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Originally published December 20, 2021 

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 house-call groomer Bethany Pate from central Florida.

GC: Tell us your grooming story.

BP: I first started my love of holding shears at the ripe age of 19 by entering into cosmetology college. I honestly thought that was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life, but God had other plans. I got pregnant with my first daughter and dropped out, but I never gave up my passion for doing hair. Little did I know I’d be holding shears again six years later but working on dogs instead of hoomans!

I started off as a bather, but the more I was blessed to work in this field and be mentored by many amazing woman and men, I finally decided to take everything one notch up and get certified! So, I became Bethany Pate, Certified Professional Groomer, and also the first graduate of Woof Gang Academy of Grooming in Ocoee, Florida, with a 4.0 GPA!

Now at the age of 28, I look back at 19, and I wouldn’t take back one thing. Animals have been my muse, my passion and my priority, and I will continue creating trustworthy and honest relationships with all my clients and their precious animals.

GC: What are the benefits of house call grooming?

BP: The freedom to book, talk, express creativity, bond, build and learn at your own pace. I think what, or who, benefits most from it is the animals. If done right, stress levels can be at a minimum.

GC: What is your favorite thing about being a groomer?

BP: Oh, the animals, 100 percent! Just the joy that radiates off them on my table every single day and the trust that their parents have in me is soul food and what keeps me going.

GC: Do you have a favorite breed to groom? If so, why are they your favorite?

BP: Doodles have always been a connecting breed of mine. Our temperaments and personalities are so alike, it’s almost like I’m with my people.

GC: What is the best grooming advice you’ve received?

BP: Not every groomer is cookie cutter. Find your groove and bloom in it! That is what makes this career one of the best.

GC: What would you say to someone interested in becoming a groomer?

BP: DO IT, but only if you are serious about it and love animals. Unfortunately, you have people who can pump out grooms but never connect with the animals, and that’s so unfair. Always take any chance to continue your education, because knowledge is what sets you apart from other groomers. I will be here for you if you have any questions or need help with anything at all.

We are in a very underrated career and sometimes you will feel as though you are not making a difference, but if you choose to become a dog groomer, I promise with the right tools, help and knowledge, you will never enjoy yourself more than you do when you are doing what you love.

GC: Why do you choose to shop with Groomer’s Choice?

BP: I mean what is there not to love about shopping with Groomer’s Choice!?! They are always in stock of the best and only the best of all grooming products and are constantly updating and giving you the best deals. To be the best you have to shop, sleep, breathe and buy the best! And to boot, seeing such a rough past year with Covid-19, for a site to continually have what we needed in our field and not run out of stock and grow stronger in their business has been amazing to see. Groomer’s Choice, thank you for making sure your groomers are taken care of.

Keep up with Bethany on Facebook.

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