PRIDE+GROOM is extremely proud of its growing professional pet grooming community. Their job is not easy. The deal with 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 and share their insights about the grooming process. Today, we had the opportunity to sit down with Penelope Quevedo who has been a professional groomer for over 18 years, runs her own dog grooming business,Penelopets Inc., in Miami, Florida.
PG: How did you get your start in the grooming industry? How long have you been grooming professionally?
Working with animals was my childhood dream. And pet grooming was an opportunity to make it happen.
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?
I love Snauzers and Doodles but honestly I don’t see breed when I’m working on a pet. I see beauty that needs a little shape. I groom all pets' breeds without a problem.
PG: What do you look for in your grooming supplies? What are some of the lessons you have learned when sourcing grooming tools?
Get the best quality grooming tools and products are a must. Because the outcome benefits the dog, myself and the customers. Like in the case of PRIDE+GROOM shampoos. A good shampoo will make the grooming process more efficient and also my skin will benefit from the use. Bad products that will dry or freeze an animals' coat will cause skin problems on the animals also dry professionals' hands.
PG: Do you have any favorite grooming tools and pets' product brands?
Honestly, I have two favorite go-to grooming tools. My clipper vac for both efficiency and health, and my knowledge. Knowledge and skills are tools that are irreplaceable.
PG: Do you participate in competitive dog grooming?
No.
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?
Never liked competitive pets' grooming as the dogs are on the grooming table for too long. Honestly, I don’t think dogs enjoy it.
PG: Can you please share one of your favorite photos of a dog or cat from your time as a professional groomer? Or a professional grooming picture with a little story behind it?
I love working with this dog in particular because I can get very creative and he seems to enjoy it very much.
PG: What do you find most satisfying about being a professional groomer?
The ability to be with dogs all time. The way they feel when pets come to my groomer business is very important to me and always try to accommodate customer's based on their needs and what they expect. Compassion and patience for pets is a feeling I enjoy very much and being professional groomers is all about that. Being a professional groomer makes me a better person every day.
PG: What advice would you give to new groomers just getting started in the groomer industry?
As a professional groomer...Observe, feel and have patience with the dog and dance with the pet. Groomers shouldn't force a situation with a dogs or cats makes everyone unhappy.
Groomers need to try to clean, brush, trim pets' nails as fast a possible.
A good groomer should work by appointmentonly and try to keep the dog and cats the least time possible. Groomer shouldn't have dogs barking in cages while waiting for the customers - it is very stressful for the other dogs and the groomer. I think the grooming industry is turning more and more in this direction to ensure a more calm environment. I think that is why my customers and their pets love to come to me because I care and make a point on this and try to educate the customer about this concept and I think they are willing to learn more about nutrition and skin and coat health.
PG: What advice and techniques as a professional groomer would you give pet parents about keeping their pet clean and good skin and coat care for their pets at home?
I recommend maintaining a regular brushing routine. Never force the dog. Be gentle with the brush and use the same shampoo I use. I also make a point to the customer to focus on the dog's diet if the pets show any signs of allergies.
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.
