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.
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!
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.
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