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. Hi guys,
I hope this finds you all knee deep in dog furr.....making money, and enjoying your art of canine cosmetology~
BUT..........it is soooo easy to get caught up in accomodating everyone who calls, and the need to stockpile money for the slower season that we can forego some important things to our integrity in our services. If you overbook yourself, you could lose that client you are trying to accomodate due to lack of quality....I always, and it just is my way of doing things, not to say it should be yours, but, I always make room ,if I'm going to squeeze some one in, for established clients in my shop. No one wants to lose a new client but, If you take in that new client, and you are pushed for time, and unable to do your very best to impress, you may just have that client for that one visit and that's it. To me, it's not worth it. We are all in need to keep ourselves afloat, but, truth be known, if I'm not satisfied with a service, cnances are, I'm not going to call and complain, I'm just not going to go back.......When our most important time of year to make our pets in our clientele look thier very best counts the most is at Christmas, when family and freinds come to visit our homes....so, with that said, that's some pretty good exposure to our talent and service ability. If we prove to be a dissappointment to our client whether it be a new client or and established one. They may just keep fido hidden in another room and then, be angry and not come back....... Keep your books busy, but don't compromise quality for quanitity, if you can't offer a full groom a lot of people would just as well be satisfied with a mini groom ( face feet and sanitary trim and a bath) rather than to have a botched rushed service.....just some food for thought. Peace, love, and Happy Holidays! Kim
I haven't had the time to sit and read and catch up on these blogs in so long! finally did! Wanted to say your article are great, and I thank you for sharing your knowledge and time!
Happy Holidays!
Posted by: Chris Sertzel | 12/18/2009 at 08:08 PM