The Pet Groomer Community Podcast

In this episode of the Pet Groomers Community Podcast, Jo Wallace chats with Charlotte Townsend, owner of Townsend’s Tales Dog Grooming . Charlotte shares her journey into grooming after lockdown, taking voluntary redundancy to retrain, and eventually buying an established salon while six weeks pregnant. Since then, she has navigated new motherhood, grief, staffing challenges, VAT registration, pr...

In this episode of The Pet Groomer Community Podcast, Jo is joined by groomer and social media manager Izzy Delderfield-King. Izzy shares how she discovered a love for marketing through running her own grooming business, and why she now helps other groomers feel more confident with their social media. Jo and Izzy chat about Facebook, Instagram, reels, captions, reviews, local SEO, AI, and why your...

In this episode of The Pet Groomer Community Podcast, Lexi is joined by her friend Phoebe for a brilliantly honest catch-up about grooming, business, parenting, and trying to keep all the plates spinning. Phoebe shares how she left a corporate job to start grooming, began her business as a mobile groomer, and eventually took on a salon. She and Lexi chat about the realities of running a grooming b...

In this episode of The Pet Groomer Community Podcast, Lexi is joined by her friend and fellow groomer Michelle, owner of a Only Dogs in Lingfield. Shell shares her journey from over 20 years in social work to retraining as a dog groomer, opening her own salon, and navigating the very real ups and downs of running a grooming business. From taking on premises with only a few weeks’ notice, to rebuil...

In this episode of The Pet Groomer Community Podcast, Jo is joined by mentor, coach and grooming business expert Bill Betts to talk all things structure, boundaries and business foundations. Bill shares why many of the frustrations groomers face with clients — from no-shows and late arrivals to matting, complaints and tricky reviews — often come down to unclear expectations. Together, Jo and Bill...

This week Lexi is joined by the lovely Becs for a long-overdue catch-up, and there is plenty to talk about. Becs shares what life has been like since closing her salon and moving her grooming business back home, including the huge financial and emotional relief that came with lowering overheads and simplifying her working week. The conversation covers the realities of running a grooming business,...

Jo and Lexi are back together for a much-needed catch-up after a busy Easter break. In this episode, Lexi shares the disappointment of a salon move falling through, how she’s staying positive, and why she’s still excited about future plans. Jo reveals some huge news of her own — a new training centre in Peterborough — plus updates on her cat grooming seminar, GroomFest prep, and upcoming courses....

In this episode of the Pet Groomers Community Podcast, Jo Wallace is joined by Lucy Hoile, feline behaviourist, for a fascinating conversation about the link between cat grooming, stress and behaviour. http://www.lucyhoile.co.uk/ Together, they explore why some cats become fearful or aggressive during grooming, how negative experiences with brushes, clippers or restraint can affect behaviour, and...

In this heartfelt episode of the Pet Groomer Community Podcast, Lexi is joined by fellow groomer Penny Burley for an honest conversation about burnout, bravery, and building a new life through dog grooming. Penny shares how she left a long career in emotionally demanding public sector roles after reaching rock bottom, and how retraining as a dog groomer gave her the fresh start she desperately nee...

Lexi and Jo are back with a big life and business catch-up in this episode of the Pet Groomer Community Podcast. Lexi shares the exciting news that she’s taking the leap from home grooming into a new salon space, opening up fresh opportunities for table renters, training, and future business growth. Jo talks through the realities of running and expanding a salon, building a supportive team, and cr...

In this episode of The Pet Groomers Community Podcast, Jo Wallace sits down with award-winning groomers Jordan Fletcher of Diamonds in the Rough Pet Spa and Jo Tofts of Happy Hounds Dog Spa to talk all things grooming competitions. If you’ve ever considered entering a competition but felt intimidated, this conversation offers an honest and refreshing look at what it’s really like. The girls share...

This week on The Pet Groomer Community Podcast, Lexi is joined by Emma Betts who is a former veterinary nurse, long-time salon owner, and now coach inside Bill Betts’ Pet Groomer Business Programme. Emma shares how her veterinary background shapes her approach to grooming, from understanding oral health and skin conditions to knowing when something needs monitoring versus a vet referral. They chat...

In this episode of The Pet Groomers Community Podcast, host Jo Wallace is joined by fellow Colin Taylor Brand Ambassadors Rebecca Duduid and Charlotte Pulling for an open, honest conversation about grooming competitions, teaching, and the power of community within the industry . Rebecca and Charlotte share their personal journeys into competing, why they wish they’d started sooner, how competition...

