Groomers around the world inspire us. Their passion for pets and business consistently set the bar for the industry, which is why we'll be featuring stories from groomers like you in our monthly Barkmails. This month, we caught up with groomer Elizabeth Layne, owner of Wizard Of Paws in Winchester, Tennessee.
GC: Tell us your grooming story.
EL: I was 18 and fresh out of high school. I had always wanted to work with animals, so I went and applied at different veterinarian clinics, hoping to get my foot in the door somehow. At the time, I was studying to be a veterinarian technician, and that was until my first grooming job in 2016.
I started with ZERO knowledge as a bather/blow dryer at a lovely privately-owned grooming salon. They were eager to teach me. (Plus, I made incredible friends, and my mentor is now my ‘second mom.’ We still talk to this day!)
In 2018, I started working for another privately-owned salon. After grooming there for almost three years, the owners decided to sell their business. I had built an amazing and loving client base I couldn't bear to leave behind. So, for my 22nd birthday last year I bought my salon. I kept my clients, and I couldn't be prouder of what I have created. It's been a long ride, but I’m so thankful and see so much more for our little salon.
GC: What interested you about becoming a groomer?
EL: I fell in love with the reward of cleaning these pups, making them look better and visually seeing them feel better. After about three weeks of bathing, I knew I wanted to do even more to make them beautiful!
GC: Tell us about Wizard Of Paws.
EL: Wizard Of Paws was started in 2018 by previous owners with the intent of putting pets as our first priority. I groomed there for two years, and by 2021, I was the new owner.
I stood by our motto, "Pets LOVE us! Owners TRUST us!" As the groomer, I have created wonderful friendships and showed pet parents they can trust not just me but my entire staff with their furry loved ones. Having a relationship filled with trust between the pet owners and our staff has made such a difference in the grooming process. The parents enjoy being part of our Paws Family, and we enjoy being able to play an important role in their pets' lives.
We will have served our amazing Franklin County and surrounding communities for five years in 2023. As we always say, we appreciate each and every hand and paw that has trusted and loved us enough to continue to give pets the best they deserve. We look forward to many more years of serving our community!
GC: What is it like to own your own grooming business?
EL: Well, I cannot lie and say it is easy because it most definitely comes with major roles and responsibilities. There are days where a bathroom crying break is needed, but at the end of the day, I would not change it. I get to give back to the pets around me and do it with the knowledge I have learned over the years.
At the end of the day, week, month or year, I look back on how many pets I have been given the opportunity to work with. Some passing over the rainbow bridge and some getting the first few steps into the grooming world. It's a rewarding thing to look back on, even on the most stressful days.
GC: Do you have a favorite breed to groom?
EL: Any fluffy dogs! I love being able to shape and style them, and it's just very rewarding to get their hair straight and fluffed out.
GC: What is your favorite thing about being a groomer?
EL: My favorite thing is to see how different each haircut can be on a pet. I love being able to give each pet a style to fit their personality.
GC: What is the best piece of grooming advice you've received?
EL: Never stop learning, and always be proud of your work, even on your bad days.
GC: What would you say to someone interested in becoming a groomer?
EL: It's hard work, but it's most definitely a rewarding job! I would recommend starting slow and learning anything and everything you can. Don't rush the process, and always be proud of your work!
GC: Why do you choose to shop with Groomer's Choice?
EL: I love the quality products that are available. Pricing, shipping and customer service are all fantastic and fast!
Keep up with Elizabeth and Wizard Of Paws on Facebook and TikTok.
Are you a dog groomer or pet professional? Want to be featured in a future Groomer's Choice blog post or catalog? Submit your grooming story! 💜