The Traveling Groomers Podcast

Welcome aboard the Traveling Groomers Podcast! Fresh off their trip to the recently rebranded "Groomed" (formerly Atlanta Pet Fair), Chris Anthony and Mary Oquendo dive into post-show reflections, travel mishaps, and lessons learned both on the road and in the grooming van. This episode is packed with stories about flight nightmares, the ever-confusing world of airport CLEAR and PreCheck, and, of course, some classic pet parent and grandparent shenanigans (including the questionable dietary choices of Pooh Bear).But it’s not all fun tangents—Chris Anthony and Mary Oquendo bring the conversation back to business with an honest look at "spring cleaning" your grooming operation. They share tips for reassessing tools, tech, and routines, highlight the importance of updating policies and procedures, and remind us why now is the perfect time for some practical housekeeping—especially as business picks up with the new season. From evaluating what gear you really need, to making sure your business model (and boundari

Welcome back to Healthy, Wealthy, and Wise! In today’s episode, “Pushing Through Is Not a Personality Trait,”  Join Mary Oquendo, Denise Heroux, and Michelle Knowles as they candidly examine the culture of “toughing it out” in the grooming industry. From glorifying marathon grooming days and ignoring physical pain, to real talk about burnout and losing passion for your craft, they challenge the notion that perseverance at all costs is a badge of honor. The hosts share personal stories and practical advice for finding a sustainable work-life balance, from raising prices and slowing your schedule, to the importance of movement, proper sleep, and nutrition. Plus, tune in for creative ideas about workplace wellness, including salon stretch guides and self-care reminders. If you’re a groomer feeling exhausted or questioning your passion, this is the must-listen episode for reclaiming your health, happiness, and love for the job.

Welcome to another lively episode of the Traveling Groomers Podcast! This week, hosts Chris Anthony and Mary Oquendo dive deep into the art of choosing the right pet professional—whether it's a groomer or a boarding facility. Fresh off her vacation, Mary Oquendo shares her own pet boarding experiences, sparking a conversation about what matters most when entrusting the care of your furry friends. From behind-the-scenes stories at boarding facilities to insights on different grooming environments—shops, mobiles, house calls, and even spa-style salons—the team unpacks what pet owners should look for, what groomers need to consider about their clients, and how pricing, specialization, and pet personality play crucial roles. They touch on everything from certification and continuing education to room security and pet preferences, making sure both pet owners and professionals alike walk away with a checklist for finding the best care. So grab your travel mugs and tune in as the Traveling Groomers crew blends pract

Welcome to Healthy, Wealthy, And Wise. In this episode, we dive deep into a topic that’s close to our hearts: leaving the grooming industry better than we found it. Join Mary Oquendo, Denise Heroux, and Michelle Knowles as they share personal stories of mentorship, the power of kindness, and the importance of building each other up in a community that can sometimes feel competitive or critical.You’ll hear about the trailblazers and educators who inspired our hosts to speak up, lead with compassion, and push for positive change, even when it wasn’t easy. The conversation also covers the challenges and drama sometimes seen within the industry, and why it’s crucial to support new groomers, celebrate each other's successes, and hold ourselves to high standards not just for the animals in our care, but for each other.Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting your journey, this episode serves as a reminder that everyone has something valuable to contribute, and that together, we really can make the industry st

**** New Pet edge coupon code is TRAVELER10*****Welcome aboard to another lively episode of the Traveling Groomers Podcast! Today, Chris Anthony, Mary Oquendo, and their special guest, Barkleigh Award-winning author Angie Coates, dive into the world of pet grooming, creative writing, and all the hilarious pitfalls and triumphs along the way. We’re kicking things off with a behind-the-scenes peek into Anjie Coates’s motivation for her latest book, "The Grooming Witch of the Iron Ledge"—spoiler alert: it was sparked by frustration over poorly portrayed groomers in popular media. The hosts swap stories about writing styles—from structured outlines to composing whole chapters in the shower—and how neurodiversity shapes their creative processes. You’ll also get the inside scoop on the realities of self-publishing, from formatting woes and choosing between KDP and IngramSpark, to the unique challenges of creating audiobooks and selecting the perfect narrator. Plus, the conversation meanders through the importance o

