The Daily Groomer

Part I of the Start Series
​Presented by The Daily Groomer and  @WagnTailsMobile  ​

Thinking about going mobile — or already running your first van — and wondering what the bigger picture looks like?​

In this first session of the Start Track, we’re sitting down with an operator who’s built both a mobile and salon business to break down what it actually takes to grow in this industry.

​No theory. No fluff. Just a real conversation about what works, what doesn’t, and how to think about your next step.​

💬 What You’ll Learn

​Elizabeth will share what it’s really like to operate across both mobile and salon — and what that means if you're early in your journey.​

We’ll cover:​​
✅ The real differences between mobile grooming and salon ownership​​
✅ Why many groomers are choosing mobile — and when a salon still makes sense​​
✅ What to think about before you commit to your first van​​
✅ The early-stage realities of running a mobile grooming business​​
✅ How to approach growth without overcomplicating things too early​​
✅ Lessons learned from building both sides of the business
✅ ​…plus YOUR questions, answered live and unfiltered

🎤 Guest Expert​
Elizabeth Gibbs​
Owner, Barkwood Grooming (Salon & Mobile, Texas)​
Speaker • Educator • NCMG • Groom Team USA 2021/22​

Elizabeth is a nationally certified master groomer, HBO Max Haute Dog winner, and two-time Groom Team USA member. From grooming celebrities’ pets in Los Angeles to founding Barkwood Grooming back in her hometown, she brings a rare blend of high-end grooming skill and real-world business experience across both salon and mobile.​

📍 Part of the Start Series​
This workshop is Part I of the Mobile Grooming Growth Summit – Start Track, designed for groomers exploring mobile or in the early stages of building their business.​

Part I – May 4​
Salon & Mobile: What It Takes to Build Beyond One Model​

Part II – May 18
​What It’s Really Like to Run a Mobile Grooming Business​

Part III – June 1​
The Roadmap to Going Mobile: How To Start, Launch, and Grow Your First Van​

👉 RSVP for the full Start Series to get the most out of all three sessions
Register Now ➡️ https://luma.com/thedailygroomer​

🐾 Why Attend?​
If you’re thinking about going mobile — or just getting started — this is your chance to learn from someone who’s seen both sides.​

Understand your options before making a big decision​
Learn what actually matters early on (and what doesn’t)​
Avoid common mistakes new mobile groomers make​
Get clarity on whether mobile is the right move for you​
Bring your questions. Leave with a clearer path forward.​

🔜 Coming Later This Year​
The Scale Track — focused on multi-van owners and operators looking to grow — will be announced later this summer.

Stay connected with our guest speakers! Follow them on their social media ⁠@gibbsgrooming. Curious about Teddy? You can ⁠sign up here⁠. For more grooming tips, insights, and stories, check out our website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Daily Groomer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Join and be part of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Daily Groomer Community⁠⁠!

After Hours Episode #111: In this episode of After Hours, I sit down with Jayne Gallagher for a real conversation about the physical and emotional side of grooming. We talk about dealing with difficult dogs, knowing when to set boundaries with clients, burnout, injuries, and the importance of standing up for yourself. We also get into the “inform, educate, require” approach and why confidence and self-respect can make such a difference in this industry. If you’ve ever felt burned out, overlooked, or like you’re giving more than you’re getting back, this one will hit home.

After Hours Episode #110: In this episode of After Hours, I talk about why self-respect is the foundation of real confidence. I share some personal experiences, practical ways to build trust in yourself, and why keeping small promises to yourself matters more than you might think. We also get into setting boundaries, breaking the cycle of self-doubt, and what it looks like to become someone you genuinely respect. If you've ever felt stuck or want to build more confidence from the inside out, this episode is for you.

Summary
In our latest episode of The Daily Groomer, I sit down with Brandy Reese from Paragon to talk about one of the biggest challenges grooming businesses face: hiring. We get into how grooming education has changed over the years, what to look for when you're interviewing candidates, and why attitude and customer service can be just as important as grooming skills. We also talk about training new team members, how pet parent expectations continue to evolve, and some creative ways to find great employees—including looking outside the grooming industry. If you're struggling to build or grow your team, there's a lot in this conversation you'll be able to take back to your own business.

Timestamps
07:53 Evolving dog grooming education

16:01 Importance of soft skills over expertise

23:18 Changing standards for dog groomers

28:55 Upskilling staff with grooming programs

35:33 Challenges in Mobile Pet Grooming

39:14 Utilizing groom techs efficiently

Stay connected with our guest speakers! Follow them on their social media The Paragon School of Pet Grooming. Curious about Teddy? You can sign up here. For more grooming tips, insights, and stories, check out our website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Daily Groomer⁠⁠⁠⁠. Join and be part of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Daily Groomer Community⁠⁠!

After Hours Episode #109: In this episode of After Hours, I’m getting into something that affects all of us, whether we realize it or not—our own triggers. We all carry stuff from our past, and if we’re not paying attention, it can show up at the grooming table and change the way we handle dogs, clients, and even ourselves. I share a few personal stories, talk about why self-awareness is so important, and how learning to stay calm and grounded can completely change the energy you bring into every groom. This isn't about being perfect. It's about recognizing what's going on, doing the work, and showing up a little better every day.