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This month emmaheaven.com is shining the spotlight on...

Grooming Gorgeous

Just over 18 months ago, I lost both of my beloved pooches within a short period of time. I was so devastated that I vowed never to have another dog again as I couldn’t cope with the grief.

Fast forward to six months ago, and whilst going through my Facebook feed I came across the most delectable bundle of white fluff. An Imperial Shih Tzu who stole my heart from the off. I had to have him and a few weeks later, Dougal was at Chez Heaven.

Being a totally pampered pooch, I had to find a dog groomer I trusted, was brilliant at what they do and understands mine and Dougal’s needs.

Step forward Jodie Jones - daughter of our fabulous hair stylist Hilary Jones (like mother, like daughter - super talented in the hair department!), and the owner of dog grooming salon: Grooming Gorgeous.

“After working in private health care for 12 years and starting a family, I decided that after my second child was born, I wanted a complete change of career; something which would fit around mine and my children’s lifestyle.

Besides a busy home life, as an owner of four Shih Tzus, I decided to go on a dog grooming course, so I could maintain and care for my own pets.

I undertook courses (and qualified) in dog grooming, along with additional vocational training, which provided me with a good understanding of what the profession would be like, if I were to pursue it further as a career - unsurprisingly, no two dogs are the same!

After qualifying and working in the industry first hand, I decided it was something I wanted to do. The next (natural) step was to look for suitable premises to run my business from.

I soon found some premises which perfectly fitted my brief (and clients needs) of being well-located, on a main road with the added bonus of accessible parking.

Once I had decided on the necessary equipment, products, and ideal shop layout, I then set my multi-tasking dad to work on making my plans become a reality!

We offer a wide variety of full grooms, which include: washing, drying, nail cutting, and mud bath pampering which reduces shedding.

We also offer an introduction to the salon environment, for young puppies, which includes: a face tidy, pamper session, acclimatising them to being handled by their groomer, and all the associated noises with the washers and dryers, whilst gently familiarising them with their new, strange (to them) surroundings.

What I love about my job is meeting the most amazing people, who are absolutely in love with their dogs, and allowing me to care for their precious fur babies - it is a great honour and there has to be a lot of trust. It is a very rewarding job and all dogs leave the salon looking fabulous.

However, sometimes things don’t always work out the way you think they will and one particular day (still) stands out in my memory…

After washing and drying this particular pooch, he had a bad case of the ‘runs’, resulting in both me and the dog being covered. I didn’t know what to do first: re-wash the dog, wash myself or cry.

Suffice to say ‘Fido’ left the salon looking AND smelling fabulous! As for me? Well that’s another story!! #OccupationalHazard!

I have also had a dog that did not want to go back home with its owner; she just wanted to stay and play. Great ‘customer’ feedback right there!

People come to me because I offer a friendly and inviting grooming salon. I usually work on a one-to-one basis, so the dogs that attend are calm and comfortable, and I can give them my undivided attention.

I never cage any of the dogs which come into the salon; I have a separate, secure area for them to roam free, while they await collection by their owners.

If required, I also allow clients to stay with their dogs whilst they are being groomed, so they can observe how calm their animals are during the grooming process.

My aim is to grow the business, extend my clientele, and business hours, whilst still offering amazing customer service, and turning out the best looking and fragrant groomed dogs.”

You can get in touch with Jodie via her FaceBook Page: facebook.com/GroomingGorgeousSwansea

Or call into the salon at: Grooming Gorgeous, 765 Llangyfelach Road, Treboeth, Swansea SA5 9EH.

Telephone: 07856 331645