This is my second year attending Groom Expo West, Pasadena. I was first introduced to Groom Expo West last year and my mind was blown. I was a baby groomer and new into the pet grooming industry world, so I was so amazed and inspired by what the expo had to offer: the talented world-renowned groomers (locally and internationally), the seminars, network and friendships, and the trade show with the newest/latest grooming tools.
The speakers took their personal time off to teach. The groomers took their personal time off to learn and grow professionally. Grooming is an industry where most people can easily be burnt out real fast - A LOT of patience and good energy working with dogs is definitely necessary. Sadly, pet grooming isn’t viewed as a professional career, but I hope one day that will change. Our job as a pet groomer is creative and fun, but also very challenging. We are the first line of defense. We assess the condition of skin/coat, learn their anatomy, learn breed standards, learn stylize haircuts, buy all the various products and tools out there to try, and learn how to properly and safely manage dogs with different behaviors at different stages of life. Not all dogs are the same, but all dogs need grooming.
I walked away this year with even more knowledge than last year. I feel like I am becoming a better groomer as I continue to hone my skills. I hope one day I will get to compete alongside the grooming competition ring with other groomers.
The groomers role. We look at everything externally.
Famous Japan dog groomer, Kenichi
Famous LA dog groomer, Jess Rona :)
