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Groomers around the world inspire us. Their passion for pets and business consistently sets the bar for the industry, which is why we'll be featuring stories from VIGs - very important groomers - like you. This month's spotlight features Chelsea Anderson of Dumfries, VA.  

GC: Tell us your grooming story

CA: Ever since I was a little girl, I always knew I wanted to work with animals and be the voice they did not have. My family rarely took our pets to the vet unless something was wrong, let alone a groomer. I knew nothing about pet grooming until I started working at an animal hospital when I turned 18. There, I met Jessica. Jessica was the pet groomer at the animal hospital. I told her I was interested in learning the trade and wanted to help pets feel and look better. She was one of the many people who supported me.

I left the animal hospital and moved to an amazing grooming salon 45 minutes from where I lived. I worked there 6 days a week, starting as a receptionist and working my way up as a bather, then a groomer. I worked there for a little less than 3 years before falling into a terrible addiction. Despite overdosing and being on life support for 7 days, I continued to fight for a life I knew was possible.

Fast-forward to 2024. I’ve been sober for four years. I am now a very successful business owner with seven employees and over 700 wonderful clients. We have won the best pet groomers in the area two years in a row! I am so thankful to be here and to continue to help pets feel their very best. I wouldn’t have it any other way.

I spend my spare time with my family while competing and traveling as much as possible. I am physically here to tell you that YOU CAN do anything you put your mind and dedication to.

GC: What interested you about becoming a dog groomer?

CA: I have always had an interest in cosmetics and animals! I started as a dog walker and then worked my way into an animal hospital. This helped me realize I could do something more to help pets.

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

CA: I LOVE poodles & bichons!

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

CA: Helping pets feel their very best while dabbling in creativity and competitive grooming.

GC: What is the best piece of grooming advice you've received?

CA: Not all pets will allow you to work the way you want. You must work around the pets and their needs. No two dogs or cats are the same.

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

CA: Do it! If you have passion, patience and goals, you will do well. You only live one life! You never know until you try.

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

CA: They have a variety of grooming essentials!

GC: Tell us more about Pooch Purrfect Pet Spa.

CA: Pooch Purrfect Pet Spa was born in 2021, during one of the most challenging periods of my life. Nestled behind my childhood home, it all began in my grandparents’ modest 500-square-foot shed. With the unwavering support of my family, we transformed this humble space into a charming pet spa.

The journey was far from easy, but my business began to flourish thanks to the encouragement and patronage of family, friends and customers. As demand grew, I found myself unable to manage alone and started adding employees one by one. Within a year, we had outgrown our original location. Serendipitously, one of our clients offered a commercial building for rent, allowing us to expand into a 1,200-square-foot space. Today, we continue to grow, and I am actively searching for our next location to keep helping pets feel their best and to provide a safe, supportive environment for my employees. What started as a solo venture now boasts a dedicated team of seven.

GC: What are the sacrifices and rewards that come with owning a grooming business?

CA: Owning a business comes with its fair share of sacrifices, but the rewards can be immensely gratifying. When I embarked on this journey, I had no idea of the challenges ahead. It involved 12-hour workdays, constant worry about getting everything right, hefty tax bills and the stress of managing employees. Some days, I look back and marvel at how far we’ve come, but every day, I am filled with gratitude. While there are many positives to owning a business, there will always be something to stress about. I remind myself to expect the unexpected and embrace the journey. For every negative, there’s a positive waiting to be discovered.

You can achieve anything you set your mind to. I encourage anyone considering starting their own business to take the plunge! Life is a continuous learning journey, so start now and grow along the way.

Are you a groomer or pet professional? Want to be featured in a future Groomer's Choice blog post or magazine? Submit your grooming story!