We’re looking forward to introducing you to Mayra Ayala. Check out our conversation below.
Good morning Mayra, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What is a normal day like for you right now?
A typical day for me starts bright and early—I’m usually up by 5am and at the gym getting in a good workout to kick things off. Once I’m back home, I make breakfast, take my dogs out for their morning potty break, and by 9am, I’m officially in grooming mode.
On a busy day, I groom around 4 to 5 pups and usually wrap up by 4pm, though sometimes I finish earlier depending on my schedule. That’s one of the perks of working for yourself—having the freedom to end your day when you decide.
If I finish early, I might squeeze in a second quick workout. Otherwise, it’s straight into making dinner, taking a nice hot shower, winding down, and recharging for another busy (but rewarding) day ahead.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi there! My name is Mayra Ayala, and I run Snazzy Pooch Grooming—a cozy, home-based dog grooming salon located in Chula Vista. I specialize in grooming small dogs (35 lbs and under), and I’m proud to offer a calm, one-on-one grooming experience that’s a refreshing alternative to busy, crowded grooming shops.
At SPG, your pet’s comfort is my top priority. I use top-quality products, provide cage-free sessions, and work at a steady, efficient pace—no long wait times or hours spent sitting in a kennel. Each session is intimate and personalized, helping pets feel more relaxed and at ease.
Booking is a breeze with our easy-to-use online system—no back-and-forth needed. And after each appointment, pet parents receive a detailed grooming report by email, sharing how their pup did during their visit.
I’m also excited to be expanding! I’ve started designing and selling handmade dog bandanas, and I now offer pet-safe CBD oil—already a hit with many of my clients.
If you’re looking for a stress-free, loving grooming experience for your pup, Snazzy Pooch Grooming is here for you!
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
The man I’ve been in a relationship with since 2017 has deeply shaped how I see myself—in the most positive ways. Before I met my partner, Glenn, I was anxious, afraid to take risks, and constantly caught up in negative “what ifs.”
Over the past eight years, he’s taught me the power of patience, how to be present, and to trust in the process of life instead of trying to control every outcome. Because of him, I’ve learned to believe in myself and embrace the unknown with confidence and calm.
These lessons haven’t just changed me personally—they’ve helped shape my mindset as a business owner, too. I’m truly grateful that Glenn came into my life. If it weren’t for him, I’d probably still be stuck in that miserable job, never realizing what I was truly capable of.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could go back in time and say just one kind thing to my younger self, it would be this: Stop being so hard on yourself.
You’re doing the best you can with what you know—and that’s more than enough. You don’t have to carry the weight of the world on your shoulders or have everything figured out. Breathe. Trust yourself. You are worthy of love, growth, and grace—even when you stumble.
One day, you’ll look back and realize how far you’ve come. And you’ll be so proud.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
The biggest lie the grooming industry tells new dog groomers?
That burning yourself out is just part of the job.
From the start, many groomers are taught that long hours, back-to-back dogs, and physical exhaustion are just “normal.” That you have to take every client, say yes to everything, and hustle nonstop just to make it. But that’s not sustainable—and it’s not true.
Healthy boundaries, fair pricing, and prioritizing your well-being doesn’t make you lazy or less committed—it makes you smart. You can be passionate and protect your peace.
The truth is: You don’t have to sacrifice yourself to be successful in this industry.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
What I’ve come to understand—something many in the grooming industry often overlook—is just how much dogs pick up on our energy and body language.
If you’re having a bad day, feeling anxious, or carrying negative energy, dogs will sense it. And more often than not, they’ll mirror it. That’s when they become fearful, defensive, or “difficult to groom.”
I’ve worked with so many dogs labeled as “aggressive” or “anxious,” dogs who supposedly couldn’t be groomed—yet when they’re with me, they’re calm, trusting, and completely different. Why? Because I meet them with patience, calm energy, and respect for their space.
It’s not just about technique—it’s about connection. Grooming is energy work, too.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://snazzypoochgrooming.my.canva.site/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/snazzypoochgrooming/
Image Credits
Mayra Ayala
