Hi! My name is Kim West. I'm a Graduate of the New York School Of Dog Grooming (Nov. 1984) and National Certified Master Groomer through NDGAA. I have been in dogs since the age of 12 with my first Am. Cocker Spaniel. At 17, I attended Pensacola Fl. Junior College and graduated from their Veterinary Assistant program in June of 1984. Passion for pets is a lifelong and rewarding journey. I have competed in grooming competitions nationally since 1994 accumulating over 50 placements, some of which include, Gold Medal Poodles 1999 Intergroom, Handstrip Terrier Silver Medal 2001 Intergroom, Wahl Artistic Innovations Grand Champion, Best in Show Div. B 1998 Gateway to the West, Best in Show Div. A Gateway To The West 1999. I was also nominated for the Cardinal Crystal Achievement Award for Grooming Contest Judge of the Year 2008. Currently I show my Standard Poodle and share my home with three wild and crazy Miniature Schnauzers. I have three children and one grandchild all of whom I love with all my heart. I love to teach others the art of pet styling, and share the information that others have graciously shared with me over the years. I believe in paying it forward.
Hello everyone !
Sorry it has been a while since my last post, but, I needed to take a vacation.......a real one.......I got t, o go and be one with nature in a big BIG way.......I was able to take a private boat out on the tip of Cape Cod and spend time out on the ocean with Humpback whales.......it was the most humbling experience of my life.......as well as the most awe inspiring...........but, alas I am back to real life, and my passion of grooming......With all that said, lets get down to business shall we?
I am a firm believer that it's "the little things" that set you apart in your business, the extra time spent to detangle a pet, or, the extra time spent on perfecting that style to suit that particular pets structure.....the bows not cheaply made, the bandana picked to suit the personality of the pet or it's color.........owners may not say it to your face on the way out the door, but, best believe that they will speak your name for little efforts like that.
We all know that there are those who , no matter what you do, will never appreciate. We should not short change others because of them though.
You might not be the best at scissoring, you might not have the best , most modern shop out there, but, if your services are from the heart and compassionate, you treat the pets and owners with utmost respect, and you do your absolute best to provide the best service to the best of your ability, then, my freind, you will ALWAYS be fed, clothed, and taken care of by your clients.........I have worked in all kinds of shops for all kinds of people ......you can have the most beautiful, expensive place and not have the best of the best clientele because your customer service isn't up to par..
always strive to improve your skills, always strive to give the best service and always go the extra mile for your clients. It will come back to you ten fold. Till next time, Happy Grooming, Kim
