Today we’d like to introduce you to Gabby Micalizio.
Hi Gabby, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I never thought in my time and life I would become a Dog Groomer. There were many questions that were surrounding my mind where do I start, how do I go through this, is there a school or academy or me to enroll. I started at Petsmart and worked my way from the bottom as a bather for the dogs and eventually in a year went to school to become a full-time groomer. I would say becoming a dog groomer was not easy, it can be fun and exciting at times but there is an also a portion of physical work, mental work and lots and lots of patience. As a groomer that I have been told we never stop learning; we are always growing and thriving in our community.
As of a year now I have officially been running my own Dog Grooming Business called Gabby’s Grooming (LLC). I am a very passionate and ambitious woman who puts much attention and devotion into what I do. At my brand, Gabby’s Grooming LLC. I want Pet owners to be assured that I do the best work for all my clients and also invest in the best bands that are safe but effective towards your pet’s health. I also want them to know not only are they in good and ensuing hands with my business but there is also lots of affection and love I provide for your pets.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I am very lucky to say that becoming a business owner it has been a smooth road. I created a deadline and a budget for myself of what I would be useful in my salon and when I would need to open. I wanted to make sure that everything was planned accordingly, especially when it came time for the grand opening.
There are some challenges that do come with being a dog groomer, one is being in good physical health. When I first started out, I thought doing this job every day was like a workout, but you are working with your body every day bending, squatting and of course standing for 8 hrs. a day, patience also plays a huge part in working with this role. I have come to learn, being a groomer for 4 years, how important it is to take care of your wellbeing mentally and physically. There are also the somber times of when we lose the best friends we made along our journey as a groomer, we are working close to the dogs, we come to love more than just a client but as a best friend too.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
As a groomer I devote lots of time, energy and love into making your pets looking great and adorable. Being a dog groomer for 4 years I always want the best for my clients and their dogs. I always assure that they are in great hands with someone that has an immense amount of patience and care that I can give to your pups. I like to push myself with becoming more advanced in my knowledge of grooming and pet care. I take my safety and attention very seriously when I work with my dogs. Becoming CPR certified and First Aid certified has helped me be more aware of health scares and putting my clients trust in myself and my business better. What I am most proud about is being able to have and call a business of my own. I love being able to design and create cute and adorable haircuts for my clients. It makes me feel so fulfilled to invest the best products that I’m able to work with every day. I can also say I find more passion and drive working for my own business by creating beautiful haircuts and cute styles that make my clients gush with appreciation. What would set myself apart from others just like yourself when you are going to have your hair done and feel glamorous after, I like doing this the same way for dogs. I want them to feel relaxed, comfortable and of course wonderful after their haircut. It makes me have a great piece of mind seeing their faces glow after their haircuts.
What’s next?
I like to set a many goals and aspirations for myself in the future. One of my many plans for the future is I would like to dive into the world of competitive dog grooming. I feel being a competitive dog groomer this not only pushes me outside of my comfort zone but also allows me to learn about grooming different breeds and styles in the grooming world. One of my other goals would be to have Gabby’s Grooming expand and become well known about the styles and service that I create for my clients but also giving the love, attention and patience that all my clients would receive. I would like to travel to different shows and expos taking numerous amounts of classes and always learning new techniques to apply to my everyday clients. One of my major goals is to become a Master groomer with AKC dog grooming shows. It always makes me so excited to see every year the different breeds that are shown around and the breed cuts they are created with. I always look forward to the future now being an independent business owner.
Contact Info:
- Website: gabbysgrooming.com
- Instagram: gabby_micalizio_
- Facebook: gabby micalizio
Image Credits
Kona Benjamin
Lily Bailey
Piper Wartenberg
Coco Ortega
Saint Jones
Winston Campos
