Featuring Professional Groomers From Around the Country and their insights on pet grooming.
PRIDE+GROOM is extremely proud to announce its groomer interview series. We are grateful for our growing professional pet grooming community. Dog grooming is not easy. Dog grooming has harsh conditions, long hours on their feet and demanding schedules. Groomers have supported our company from day one; testing products, giving feedback and making great suggestions for product development. We want to share some of the best Groomers' experiences, advice about the grooming process, share their skills, grooming tools, customers' stories and much more.
Each month, we feature a new groomer interview and share their insights about the grooming process. Today, we had the opportunity to sit down with Allie Capher, Professional Groomer for over 6 years and now at Pet Supplies Plus, Blasdell, NY.
PG: How did you get your start in the grooming industry? How long have you been grooming professionally?
I started grooming while I was attending college to be a Vet Tech.
PG: Do you have a favorite dog or cats breed that you’ve worked on, or a signature dog haircut, grooming process that you’ve developed or perfected?
The Sporting Group and any of the Schnauzers.
PG: What do you look for in your grooming supplies? What are some of the lessons you have learned when sourcing grooming tools?
I first tend to start with quality and price point. Any liquid products or sprays I like to use natural lines that aren’t filled with any harsh chemicals and sulphates as well as a light smelling cologne. A lot of pet parents don’t prefer the super strong scents. When it comes to my shears and combs I enjoy going to the groom shows to see how they fit and feel in my hands.
PG: Do you have any favorite grooming tools and pets' product brands?
Pride+Groom and Melanie Newman are the only lines of shampoo I have been reaching for! I love everything Artero. From their greyhound combs to all of their sprays. Their products are amazing and the prices!
PG: Do you participate in competitive dog grooming?
I will be competing for my first time at Intergroom in 2023. I am so nervous and excited. I have had the amazing pleasure of assisting Helen Shaefer as she competes. I originally started off with the goal of earning my NCMG, which led me to crossing my paths with Helen. Learning from someone who is not only so passionate, talented and caring about the industry but also takes the time to help teach and learn such an art is an honor. I wouldn’t have ever dreamed I would be competing, let alone thinking it if it wasn’t for her.
PG: If so, what are some of the challenges you face in competitive dog grooming that aren’t necessarily present when grooming pets for clients?
I will let you know once I compete! Haha.
PG: Can you please share one of your favorite photos of a dog or cat from your time as a professional groomer?
Meet my cocker spaniel Crash. He is my first show/competition pup. This picture is from our first ribbon we earned together. I spent all preparing him for the show, and I couldn’t have been more proud.
PG: What do you find most satisfying about being a professional groomer?
What I find most satisfying is everyday (even on the tough ones) I look forward going to work and pampering each pup and making them feel comfortable and confident in their trim. Each and every dog that comes in the salon is like my own fur baby. We build a relationship with each one.
PG: What advice would you give to new groomers just getting started in the groomer industry?
Always be upfront with your clients! You’re a baby groomer, reach out for help every where and ask all of the questions. There are so many amazing groomers and people in the industry who love to help and make it furtastic.
PG: What would you say are the top 3 qualities of a great dog groomer?
Being Passionate, Caring, and Patient
PG: 3 Tips to being a successful groomer?
Continue learning and growing your education. Keep focus on your prep work and BE KIND.
PG: What are the latest trends in pet grooming that newcomers to the industry should be aware of?
Asian fusion. And breed standard trims in pet shops.
PG: As a professional groomer, what are some key tips for pet parents about good skin and coat care for their pets at home and how to make a professional groom last.
Make sure you have them on a good grooming maintenance schedule. I guarantee your groomer is willing to go over at home care and suggestions to keep your fur baby in tip top shape for in between their grooms. A lot of the owners don’t know how to correctly brush their pup and us as groomers it’s part of our job to help them learn! I’m always ready to recommend brushes and which products they should be using and when on their pooch.
WHO IS PRIDE+GROOM?
The very first clean beauty brand…for dogs!
PRIDE+GROOM is a female and minority owned all-natural pet grooming company born and bred in New York City. We designed our coat-specific dog shampoos with a light, fresh signature scent that says goodbye to the overwhelming fragrances currently in the dog grooming market. Our packaging and branding humanizes our pet products making them attractive and user friendly.
We offer wholesale pricing for professional use or resale, discover our producthere
Our company is rooted in our love for dogs and cats, and we’ve put all our energy into creating products that let us care for them, their coats and their skin in a way that is natural, nurturing, and specific. Our formulas are a unique blend of essential oils sourced from around the world. Each ingredient has a purpose. Like Marshmallow Root Oil, in our Non-Shedder, helps detangle and nourish those dogs, like doodles, with hair that grows and is prone to matting.
PRIDE+GROOM is deeply committed to giving back to the community. We developed our ONE FUR ALL conditioning shampoo that we have donated to over 1000 shelters around the country. This amounts to over 50,000 needy rescue dogs getting the PRIDE+GROOM treatment before heading to their forever homes for adoption.
