well educated and a great speaker.

New Book of the Year
Last Year’s Nominees:
“The Quintessential Rabbit” – Anjie Coates
“The Cloud Grooming Guide” – Laur & Jules Cloud
“Cash the Dog with Butterfly Ears” – Hazel Christansen

Last Year’s Winner: “The Quintessential Rabbit” – Anjie Coates

This year’s pick?  I think this year should be Mary Oquendo’s book, “A Spirited Life:  The Life and Times of Spirit Oquendo”.  I will start by giving a full disclosure.  I have not yet committed to reading this, BUT the reason why makes it an even more obvious pick for book of the year.  My groomer friends who did read it said that they had many good laughs and heart-felt cries in this book.  While I respect books and movies that captivate readers so deeply that they steal a few tears, I am NOT the one who wants to cry.  Let me save my tears for these bills and my feral children.  All jokes aside, I do want to eventually read this book, but it will have to be when my kids no longer require 24-hour surveillance.  Based on the acclaim and the solicited cliff notes of the book, it has been on my read list for some months.

The Brian Stopa Congeniality Award
Last Year’s Nominees:  Jill Pipino, Tommy Stockstill, Tristian Ranson
Last Year’s Winner:  Tristian Ranson
This year’s pick?  I have several people who come into my mind for this.  Maybe my experiences are unique but I highly doubt that.  So, hear me out, and if one of these also rings true to you, consider giving them your vote.  Let’s see where this goes!

Reggie Moorer:  I have been a fan of Reggie’s for some time now because he is a light.  I have never seen any of his content bashing or complaining.  When I think of Reggie, I think of his smile that could make anyone feel important and included.  That is a personal strength that strengthens those around him.  Super powerful stuff.  At shows that same kind, motivational persona is exactly what you will get if you walk up to Reggie.  It does not matter if you have 5 followers or 500k followers, he will greet you like you are the most amazing person around.  Shows can be stressful, so at the last show I went to I went and chatted with him several times each day to re-up my motivation.  Also, now being on the All For Groomers team with Reggie, any time I am thinking up new things I want to do, he is always the first one to say, “Let me know what I can do!  I will show up, Jess!”  I am so confident Reggie will always show up for anyone if they just let him know.  100% Congeniality Award Material

Morgan Dobbs:  Morgan is an up-and-coming sweetheart in the industry!  We met on Pro Groomer Network because she pointed out our dogs looked like they were related.  Since we are related on our dogs’ side, obviously I keep up with her now.  I swear every day she has gained 20 new friends, driven across the state of Texas or Louisiana to help someone, and has messaged 3-4 other people seeing how she can help them.  Morgan Dobbs is also congeniality material for sure.

Tommy Stockstill:  I realize Tommy was also on the list last year.  Brilliant nominee for such a category.  Tommy’s kindness is so vast, and I am truly blessed to be a part of his All For Groomers team.  Tommy is someone who will speak to every single person at the shows.  He will invite everyone out to dinner.  He will include anyone and everyone at any given chance.  When I first reached out and told him I really liked the All For Groomers products, I told him my story and said I would love to be a part of his team.  He accepted me!  Since then he has supported missions I support even outside of the grooming industry.  He helped sponsor a portion of my mission trip to Peru, and thanks to him making that contribution, I was able to buy over 100 pairs of shoes for under-privileged kids and have my mission picked up by a non-profit.  Everyone I speak to has remarkable stories of Tommy’s selfless kindness.  He never speaks of his good deeds, but you can always find him on social media praising everyone else’s good deeds.  That sort of kindness spreads the desire to be kind!  10/10 congeniality!

Educational Video of the Year
Last Year’s Nominees:
“American Cocker Spaniel” – Mackensie Murphy
“Bye, Bye Staining” – Verity Hardcastle
“The Ultimate Poodle Session” – Super Styling Sessions
“4 Steps to Beautiful Bevels” – Nathan Austin
Last Year’s Winner: “American Cocker Spaniel” – Mackensie Murphy

Nadia Bongelli:  The Ultimate Guide to the English Cocker Spaniel
I have had instructors tell me about this video and sing praises.  There are people subscribed to the Leading Edge specifically to watch this video.  I do not watch as many educational grooming videos these days, but I can say confidently, this one has brought up the most buzz in my personal inner circles. 

