Hi! I am Denise, and I am the owner of Awesome Paws Pet Salon. I have been in the grooming industry for 23 years. I started out at the Medina County Career Center in their Animal Care class and then moved along my grooming path by taking an awesome grooming job that helped start my on my career.
At the time, I did not know it would become a passion, and once I discovered this, I decided that I wanted to work a little closer to home.
I was fortunate enough to find a new position at a vet clinic doing grooming, where I worked for 13 years before I branched out on my own and opened Awesome Paws. I saw and learned so much being a vet clinic groomer, and the amount of knowledge I gained along the way has been so invaluable.
Throughout my career, I have been to numerous trade shows, joined national organizations, taught an adult ed class for 16 years, started a state organization, and am always reading about new techniques and information contained within the industry and standard of care. Learning is my thing.
Along with learning, I live for teaching and passing down that information. Helping others learn and grow is my second passion in life, and I have been able to apply it throughout my career as a groomer.
Education is key to great pet care in all aspects of owning a pet, not just in the grooming industry. It is just as important for pet parents to keep learning as it is for the professionals who are being trusted to care for them. Let’s face it, the internet is filled with some great information, but it is equally filled with misinformation.
I have seen this industry grow so much throughout the years. It is not the same as it was 23 years ago, and there are up and downsides to that.
For better or worse, there has been a major shift over the years, and being deep in the industry, I am able to see where there is disconnect and confusion between stylist and pet parent. This industry does not have a governing body, nor does it have a standard. It is sort of a free-for-all, which means that anyone can pick up a book, buy some equipment, and say they are a groomer.
Where does a pet parent begin?
I know everyone just wants to provide the best care for their animals, and knowledge is the answer. I aim to provide information for pet owners so that they can make the best choices for themselves and their pets.
Unfortunately, grooming and pet care are not one-size-fits-all, and there is no information that will be exactly the same for every pet or pet owner.
Through this blog, I will be giving insider insight to grooming, tips and tricks for your pets, and answers to questions you may have regarding the grooming side of pet care.
I am really excited to start this journey, and thank you so much for reading!
Pittsburgh Pet Expo. I placed 2nd with this rescue!
