igroomhub’s Agony Aunt Extraordinaire
Ask Barb
Barb Taylor-Taylor is the grooming world’s golden girl, with over 60 fabulous years of experience and absolutely no time for nonsense. With her signature Pomeranian-golden locks, Barb is a true grooming icon. A walking homage to the breeds she adores, she’s full of style, sass, and hard-earned wisdom from decades in the biz, with her cherished Pom, Syllabub, never too far away.
From time to time, Barb is joined by bestie Rhonda, our mobile grooming oracle, offering practical insights drawn from years on the road.
*Disclaimer: Barb has been semi-retired and in her late sixties for at least twenty years. Syllabub remains six years old. We have stopped trying to understand either phenomenon.
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Hello there! I’m delighted to meet you all, possums! You know, I began my career when pet grooming was still a novelty, and doodle meant something entirely different.
Over my decades in the biz, I’ve perfected my craft, mastering every trick from hand-scissoring to handling the most spirited clients. Now semi-retired (we never really give it up, do we?) I spend my days sipping tea (Lady Grey), hosting my crochet club, and answering grooming dilemmas as igroomhub’s Agony Aunt.
If you’re in need of guidance or just a fresh perspective, I’ve got you covered like mint on a julep! And for all you mobile groomers out there - don’t you worry your pretty little heads. My best mate Rhonda (yes, that Rhonda with the van and the windchimes) keeps her Crocs on the ground and her advice on tap for anything with wheels attached. When a question rolls in that’s more driveway than dryer, she pops in to lend her roadwise wisdom.
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Rhonda is Barb’s long-time best friend and our resident mobile grooming sage. Originally from the US before moving to Australia in her twenties, she kept the accent, the cowboy-country playlists, and a certain road-born philosophy of life. She’s groomed in every awkward parking situation known to mankind and once lived in her van for three weeks in the late 70s, which she still refers to as her “van-based detox from men.” She’s practical, calm, a bit eccentric in the best way, and rarely seen without her loyal Irish Wolfhound, Willie (as in Nelson) who supervises all road-based wisdom.
Barb and Rhonda first crossed paths at a shampoo convention in the 90s and bonded over a love of chardonnay and country music. They’ve been inseparable ever since - laughing at the industry’s madness, swapping stories, and surviving enough conferences, clients, and product launches to fill a memoir.
If your question involves vans, trailers, extension cords, access, water, slopes, neighbours, or parking acrobatics - Barb will get Rhonda in to spill the (herbal) tea
“Between us, we’ve got you covered from salon floor to back door. We can’t wait to hear from you!”
Browse by letter to explore common questions, awkward moments, and industry realities.
Saturday Bite Fever
Dear Barb,
I got bitten on the weekend at work. It wasn’t terrible, but it shook me. I keep replaying it in my head and now I feel nervous with dogs I was previously fine handling. How do I move past this without losing my confidence?
Guilt Tripper
Dear Barb,
Why do I feel so horribly guilty every time I have to reschedule appointments because I’m unwell or something urgent’s come up? My clients are always incredibly understanding, but I still feel awful whenever I have to do it.
No Walk in the Park
Dear Barb,
What do you do when you pull up to a house and realise the parking situation is a nightmare? It gives me a lot of anxiety, especially with new clients.
Cold Feet for Comps
Dear Barb,
I really want to enter a grooming competition, but I’m terrified. What if I embarrass myself? What if my groom looks like it was done in a moving vehicle? What if everyone else is amazing and I’m just… there? Help!
No Time to Lose
Dear Barb,
I’m a new mobile groomer and I cannot, for the life of me, get my schedule to run smoothly. I’m either running behind, wasting time driving between suburbs, or squeezing in clients I shouldn’t. Help!
Barking Mad
Dear Barb,
Is it unprofessional to ‘bark back’ at a client when they’re being unreasonable?
50 First Weights
Dear Barb,
I’m struggling with large breeds. I love them, but in a mobile setup they can be near impossible to groom. I don’t want to say no to big dogs, so how do you make it work?
Sticky Beaks
Dear Barb,
How do I politely manage clients who want to ‘pop in’ to check on their dog mid-groom in my van? It’s such a small space, and I feel awkward.
Tidying Tumbleweeds
Dear Barb,
Why does every second client say ‘just a tidy-up’ and then bring in a walking tumbleweed?
Anatomy Quackery
Dear Barb,
Why does anatomy matter so much? I just want the dog to look good, but people keep banging on about bones and structure and I’m honestly not sure how much of that is actually useful day to day.
Clipped Wings
Dear Barb,
What do you do when a co-worker keeps jumping in and “fixing” your grooms before you’ve finished? I know I’m still learning, but it makes me feel deflated – like I’m not trusted to get it right.
Help!
Groomer by Design
Dear Barb,
Is it okay to have a “style” as a groomer, or should I always do what the client wants? I feel like I’m developing a certain look in my grooms, but I don’t want to seem like I’m ignoring instructions.
Witch, Please
Dear Barb,
Why does scissoring feel like witchcraft and will I ever get good at it? My hands cramp, my lines are wonky, and I swear my shears are plotting against me.
Help!
Tip-Toe-Beans
Dear Barb,
I’m the only junior in the salon and I constantly feel like I’m tiptoeing around the other groomers. They’re great at what they do, but I’m scared to ask questions or speak up in case I annoy someone. How do I find my voice without rocking the boat?
Help!
The Great Un-Grooming
Dear Barb,
I’m a groomer trying to move back into office work (sales/admin background), but after 50+ job apps, I’m wondering if “dog groomer” is turning employers off. Anyone made the switch back to corporate? Would love any tips.
Help!
Green Dreamer
Dear Barb,
I really want to make my grooming salon more eco-friendly, but the thought overwhelms me because I don’t know where to start. Help!
The Price is Fright
Dear Barb,
Dreaded price increase time is rolling around again.
I struggle to charge our worth, as I know everyone is struggling with the cost of living.
Help!
File This Under Necessary
Dear Barb,
I find it hard to justify spending money when it comes to self-care (think physio, massage, nails or hair). I’m in a constant internal argument between feeling guilty whilst knowing it’s something I do want to spend some time and money on. Help!
Home Truths
Dear Barb,
I just started up my grooming biz from home and could really use some advice. I’ve had a few lovely clients already, which is exciting, but now I’m kinda stuck on how to keep it all moving. How do you get more regulars and keep them coming back?
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