“Groom Expo is the place we collect and converse the language of grooming,” says Jayne Gallagher, seminar speaker and co-star of Pooch Good. “It’s the heartbeat of our business!”

Greater than 5,500 groomers from all around the globe gathered on the Hershey Lodge and Conference middle in Hershey, Pennsylvania to attend the 2022 Groom Expo.

“This was my first go to to any grooming present outdoors of Australia,” says Sarah Warner. “I heard that Groom Expo was the most important on this planet, and after I came upon that I had been nominated for a Barkleigh Honors Award, I knew I needed to attend. 

“After touring 30 hours and over 10,000 miles, I arrived in Hershey,” Sarah continues. “The primary individual to greet me by title was Rebecca Shipman on the registration desk, and from that second on, I felt like I used to be amongst ‘my folks.’ I discovered the distributors, attendees, and even the grooming competitors judges to be probably the most approachable, type, supportive, and pleasant assortment of individuals.”

Jeff and Elizabeth Childers, who had been additionally first-time attendees, drove from Tennessee to attend the expo. “We’re making ready to open a self-serve canine wash and also will offer skilled pet grooming providers,” says Elizabeth. “The Expo has supplied an unlimited quantity of helpful info that may assist us to supply the appropriate instruments and knowledge to our pet homeowners and our workers. Dr. Cliff Faver’s ‘Enterprise 101’ seminar was sufficient to make the entire journey worthwhile.”

Jennie Smith, who owns a grooming salon and grooming college in Loveland, Colorado, calls Groom Expo the “Superbowl” of grooming expos: “This 12 months I introduced all 13 of my workers members to Groom Expo and signed each considered one of them up for the VIP bundle,” says Jennie. “The VIP lounge at all times had a provide of espresso, scorching chocolate, water, and goodies. And it was good to have a spot to go to chill out and soak up every part you discovered within the seminars.

“And, the seminars! The place else are you able to go and have one-on-one conversations with the highest folks in our business? One in every of my ladies acquired to be Victor Rosado’s assistant for his ‘Supercharge Your Grooming’ seminar. Let me let you know—she continues to be on cloud 9!

“I beloved the psychological well being sequence and really feel it’s so wanted in our business,” Jennie continues. “We’re all such empaths for the canine, our shoppers, our workers, that we neglect to deal with ourselves. The entire audio system within the sequence opened up and had been trustworthy about struggles they’d. And I believe for myself, a 37-year veteran within the business, it was highly effective and impactful to know I wasn’t alone.”

Along with the academic seminars and grooming demos designed that will help you take your expertise from good to nice, grooming competitions had been held all through the weekend. You may sit within the viewers and watch among the finest groomers on the planet work their magic from begin to end, observing their methods and seeing the merchandise they use.

The large commerce present was buzzing all weekend lengthy. The distributors had merchandise for each ability stage and funds, and the groomers had been taking full benefit of present specials to refill on their favorites.

Groom Expo will not be all enterprise although, there was loads of time for enjoyable.  The Web Social, “Groomers of the Galaxy” opening-night get together and the Barkleigh Honors after get together gave attendees the chance to satisfy up with previous pals, make new ones, and unwind and actually take pleasure in themselves.

Saturday night featured the Barkleigh Honors Awards and dinner. It was a spectacular occasion that solidified the truth that groomers are “household.” The ballroom erupted with tumultuous applause and cheers for the winner of every of the grooming tournaments as they vied for placement within the Greatest In Present Awards. Then, the 26 contestants of the Summary Runway competitors displayed their wonderful creations on the catwalk, and had been rewarded with the viewers’s thunderous approval.

In the course of the Barkleigh Honors Awards, each nominee obtained an enormous ovation as their title was introduced. When Delise Knight obtained the Barkleigh Honors “Lifetime Achievement Award,” there wasn’t a dry eye in the home. Everybody rose to their ft in tribute to her and to honor her achievements.

Sunday’s Artistic Grooming competitors drew entries from throughout: “I traveled 3,576 miles from England to take part within the Artistic competitors,” says Vikki Pearman. “It was a dream come true for me. Everybody was so useful and pleasant, and I obtained many compliments for the groom I did. It was a terrific expertise and a reminiscence I’ll have without end.”

“I’ve been going to Groom Expo since I began my grooming enterprise 18 years in the past,” says Jolene Siebeneck. “Once I acquired into competing in Artistic, my aim was to win the ‘Folks’s Alternative Award.’ I can’t even start to clarify the sentiments I had after I was introduced because the winner!  I used to be ecstatic! Then, when my title was introduced as taking 1st place, I used to be in full shock. Each competitor works so exhausting and places in numerous hours for this second. I had a tough time wrapping my head round the truth that I gained each awards!”

Artistic groomer Andrea Zelinsky didn’t let a case of nerves and anxiousness maintain her from competing: “Proper earlier than the competitors, I ran to the toilet, splashed some water on my face, and gave myself my finest mirror pep discuss,” says Andrea. “I opened the door and noticed Stacy Przbylinski who rapidly requested me if I used to be all proper. My tears began flowing, and Stacy instantly confirmed me her love and help and mentioned, ‘Simply take heed to the music and neglect concerning the crowd.’ And, that’s precisely what I did.

“To my shock,” continues Andrea, “MY title was introduced as Rising Star. After the present, a fellow groomer says to me, ‘Man, artistic groomers actually simply love when one another locations. That’s so superior to see.’ And, it’s so true. I’ve discovered my place amongst a neighborhood that strives for private finest but additionally strives for neighborhood success.”

Time after time, Jayne Gallagher’s remark about Groom Expo being the heartbeat of the business was confirmed by the groomers on the present.

“Though I used to be touring alone, by no means as soon as did I discover it amongst the unbelievable neighborhood of groomers I used to be with,” shares Sarah Lagos. “I discovered greater than I might ever clarify concerning the artwork of pet grooming, about myself, and the way grateful I’m to have discovered this profession. 

“I might let you know all of the issues I purchased and what I did each day, however my greatest takeaway was in the course of the Barkleigh Honors Awards,” continues Sarah. “Because the awards had been offered, speeches given, and tears shed on stage, I felt a sudden and immense gratitude. I understand that this profession is the rationale I’ve been capable of finding happiness, hope, and a function.

“I’ve a future,” Sarah affirms. “It’s what I used to be meant to do. I’m certain of it!” ✂️

Kathy Hosler

Kathy Hosler opened her store in 1971 when she was simply nineteen years previous. She has constructed a terrific enterprise and continues to be actively grooming at present. Kathy can be a characteristic author for Groomer To Groomer and Pet Boarding & Daycare Magazines, and has been nominated twice for the Barkleigh Honors Journalist of the Yr Award in addition to a Cardinal Crystal Achievement Award for Grooming Journalist.