Welcome aboard, fellow groomers and pet professionals! On this episode of the Traveling Groomers Podcast, Chris Anthony and Mary Oquendo dive deep into the not-so-glamorous but oh-so-important world of business taxes, work-life balance, and—yes—the realities of burnout in the grooming industry. As tax season looms, they share practical tips for keeping tax-time stress at bay, from using QuickBooks and the latest IRS resources to deciding when it’s worth hiring an accountant. But it’s not all numbers and paperwork! The conversation flows into the art of setting boundaries, both with challenging clients and within your own family—because maintaining your mental health is just as vital as running a well-oiled grooming business. Chris Anthony and Mary Oquendo share candid stories, gentle (and sometimes not-so-gentle) strategies for saying “no,” and a healthy dose of laughter about everything from family phone calls at odd hours to accidental cat-hair explosions. If you’re feeling the pressure of busy season or ju

Welcome to Healthy, Wealthy, and Wise, with Mary Oquendo, Denise Heroux and Michelle Knowles as they dive into the challenges grooming professionals face when clients need to stretch out appointment; whether it’s due to economic uncertainty, life events like new babies, or changes in circumstance. The conversation explores how groomers can approach these sensitive situations with empathy, offer practical solutions (like “easy breezy” clips and package deals), and use creative language to avoid client guilt. The episode also touches on the power of AI tools in the grooming business for tasks like marketing and naming special services, as well as strategies for maintaining long-term client relationships during tough times. If you’re a pet professional looking to balance compassion and business, or simply want to hear stories from the grooming front lines, this episode delivers thoughtful advice, a bit of humor, and encouragement for staying connected with your clients—no matter what they’re going through.

Welcome back to Healthy, Wealthy, And Wise Podcast. In this episode your hosts Mary Oquendo and Michelle Knowles dive into the powerful impact of making waves in the grooming industry—and why shaking things up is not just important, but necessary for progress.Kicking things off, Mary Oquendo shares her journey from the early days of mobile grooming, where formal business classes were non-existent and most groomers were left to "wing it." She reflects on how far the industry has come—from the lack of terms of service and educational resources, to today’s abundance of business classes and community-driven standards.Michelle Knowles jumps in to celebrate the advancements in mobile grooming and highlights her recent experience at the unique Speakeasy Institute in Maine, applauding its dedication to next-level education and community connection.Both hosts get real about the importance of speaking up for animals and professional standards, sharing how collective action—whether it’s advocating for better handling pr

Welcome to another episode of the Traveling Groomers Podcast! This week, your hosts Chris Anthony and Mary Oquendo take us on a colorful journey through the world of creative grooming. Joined by guest and talented creative groomer Erin Hulan, the crew shares stories about the evolution of creative grooming competitions, the artistic spark that got Erin started in the field, and how she balances her passion for canine creativity with the practical challenges of running a grooming business. You’ll hear candid discussions about the realities of poodle coat maintenance, the supportive culture among creative groomers at shows, and Erin’s path from her first trade show inspiration to competing and teaching across the country. The episode is filled with laughs, relatable tales about mistaken identity in the grooming world, tips for beginners, and behind-the-scenes insight into grooming contests and the importance of learning from judges’ feedback. Whether you’re a seasoned professional, an aspiring creative groomer,

Welcome to Healthy, Wealthy, and Wise,with hosts Mary Oquendo, Michelle Knowles and Denise Heroux as they unpack the elusive concept of joy in the workplace—especially within the grooming industry. Together, they share honest stories about finding and sometimes losing happiness both as groomers and business owners.Listen in as Michelle Knowles opens up about her planned transition from hands-on grooming to pursuing new paths, and Mary Oquendo recounts her journey from loving her job to hitting burnout—thanks in part to a particular  dreaded poodle client. Denise Heroux gives perspective as an owner on finding joy through helping her employees grow, while also navigating the challenges that come with leadership.The conversation isn’t all sunshine and roses—they dive into the realities of burnout, how toxic work environments can sneak up on you, and the importance of self-awareness. You’ll hear tips on self-assessment, boundary-setting, and the value of taking time off to recharge. Plus, the trio shares upcomin