There are plenty of great selections from the same creators nominated last year, but I did want to throw Nadia’s name into the category as well.  She deserves a mention in this category too.

Journalist of the Year
Last Year’s Nominees:  Anjie Coates, Blake Hernandez, Jennifer Bishop-Jenkins, Jonathan David
Last Year’s Winner: Jonathan David

Obviously I want to be the Journalist of the year!  I don’t write typical articles and brevity is not my strong suit, so there is my shameless personal plug for myself.  Another writer I have caught myself sharing articles from this year is Dr. Cliff.  I truly appreciate the thoroughness and science backed explanations he provides with his writing.  I got to meet him this year over dinner.  Between him, his wife, and Samantha Palya, I will note it was the most educational dinner I have ever had at a Mexican Restaurant.  Very educated folks full to the rim with valuable knowledge.  So if you don’t vote for either of us, that is fine, but check out Dr. Cliff’s articles.

If you have ever purchased something you are unhappy with, chances are you have either returned it, let it gather dust in a bottom drawer, or sold it to someone else.  It is great to sell or donate items that just gather in the bottom drawers of your station.  You will get extra money in your pocket, someone else will get tools they may not have been able to afford otherwise, and now you have open space and money to put towards other tools you may be wanting to try out.  This makes buy, sell, trade sound great.  Unfortunately, there are a million ways to scam, and although I try helping everyone who reaches out to avoid scams, I also get messages from others who have already been scammed so let’s briefly go over a few things.

Used Clippers
If you are going to buy a used clipper on a buy, sell, trade group, I suggest doing research first.  What is the current new retail price?  What are common issues with these clippers?  What do common repairs cost?  If this clipper needs repairs that are not being advertised, will it still be worth it?  When folks local to me are planning to sell a clipper, sometimes they ask me if I will review the clipper and verify if it has any faults or passes all function tests.  Typically, on these services, I offer to replace general maintenance parts such as lever/blade drive and hinge.  You may see clippers for sale that the seller says were checked by a sharpener first.  That is great but be sure to ask who the sharpener is and if they can confirm they saw the clippers.  If you are buying a cordless, keep in mind, you might receive a clipper that needs a new battery very soon.  New batteries range from around 75-95 US Dollars.  When I test a clipper, I cannot tell you how long a battery or motor will remain functional.  I test it to be sure everything still functions as it should at the date of service.  Used clippers can be a very great deal, but just know a used clipper is typically an AS IS purchase vs. a new clipper’s warranty-protected purchase.  If the used clipper price is only $50-85 less than the price for a new one, I would personally pass on that deal.  Also, when figuring out the price, look at the price of the used clipper plus shipping and plus the cost of a new lever/blade drive and hinge.  These are maintenance parts that are rarely changed as often as manufacturers recommend, so they will likely need to be replaced upon purchase.  If not, consider that a pleasant surprise.

Used Blades

If you want to buy used blades, this can be a great deal!  The part of it that really stresses me out, however, is most folks selling blades online only post a picture of the blade face.  This is not suspicious or incriminating.  They want you to be able to see what sizes are available, teeth spacing, skip-tooth vs. finishing, etc.  The problem is, a blade can have a gorgeous face, and be completely dead.  If you want to purchase used blades online, and you do not know the seller, do not be afraid to ask to see a side view showing the rails, and maybe even a back view which could show if it has abnormal wear or damages.  It is important to see the rail from both sides as well, because unfortunately not all blades are level.  One side may have a decent rail left, while the other side is completely diminished.  Also, when you buy a used blade, just assume sharpening is needed unless it is a reputable seller.  If the used blade costs $15 plus shipping, and then you have to have it sharpened as well, will it be worth having a used blade instead of just purchasing a new blade?  Be mindful of the expenses and what new-retail value is.  I get a lot of used blades and usually offer them sharpened for $15-$20 each.  To me, that is a fair price for a used blade that still has rails for future sharpening. 

