300 ?'s Need Help!

[Marsha26]

I used to cut hair, but have worked as a secretary for 20 years and I'm ready to get away from the desk. I'm currently looking at schools and have contact Nash Academy. Does anyone know anything about this school? They have on-line classes that I can take at home and take my hands on in Kentucky, 900 hours.

I have just taken a job as a vet tech at a local clinic and am hoping this will help me get used to handling animals, especially difficult ones, how does this sound?

Now the big one! My husband does believe there will be much of a future in being a groomer. Can someone give me an estimate of the salary of you are making in or around the mid-Missouri area? I thought I would begin working for someone like Petco and then try to open my own shop in the small town (about 10,000) that I live in. But the only child I have left at home is my son who is a senior in highschool and whom I see when he needs his clothes washed! I feel like it's time I did something I want to do and grooming dogs is it. Since I have the experience of cutting hair I don't think the actually scissoring would be that hard to learn. What does anyone think.

Please help so I can convince my husband!!

[Valerie74]

Grooming is not unlike hairdressing. Some beauty and grooming salons thrive - others go belly-up in a short time. No one can predict how well (or not well) you will do. I will tell you that you are to be commended for going into this profession cautiosly, by seeing how you deal with the animals in your care.

Determining if you will succeed in any business encompasses many factors, whether you are a business person and can handle all the finances, taxes, etc. involved (Grooming business in a box and 'From Problems to Profits' book will help substantially). Become a business and people person first, an accomplished stylist second. Remember if you do open to have at least 6 months rent and salary in a separate account. It takes months to get a commercial location on its feet, so be prepared for a very low income your first year in business. My husband said 'I told you so' the first 8 mos. I opened my salon, but after several years he is eating his words.

Many open right out of school, but I believe in working for a reputable salon for a year or two to see how others run things. With hairdressing the client sits still. With grooming......who knows what you will encounter with animals daily! Going to a tradeshow and seminar where you can speak with groomers - be it mobile or salon, is a real eye-opener also.

Visit a grooming salon in another town far from where you plan to open, many groomers will be happy to help you, ask if you can spend a day just observing.

[c.c.]

I own my own grooming shop, no employees. I support a family of four.

Your husband will be surprised at the potential in this field. Good luck in your new venture!