Welcome aboard to another lively episode of the Traveling Groomers Podcast! Join hosts Chris Anthony and Mary Oquendo as they kick off episode 316 with their signature blend of industry insight and playful banter. Today, they dive into how grooming styles and techniques have evolved—going from bell heads on everything to the puffy, adorable "Asian fusion" looks and the ever-changing trends influenced by doodle breeds. Along the way, Chris Anthony and Mary Oquendo swap stories about outdated tech (remember iPods?), creative clients, and the impact of new tools on grooming fashions.They also tackle the importance of developing strong relationships with veterinarians, sharing practical tips—like virtual vet services—especially for groomers in rural areas. If you’re a pet professional curious about new grooming styles, keeping up with technology, or just need a laugh as you work, grab your travel mug and jump in for a fun, informative ride with the Traveling Groomers!

Welcome to the Healthy, Wealthy, and Wise podcast with your  hosts Mary Oquendo and Denise Heroux. Listen as they dive into the ins and outs of employee management in the grooming industry. From the challenges of hiring the right people to the importance of workplace culture and boundaries, Denise Heroux shares hard-earned wisdom from her years of building a thriving business. Meanwhile, Mary Oquendo reflects on her own experiences, highlighting the lessons learned working for corporate grooming shops and why she chose a different path. Whether you’re an employer, employee, or solo groomer, this conversation is packed with real talk, practical tips, and honest stories about what it takes to create—and keep—a healthy, happy team. Plus, hear about upcoming classes, trade shows, and what topics to expect in future episodes. Settle in for the blend of humor and expertise you’ve come to expect from Traveling Groomers!

Welcome aboard to episode 315 of the Traveling Groomers Podcast! In this lively installment, Chris Anthony and Mary Oquendo kick off the new year with a candid conversation about practical strategies for mobile and house call grooming businesses. They dive into everything from smart money-saving hacks—like tackling runaway subscriptions and slashing utility bills—to the importance of setting realistic, actionable goals instead of flimsy resolutions. Packed with real-world anecdotes (including what happens when clients get “stuck” in Aruba!) and plenty of humor, this episode explores how small changes can have a big impact on your bottom line. The hosts also take on hot topics like the pros and cons of using AI in the grooming industry, sharing personal takes on everything from AI-generated images and copy to tools that can streamline your client communications. So grab your favorite travel mug, settle in, and get ready for honest advice, playful banter, and a few surprises—including a laugh-out-loud story abo

Welcome to Healthy, Wealthy, and Wise with hosts Mary Oquendo and Michelle Knowles with a lively discussion centered on the importance of branding in the pet grooming industry. They dive into what really makes a brand memorable, sharing personal anecdotes—from childhood games to logo recognition—and uncover how colors, consistency, and authenticity shape the way clients perceive your business. Whether you’re a mobile groomer, salon owner, or house-call specialist, you’ll discover actionable tips for making your branding mesh with your personality, your services, and your target clientele. Expect real stories, expert advice, and a whole lot of relatable banter as the crew explores everything from logo design to website hacks. Plus, Mary Oquendo and Michelle Knowles share details about their upcoming events and encourage listeners to connect, suggest future topics, and even recommend guests. If you’re looking to kick-start your year by taking your grooming business to the next level, this episode will set you o

Welcome aboard for episode 314 of the Traveling Groomers Podcast! In this cozy, nostalgia-filled conversation, Chris Anthony and Mary Oquendo kick things off with friendly banter, comfort food memories, and funny tales of life with their pets. As always, they don’t stray far from the world of grooming—this time unpacking the evolution of grooming tools, essential equipment maintenance, and the explosion of innovative new combs and brushes in the industry. From humble beginnings with classic greyhound combs to a modern toolkit packed with specialized options, Chris Anthony and Mary Oquendo share stories, advice, and even a bit of dumpster diving for those precious tools! You’ll hear how today’s grooming professionals benefit from gear designed by fellow groomers, how to protect your investments, and why ergonomics matter more than ever. There are plenty of laughs, practical insights, and a sneak peek at upcoming workshops—all set against the backdrop of the ever-changing world of mobile and house-call grooming