Used Shears

There are sharpeners out there who can spot an ill-set shear from a mile away, and that just is not me..YET.  Obviously once I have it in my shop, and I squint just right with it held at the perfect angle to the lighting, I can identify a set issue (where one blade does not meet the other just right resulting in hair folding).  What is even more unfortunate is if a shear folds hair it could be dull, damaged, or ill-set.  There are so many things to observe when inspecting a shear before sharpening, and some of those things require me to use a large, lit magnifying lens.  Unfortunately, looking at a picture online will not clearly identify some issues.  To safeguard pricey purchases on shears, you may ask for a picture showing the open shears, inside of each blade to see the rideline and any possible damage to the cutting edge.  You may also ask them to show you how it cuts in video or video chat.  (Keep in mind this is if they are selling shears $100 or over.  Please don’t be creepy and video call someone selling a $10 pair of shears.  If you do, please do not say I sent you.)
A lot of the questions I get on used shears purchases include pictures of shears that over-close.  Nine times out of ten, this is caused by a missing bumper which is a relatively easy fix.  I told one of my clients last week to also ask for a picture of the handles of a shear that over-closed, and I saw the missing bumper, so I told her we could fix them.  Today I got to her salon, added the bumper, sharpened, reconvexed, and the shears cut great.  I think she got them for $10 or $20.  They are a cheaper brand shear, but they will serve her well at that low cost. 
Used shears can be a great way to get shears you may not have otherwise been able to afford.  While there are risks as far as undisclosed damages, many sharpeners can do great repair work and you can always consult a certified master sharpener if repair work is deemed too difficult by your normal go-to sharpener.  As with any used purchase, consider the used-price plus shipping and sharpening compared to the price of the new shear.  Also with shears, I always recommend purchasing those that are 440C or greater quality.  Those will last much longer.

Secure Payment for Used Tools

If you choose to buy used tools, be sure to choose a payment form that protects you as the buyer.  Paypal friends and family will not be refunded if you get scammed.  Be sure to select goods and services.  If you think someone may be a scammer, kindly voice your concern.  Let them prove they are not a scammer.  If you are scammed, make sure it is known to prevent others from being scammed.  There was recently a very inexpensive dryer on a buy, sell, trade group.  The seller accepted payment from 5 different people (could have been more, but 5 came forward that I saw), and then no one got a refund or the dryer.  It is just unfortunate that scamming and dishonesty have become so prevalent in our society, but do not let it get you down.  Shop savvy and ask questions!  Even though I am a retailer, I love seeing people get great deals on used gear so I would love to help. 
Don’t Forget Your Sharpener
Also, feel free to ask what used items I have in stock.  I typically have a few used corded clippers and a drawer full of used blades.  If you have a local grooming group for your state or your city, consider establishing a swap-meet to meet, mingle, buy, sell, and trade.  If you have a local sharpener you like, invite them to set up to sharpen and retail new stuff!  It is fun times.

Salon Spotlight:  Sugar Plum’s Grooming
Shattering the Price Ceiling in the Rural South

Written By: Jessica Clark.  Former groomer and salon owner.  Now-sharpener!  I just want to see everyone succeed!

          Have you ever worked in a salon with low prices and low standards?  Did that boost low morale and burnout?  These are things that typically go hand in hand.  As a former salon owner, I chat a lot with the shops I visit for sharpening stops.  Typically, salon owners are looking for groomers.  Groomers are upset at salon owners.  Groomers talk to me about being burnt out and considering new occupations.  No one can afford to look at new tools.  This is not the case in every salon, but it is always the case in the salons with lower pricing. 

            I know, I am the sharpener, and it is not my business what these salons are charging, but I see a bad pattern that needs to be properly discussed.  If you are doing a full groom on a small breed dog for less than $50, this is a disservice to your salon.  Every salon price scale I have researched and scrutinized, the highest profit is made on small dogs.  Typically, the salons charging $35-$50 for a small dog are only charging $65-$80 for doodles and extra-large breeds.  When you consider the time involved to do those grooms nicely, you are either sacrificing income or quality.  What does that even mean?  Let’s say you are keeping 50% of the groom price.  A doodle costs $75 and takes you 2.5 hours to complete.  That means you have made $15 an hour to groom a doodle straight through.  Maybe you choose to sacrifice quality, and quickly bathe and kennel dry 6 doodles to get them quickly shaved one by one and send them home as fast as possible to still make decent money.  On this scenario, if you finish in 8 hours, you will make about 28.13 an hour, and the grooms more than likely will not be finish pictures you post to social media grooming groups.  That wage will now be divided between your personal bills, personal care, new tools, vacations, expos, holiday gifts for family, and sharpening.  To find a shop paying 50% is not easy these days.  Many salons are turning to hourly rates with incentives or percentages closer to 35-40%.  So, in that same scenario, at a 35% commission, grooming the doodle straight through in 2.5 hours, you would make $10.50 an hour, or on the 6 doodles in 8 hours scenario, you would make $19.69 an hour. 

