Great Southern Groomers Convention Wrap

BY NATALIE WEST

It’s the 8th of March, my bags are packed and I am heading to the Great Southern Groomers Convention in glorious Albany / Kinjarling, the country of the Menang people of the Noongar Nation. I have never been to Albany before and much of the talk from friends and family who had been said I was in for a treat. And they were right! Many thanks to Jackie and Trevor who collected me from the airport, and delivered a personal guided tour of very sacred and moving monuments of our diggers who left from Albany to go to war. 

Spirits were high as the first day of learning commenced in a fabulous tennis club that overlooked one of the bays (yes, there are 2!) with views as far as the eye could see.

Jill, Helen, Yvette, Karen and Michelle put together a jam packed 2 day event that has not only touched and inspired me, but connected me with new and old groomers, hungry to unravel as many tricks and tips as they could.

I won't go into the details of every session delivered, but if you ever get the chance to attend any seminar or event where industry leaders come together, off their own bat to encourage and support you, GO! There is nothing better than seeing great leaders at the top of their game, delivering messages of technical excellence, displaying kind and gentle handling skills and leading  participants to grow and be better, it is simply fabulous to see! 

Pair this learning with some great networking opportunities, heaps of laughs and sharing experiences of what it is like to own a grooming salon or work in one. I am always touched by how passionate and compassionate groomers are. It is not always easy grooming day to day, and getting together with a bunch of like minded people is like having a second family to lean on.

Officially, this was my first ‘industry talk’, and although I have much to learn in the space of delivery, I do hope that by sharing my experience of grooming and owning a business, I can influence others to also be the very best they can be.

I want to share with you a little of my own inspiration that came from my Doggy Dooz team in Melbourne. A while ago, Crash, our grooming supervisor, and I were grooming a very difficult dog who was having the most trouble relaxing and enjoying the groom. Crash said at the time, ‘If I can get this dog to enjoy grooming, I think I will cry’ and guess what, a handful of appointments later, she did! As I was walking out the door to go to Perth, there she was, with tears in her eyes saying ‘look Nat’. I was so proud to see her with a calm and relaxed dog. What a win! 

It takes time and dedication to fully connect and understand these amazing dogs that we are so blessed to groom. Take inspiration from those around you and share your passion.

Thank you Albany! I loved every minute!

Here are some pics of the weekend blatantly stolen from the Facebook group. Follow for more!

Jill and Maree

Helen and Flo, having a mo (also - hello nails!)

Winners are grinners

It wasn’t all work!

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