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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 VIGs - very important groomers - like you. This month's spotlight features Nick Petravich from Chicago, Illinois. 

GC: Tell us your grooming story. 

NP: After being a bather for a year and a half at both a corporate salon and a mom-and-pop shop, I officially began my grooming career in early 2018. I learned to groom in a corporate setting where the health and safety of the pet was taught with the utmost importance. 

While I mostly did shave downs, I always yearned to do more scissor work and unique haircuts. Fast forward a few years, and I have a list of amazing clients who place their trust in me and give me the opportunity to do creative haircuts and work with color! 

GC: What interested you in becoming a dog groomer? 

NP: Honestly, while I always wanted to work with animals as a career, I had no idea what I wanted to do long-term. I was very much stuck in the mindset that I had to go to college to obtain a career that would earn a living. 

My original plan was to use grooming as a way to buy myself time while I found out what I really wanted to do. I quickly found out that not only was grooming my passion, but that trade jobs are endlessly valuable! 

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

NP: I absolutely love Poodles! They come in three sizes – standard being my personal favorite – and a multitude of colors. With the right dedication, you can turn a Poodle into anything! 

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

NP: My favorite thing about being a groomer is getting to combine art and creativity with my love for animals. Every day at the salon is different and keeps you on your toes. One day I can be practicing for competition, and the next day I’m doing all comfort cuts on senior pets. Grooming is extremely rewarding on multiple levels! 

GC: How have grooming competitions affected your grooming career?

NP: Competitive grooming has affected me in so many aspects of my career. The most important one being I learned I can do hard things – and have confidence while doing them. Getting up in front of a bunch of people, grooming and then being judged on your skills is a feat within itself. 

Competitions lit a fire within me I didn’t know I had and taught me to seek balance in the most basic of pet trims. In a career where we can often be bogged down with compassion fatigue and general burnout, competitions have given me something to look forward to and work hard for. 

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

NP: I think the best piece of grooming advice I’ve received is to scissor away from you. That paired with being taught how to hold my shears properly has improved my scissor work immensely! 

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

NP: I would recommend someone who is interested in becoming a groomer to become a bather and focus on safety first. Learn dog body language, safe handling techniques and good prep work to set yourself up for success. Learning how to work with dogs, not against them, is far more important in the long run! 

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

NP: I choose Groomer’s Choice for the wide variety of items, fast shipping and, of course, Sue and Jay’s Super Styling Sessions! 

Keep up with Nick on Facebook, TikTok and Instagram. 

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!