            I am sure someone is reading this right now saying 6 doodles for about $20 an hour is fine.  That is less than an hour and a half per dog.  That means that you are doing the bare minimum to say the work is done and collect a check.  Believe it or not, that, “do what it takes to get paid,” mentality gets old.  It breeds burn out.  Taking the time to do everything right and not get paid properly also breeds burn out.  Grooming faster to make ends meet yields low quality, but grooming at a pace to get nice finished grooms, you go broke.  The only viable option is to increase prices.  So why is this not happening?

            Salon owners always have their list of reasons why they simply cannot raise their prices.  They all always mention their handful of clients on a fixed income.  Then they mention the tight economy or their demographic’s mean income (very crudely like, “folks do not have a lot of money around here.”).  The fact is pet ownership has never been designed to be affordable for everyone.  In medieval times, pet ownership was mostly just common amongst wealth and aristocracy.  Today, pet ownership is at an all-time high, and many groomers have been guilted into meeting unrealistic client budgets instead of running a proper business model to satisfy their personal and professional needs.  This means charging less so others can afford grooming, so the groomers are sacrificing their budget for trade shows.  This means grooming fixed income dogs and sacrificing that day off to spend with your children because you cannot afford a day off and meet their budget needs. 

            Sugar Plum’s Grooming may just be a new salon in Slidell, Louisiana to some, but to me it is so much more.  The owners, Ashton and Hannah, left the privately-owned salon they were at to finally charge their worth.  What is even more awesome, and satisfying is they were transparent with other local salons.  They called and asked what the salons were charging, and then said what prices they would be charging in their new salon.  Other salon owners scoffed and said they would never make it.  They were told, “No one will be able to afford those prices!” or, “No one would pay that down here!”  Seeing Hannah and Ashton both smiling ear to ear every time I arrive at their booming location is such a buzz.  Not only are they “making” it; for the first time in their grooming careers, they are experiencing reduced stress, financial security, and unsullied joy in what they do.  No more dread of a dog that is, “not worth what the owners pay”.  No more sacrificed time off to make ends meet so bills can be paid.  They buy new tools and products every time I visit their salon, and even confidently boast, “We will make it worth your time if you can come by.”  I absolutely love seeing them shattering the price ceilings others in their area had placed on dog grooming.

            In an effort to ask the right questions and inspire others to venture out or increase their current prices, I sent a list of interview questions to Hannah and Ashton.  This is my first interview, and I am not a formally trained investigative journalist, but I do have passion for this industry.  Hopefully you can find worth, relatability, and motivation in the following interview.  2024 is fast upon us, and a new year is a perfect time for new prices.

Jess:  “What made you decide to open your own salon?”

Hannah & Ashton:  “’If you want it done right, do it yourself.’ We were so bitter about how we were living, but now we make all the decisions.  If I’m upset with how something is, the only person I have to blame is myself.”

Jess:  “Your prices are much higher than salons around you.  They said you wouldn’t succeed with your higher rates.  Please give some price comparisons to illustrate your prices vs. theirs.  (No salon names needed.)”

Hannah & Ashton:  “Local shops and corporate charge no more that $90 for a giant shnauzer, Alaskan malamute, large doodles, etc for a full groom. My bath and tidy for such large breeds starts at a minimum of $120-$140, full groom starting at $150 no add ons(teeth brushing, nail grinding, deshed if needed, glands, ears, bandana and perfume all included)”

Jess:  “Price for a full groom yorkie?” 

Hannah & Ashton:  “$70-75.  If it’s the size of a shih tzu, it’s $75 lol.”

 Jess:  “As far as how customers have accepted your rates, what has that been like?”

Hannah & Ashton:  “We have had no problems with our rates. Every once in a while, someone will say ‘well I’m used to paying $45’, but it’s few and far between, and then the next person who calls doesn’t even ask a price. We were pretty nervous, but people pay for a smiling face and a job well done. They want the best for their pets and paying $15-20 more for what you offer is worth it. Charge your worth.”