Cat grooming has a reputation… and Lexie Goldsmith is here to set the record straight. Jo Wallace is joined by Aussie cat groomer and educator Lexie Goldsmith to talk about what really makes cat grooming successful: understanding stress signals, adapting your approach to the individual cat, and building trust without over-handling. Lexie shares her journey from dog grooming into the cat world, why...

This week on The Pet Groomer Community Podcast, Lexi and Jo are joined by Caroline Donoghue aka the Love Mud Dog Lady for a behind-the-scenes chat about pet grooming, social media, and staying true to your lane. Caroline is an award-winning, experienced dog groomer who runs Lovemud Dog Grooming in East Sussex. With 10 years’ experience, she’s proud to offer a unique 1:1 tailored grooming service t...

Lexi is joined by Hayley, a groomer of nearly 16 years with a veterinary nursing background, to talk about building a salon that supports real life — fewer hours, fewer dogs, and better income. Hayley shares how she’s streamlined her workweek, improved pricing, and boosted turnover by introducing ultrasonic teeth cleaning as a popular add-on, while also educating owners on why oral health matters...

It’s January, it’s freezing, and the cancellations are cancelling… so Jo and Lexi are jumping on for a quick New Year catch-up to reset the mindset and start the year strong. They chat honestly about the January wobble (and how to stay positive when your diary suddenly empties), setting realistic goals, and turning unexpected gaps into something useful — from marketing and life admin to gym sessio...

In this episode of the Pet Groomer Community Podcast, Lexi is joined by Certified Money Coach (CMC)©️, cognitive hypnotherapist and money mindset specialist Fanny Snaith for an open and relatable conversation about money, habits, and self-belief. They explore why so many business owners struggle financially despite earning well, and why money challenges are often rooted in mindset, childhood messa...

Lexi and Jo are finally back together for a long-overdue catch-up, starting with a debrief of the Pet Pro Expo 2025 and why events like this are so important for pet professionals. They share their key takeaways on pricing, mindset, marketing, pensions, and running a sustainable business — not just surviving one. The conversation quickly turns honest as they talk about rising costs, VAT pressure,...

Jo is joined by Sophie James (The Kitty Cat Club) and Francesca de Bernart for a fascinating chat about cat-only grooming, community support, and the surprising value of saved cat hair. Sophie shares her 20-year journey through the grooming industry, her shift to a thriving cat-only salon, and the success of her Cat Groomer Map, helping owners find trusted groomers nationwide. Francesca explains h...

Caroline Moss didn't start as a holistic groomer. Like many, she was trained in traditional methods—but something didn't feel right. On today’s episode of The Pet Groomer Community Podcast, Caroline shares her journey from feeling uncomfortable with standard restraints to becoming the "Holistic Groomer of the Year." Jo and Caroline discuss the transformative power of patience, the science of calmi...

In this heartfelt and honest episode, Lexi is joined by her co-host Jo for a real Sunday night chat about life, business, and everything in between. From celebrating industry achievements to navigating recovery and the natural ebbs and flows of bookings, nothing is off limits. Jo shares the exciting news of being a finalist for not one but two grooming awards (go Jo! ✨) and reflects on how steppi...

In todays episode host Alexis (Lexi) Groves welcomes back Bill Betts, programme leader and mentor within the Pet Groomer Community. Together, they dive into a heartfelt conversation about growth, connection, and the importance of surrounding yourself with a supportive network in the grooming industry. Lexi and Bill reflect on their recent community meetup at Gusbourne Vineyard, a day filled with l...

In this insightful episode of the Pet Groomer Community Podcast, host Jo Wallace welcomes Heather Doyle and Jackie Halina to discuss the fascinating world of cat grooming — from technique and temperament to education and behaviour. Jackie, a seasoned master cat groomer, dog trainer and behaviouralist with over 30 years of experience, shares her remarkable journey from wildlife rescue work to groom...

In this laid-back episode of the Pet Groomer Community Podcast, Alexis (“Lexi”) Groves and Jo Wallace bring cozy Sunday energy to the mic. After a busy week and a short break, the duo catch up on life, business, and the lighter side of the grooming world. Lexi shares highlights from a special day out hosted by their mentor, Bill Betts — a wine tasting and networking event at the renowned Gusbourne...