I would love to have some feedback from folks here that are professional groomers. I will be graduating from dog grooming school on December 19th (300 hour course) and will be required to groom 4 dogs to pass the course. I am not too worried about being able to pass... but I am worried about what direction I'm going after I finish school.
My goal is to eventually have a small grooming biz based in my home (and have started purchasing equipment as I can (table, dryers etc.) but I know that what I really need right now is more experience in a grooming shop to continue learning and gain more experience. There are not many small grooming shops advertising for groomers, and those that are, seem to ask for 2 - 5 years grooming experience.
I would be happy just starting out as a "bather" to get a start.. but I guess I hesitate to call and ask if they might need a bather if they are not advertising for one? Also wondering about Petco & Petsmart.. that have their own training... would they accept the training I've had... or would I need to go through their own training as well?
One other question... since I'd like to eventually start my own grooming shop at home... what is the "normal" as far as working in another shop as far as signing a statement that I won't groom separately from my job? I know when I signed up for school (which is in a regular grooming shop) I had to sign that I wouldn't open a grooming shop within 5 miles.
Thanks for any advise you might have for me!!
My goal is to eventually have a small grooming biz based in my home (and have started purchasing equipment as I can (table, dryers etc.) but I know that what I really need right now is more experience in a grooming shop to continue learning and gain more experience. There are not many small grooming shops advertising for groomers, and those that are, seem to ask for 2 - 5 years grooming experience.
I would be happy just starting out as a "bather" to get a start.. but I guess I hesitate to call and ask if they might need a bather if they are not advertising for one? Also wondering about Petco & Petsmart.. that have their own training... would they accept the training I've had... or would I need to go through their own training as well?
One other question... since I'd like to eventually start my own grooming shop at home... what is the "normal" as far as working in another shop as far as signing a statement that I won't groom separately from my job? I know when I signed up for school (which is in a regular grooming shop) I had to sign that I wouldn't open a grooming shop within 5 miles.
Thanks for any advise you might have for me!!