I have been part of the grooming industry for for almost 20 years
‘Speaker of the Year’ nominee in the Liz Paul Industry Awards 2017 & 2018
Set up a very successful dog grooming business
Regular seminars and event organising
Successful competitor winning multiple awards, including 2 Best in Shows
Judge at MasterGroom International Grooming Competition
Competition Judging Experience
Dog grooming academy ‘Canine Design’ manager for 3 years
Experience in working with the industry’s largest grooming employer
Helping salons to turn a profit and take their business to a higher level
Qualifications in Business management, canine anatomy, canine behaviour and animal care
Advanced Diploma in Dog Grooming – Distinction
Currently completing the Higher Diploma in Dog Grooming and
ICMG
Expert panel representative for the British Isles Grooming Association – Board of Pet Grooming Experts Panel. Representing the industry in government matters such as licensing.
Member of the Groomers Spotlight and BIGA
Contestant on BBC 1’s Pooch Perfect UK with Sheridan Smith
Brand ambassador for Top to Tail Clothing, Clean Teeth Ultrasonic Toothbrushes and Peanut and Pickle Shampoo
I started grooming at the age of 17 after my mum and I had a discussion about working together. Previously I had already completed a grooming course as part of an animal care course at a local college and I was working as a vet nurse assistant at Kingsteignton Vet Group. We decided to enroll at Canine design, a well established school in Somerset. I loved every minute of my course and met some lovely new people including Lesley Garratt and Kelly Davis. Who both made me feel confident enough to start a business.
My mum, Gill and I then started Fido Sassoon Canine Beauticians. We started grooming out of our garage but soon found we needed more room. We opened up the front of the garage into a shop front and business boomed even more. Having a business was a huge and steep learning curve. I had to learn quickly about customer relations, handling, advertising, and the key to success which I believe is always being involved in the community. In 2009, I competed in my first competition and was proud to take home the title of YKC Groomer of the Year.
In 2013, I decided I would like to move on and experience more of the grooming world. I accepted a job as grooming manager for Pets at Home. I learned a lot from this experience and attended lots of seminars with industry experts. However I felt that the large corporation world was not for me.
Whilst still owning my salon in Devon, I then accepted a job at my old training academy, where I learnt some invaluable skills and pushed myself to a higher level. I was a manager of the academy for nearly four years. In this time I started to undertake my higher diploma and my ICMG and competed and won at competitions including two Best in Shows.
I am now a regular seminar speaker and have written many popular courses and workshops. In my time away from teaching I travel around the UK delivering private training and consultancy sessions in people’s salons and colleges.
This aspect my career grew quickly so I decided to take the plunge and open up the KJG Dog Grooming Academy in 2017. I am now back in Devon teaching students from the very place I started all those years ago.
I have always been very driven and my career is no exception. I always strive to be the best that I can in everything that I do. I love to go the extra mile in encouraging my students to do the same.