Jess:  “If you were to explain your worth to an inquiring client/groomer, what would you say factors into higher expense?  Process, products, experience, environment?”

Hannah & Ashton:  “ The way we book only one appointment at a time and you can have your dog back in an hour to 2 hours. No kennels- free roam but stalls for antisocial babies.  We don’t do add ons so everyone gets teeth brushed, nails grinded, ears, glands et cetera.  If it’s a double coat, the price includes a deshed. We have a backyard area and a clean salon. Everyone gets a Bandana or bow, perfume, and picture in front of our current backdrop. Charging worth also includes your skill level. Not everyone can shave a paw pad pretty, give a nice clean sani, shave the eye corners, the lips, inside of ears. It’s the little things like drying a dog and brushing them correctly that elevates your grooming.” 

Jess:  “What advice would you offer to others wanting to raise prices who are too scared? Rebranding? Marketing tips? Service enhancements?”

Hannah & Ashton:  “My advice is to learn, learn, learn.  And mostly take accountability.  Ask yourself ‘is this groom worth what I’m charging?’.  Put the dog on the ground, and watch it walk around.  Do you think to yourself, “Damn that dog looks so good! I’d love to have that walking around my house!”?  Understand you’re allowed to charge for your time. It’s important; you don’t get this time back, and this is hard work. If you have something to offer people will pay. Revamp your salon if it needs. Keep it clean and smelling nice.  People eat up a photo shoot. Take all the pictures of them relaxing on your salon floor or a cute rubber ducky photo in that bath. Perception is reality.”

Jess:  “It seems like higher prices would make your services seem more exclusive or sought by wealthier clients.  Has your client quality improved since opening your new salon with higher prices?”

Hannah & Ashton:   “Absolutely. I always think back to working for corporate with cheap pricing and only seeing dogs a few times a year. That is no longer the case whatsoever. I don’t see matted dogs. I don’t see nails growing into paw pads. I simply don’t see much neglect anymore, and my clients stay on a reoccurring schedule. Now most of my dogs are ‘prepared’ for services I offer.  They know grooming is a part of life. To take less dogs for more money -my clients are happy and I’m happy. I really get to know the pets and the dogs are eager to come. The clients can see that.” 

Jess:  “Being able to pick your own products, booking/scheduling, procedures, etc, what are you happy to be doing/using in your salon NOW that you couldnt do/use before?”

Hannah & Ashton:  “I’m happy to have things set up that keep our salon clean. We have a net to catch husky hair. We have a strict cleaning procedure that makes a deep cleaning every week even easier. Being free roam really just feels like a field day every day.  We don’t over-book so we really are just big chilling and bathing dogs.” 

Jess:  “Favorite products?  Products with shown results that keep clients coming back?”

Hannah & Ashton:  “Couldn’t go without Ultra Max shampoo & conditioner, and the Maxx. Close open close, and with the last close add a few drops of the maxx.  After bath, spray with Hydra dematting/ finish spray and dry. Perfect bath every time!” 

Jess:  “What services are top hits?  Which are most profitable?  Like, If anything makes you seem to stand out against other local salons or rack in revenue quickly..”

Hannah & Ashton:  “The backdrop photos are the number one thing that keeps us active on social and getting people to look at us. And we’ve been getting a lot of requests for hair dye lately. Number one thing we’ve got is Ashton for the best deshed and outline trim on double coated pets. We live in the south and there’s lots of labs, retrievers, and huskies that shed.  With good products and procedure, she gets them looking beautiful. With their grooming being $95-$120 it can add up quick.” 

Jess:  “Anything else notable?  I’m struggling to ask things haha.  Super proud of y’all confidently going in with higher prices and being so successful.  I’m hoping to encourage more salons to raise prices. Any recommendations for groomers who love what they do, but can’t seem to earn what they need to survive?”

Hannah & Ashton:  “Get better so you can charge your worth to avoid groomer’s burnout. Find a salon to work for that is serious about pet welfare and serious about the way the pets look when they leave the salon. I think you can love it so and still be unhappy when you aren’t getting a payout. It’s hard work. Your body, skill, and time is valuable.”

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