About Me
Where did it all start?
My love for our K9 companions and animals was a love from birth.
I came home with every stray cat, dog, duck, even a horse and I soon became a young voice for dogs in both china and Korea - walking the streets, knocking on doors with a petition in my hands to stop the sickening cruelty.
Dog grooming was never a thing in the late 70's, but rescuing was doable as a young teen - which I've always continued - in fact, Thelma, my Romanian street dog, was my kick to change my path and after a
20 year hairdressing and beauty career - I finally decided to pack up my scissors and set out on a City & Guilds Level 2 course in Dog Grooming - from hairdresser to furdresser!
When my course ended and I qualified, my lovely friend and mentor (Mandy at Dog Beauty) took me under her wing so I could gain more experience than any course could offer. 6 months later, I drummed up the courage and felt better equipped to open my first dog grooming salon 'Shabby to Chic' on Canal Road in Timperley. I continued my education, knowledge and skills by attending seminars, webinars and absorbing everything I could in order to improve and hone my skills.
The shop on Canal Road was lovely but tiny. It was above a car garage and up a flight of stairs - but it was fun there. I moved 3 years later to an easier more accessible building in stable block I renovated on Woodcote Farm in Dunham.
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2 days before the first lockdown a much bigger unit, on the path of the canal on Viaduct Road in Broadheath, became available. The shop name was changed to 'Canalside Dog Groomers'.
I maintained my own business identity but shared the space with other dog groomers. Canalside Dog Groomers set presidency in turning the old, tired Victorian arches, into the beautiful shops they are today and that's a proud moment for both myself everyone involved and the landlord
(because at the beginning - Selbourne Group and owner thought we were nuts) while watching the transformation with enormous interest!
It was here and at this stage, I took my Level 3 qualification and 3 months later, gained my certificate with flying colours!
After 3 more fantastic years at the stunning Canalside salon, it was evident that parking was an issue for my customers along with an unexpected flood and a sudden debilitating illness. I felt it was time to take a quieter pace, put a training school I was working on 'on hold' and work in an easier setting where parking wasn't an issue where I could continue my life long passion - grooming wonderful dogs one to one, giving the same high standards I've always stood by and enjoying the company of our 4 legged family members.
I've never stop learning, attending seminars, webinars and podcasts headed by global industry award winning groomers and continually improving my skills, because I believe Continued Professional Development (CPD) is a must in any industry worth its salt.
After moving from Canalside I have taken another course called 'The Science of K9 Behaviour ' the course is based on published scientific evidence and provides information and knowledge in understanding dog behaviour and working with and training dogs.
I don't believe in cutting corners and our dogs wellbeing are still my #1 love and priority.
Devastatingly, Thelma passed away in August 2022 and I still thank her every day for changing my life in so many ways. If it wasn't for my petrified little 'soul dog' (that I turned around with love, patience and trust)
I wouldn't be where I am today.
I love and miss you every day Thelma xxx
Love Justine and Mabel