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.
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!
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!