Welcome aboard to another episode of the Traveling Groomers Podcast, where the world of mobile and house call grooming comes alive! In this episode, hosts Chris Anthony and Mary Oquendo dive deep into what it means to truly invest in your grooming business—especially during the holiday season and as we roll into the New Year. Forget standard New Year’s resolutions! Instead, our hosts challenge groomers to think about "gifting" their business—whether it’s upgrading equipment, streamlining operations by cutting unnecessary subscriptions, or even adding valuable enrichment tools and treats to make life easier for both pets and groomers. The conversation covers everything from the practical (like the importance of a trash can with a lid) to self-care for your business, such as revamping policies, updating first aid kits, and being honest with yourself and your clients. You’ll also hear real-world stories about upholding policies, handling those tricky cancellation fees, and advocating for yourself and your furry

Welcome aboard to episode 312 of the Traveling Groomers Podcast! In this festive and insightful episode, hosts Chris Anthony and Mary Oquendo invite groomers, pet stylists, and canine cosmetologists to settle in with a travel mug and join them for a journey through the ups and downs of the grooming business during the holiday season.Recorded right before the holiday rush and airing just as groomers are in the home stretch, this episode dives into everything from surviving Christmas week and the importance of regular scheduling, to handling winter weather challenges and making the most of those coveted holiday tips. Chris  and mary share their favorite client gifts (yes, even cookies!), experiences with holiday slowdowns, and strategies for self-care and realistic goal-setting as you plan for the year ahead.Plus, they explore creative ways mobile and house call groomers can incorporate retail into their business, offer advice on managing finances, and discuss the value of outsourcing tasks to increase your hou

Welcome aboard the Traveling Groomers Podcast! In this episode, hosts Chris Anthony and Mary Oquendo dive into the realities of wrapping up the year as professional groomers, pet stylists, and canine cosmetologists. As the holiday rush winds down, they share insight on taking a moment to breathe, assess your business, and make plans for the year ahead. Drawing parallels to the changing seasons and lessons learned from the pandemic, they discuss how to adapt to economic shifts, streamline your operations, and, most importantly, why having a coach is an investment in your success—not just an expense. You’ll also hear candid stories about travel mishaps, client cancellations, and the importance of self-care. Plus, join in as they swap tales from the Rocky Mountain show—Halloween costumes, local adventures, and unforgettable moments with their grooming community. Whether you’re prepping for the new year or recharging for another busy season, this episode is packed with practical advice, heartfelt anecdotes, and a

Welcome aboard another lively ride with the Traveling Groomers Podcast! In this episode, hosts Chris Anthony and Mary Oquendo are joined by special guest Samantha Palya for an honest and engaging roundtable that dives deep into the world of mobile and house call grooming, continuing education, and life on the road as a pet professional. This week, the trio swap stories about their experiences traveling to trade shows, the unique exhaustion that comes with always being “on,” and what it really means to manage a career in grooming – from long stretches away from family to the quirks of navigating New Jersey roads! Samantha offers fascinating insights into teaching grooming courses at the college level and shares her passion for cultivating structured education for up-and-coming groomers. The crew also opens up about the importance of early skills, safety, and evolving industry standards, highlighting the vital role that continued learning plays in staying at the top of your game. You’ll hear hilarious tales fro

Welcome to another lively episode of the Traveling Groomers Podcast! In today’s special live recording, hosts Chris Anthony and Mary Oquendo are joined by Annalisa Signorelli, a seasoned grooming professional and problem-solver who’s bringing innovation to the grooming table. This episode—recorded live  simultaneously on the California Groomers Association and Traveling Groomers Facebook pages—dives into one of the industry’s most persistent challenges: communication between groomers and clients.Chris, Mary, and Annalisa share real-life anecdotes of grooming mix-ups, client misunderstandings, and the infamous “I’ll do my best” promise that leaves groomers everywhere sighing in solidarity. But it’s not just about venting—Annalisa introduces an exciting new app designed to transform client consultations, using easy-to-understand visuals and AI-powered customization to help bridge the communication gap and protect groomers from lost revenue and unhappy customers.If you’re a pet groomer who’s ever found yourself