Ask Barb
igroomhub’s Agony Aunt Extraordinaire! (Now featuring occasional guest wisdom from Rhonda - our mobile grooming oracle!)
MEET BARB
Meet Barb Taylor-Taylor, the grooming world’s golden girl with over 60 fabulous years of experience. With her signature Pomeranian-golden locks, Barb is a true grooming icon, a walking homage to the breeds she adores - full of style, sass, and secrets from decades in the biz.
“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.
Between us, we’ve got you covered from salon floor to back door.
I can’t wait to hear from you!”
MEET RHONDA
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.
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.
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?
Cancel Culture
Hi Barb,
I really struggle with charging cancellation fees at my salon. I find more often than not I’m waving them to avoid having the conversation. Help!
Stagnant Sally
Dear Barb,
I’ve been feeling a bit static in my job lately and like I’m just going through the motions day to day. I know that work is work, but I was wondering if you had any advice on bringing some excitement back into it.
Catch and Release
Hi Barb,
Could you please help me with some release paperwork? I have been working nearly 3 years now from home and have a mental block about doing release forms, matting, elderly, fleas, late no-shows etc. I know I am putting myself at risk. Is there any way you can guide me please? Thanks so much
Grappling with Grinches
Dear Barb,
I’m having trouble with my clients and we’ve only just touched the surface of silly season.
Even clients that are usually sweet have been getting a little nasty and I’m not sure how to deal with it.
Stevie Nicked
Dear Barb,
I really struggle with communicating accidents or injuries with clients.
Do you have any tips to make this a less stressful experience?
No Good at Goodbyes
Dear Barb,
I have tried many times to groom a particular dog in my salon, who is extremely aggressive and is only getting worse at each visit. I’m not sure if it's safe to continue providing my services.
When is it time to part ways with a client and how should it be approached?
Overworked Scissorhands
Dear Barb,
Lately I've been reading about groomers burning out on the Facebook forums.
What can we do to prevent this from happening?
How do we support each other?
How do we stop it from happening to future groomers? …
Shave and Save Saga
Dear Barb,
I have trouble explaining to clients why I charge additional fees for matting if I’m just shaving the dog anyway. Sometimes I won’t charge extra just to avoid the conversation. How do I explain the extra charge to clients?
Tick Tock Influencer
Dear Barb,
I feel like I take too long with my full grooms. How can I get quicker? I have been grooming for almost a year now, but I still feel slow.
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