Working Solo? Build a Business That Works for You
Whether you're in a home salon, on the road in a van or trailer, or working out of a small shopfront, running a grooming business on your own is a massive job. You're the boss, the bather, the bookkeeper, the cleaner, and the face of your brand. It's rewarding, but it's also a lot to juggle.
This page pulls together tools, links, and advice to help you set things up properly, work safely, protect your time, and keep your business sustainable long term.
OUT ON YOUR OWN
Even when it's just you, there are still legal and practical boxes to tick:
Decide on a business name and register it if it's not just your own name
Organise public liability insurance (especially if clients come to your home or you visit theirs)
Set up a way to issue invoices and track income/expenses
Make sure your pricing covers your time, not just your costs
Once you have an ABN, you should be able to register for commercial accounts and wholesale or near wholesale pricing with dog grooming suppliers
If you’re just starting out, chat with a business mentor to help map it all out, or check out our Dog Grooming Business 101 course (free for members, just sayin!)
Getting Set Up Right
Employing Yourself
When you're self-employed, you need to think like an employer too. That means looking after your future, not just this week's bookings.
Pay yourself super regularly (you can set up automatic transfers to your fund)
Put aside income tax and GST as you go - don’t wait until EOFY and hope for the best
Create a savings buffer for slow periods or time off
Plan for leave, especially if you're thinking about starting a family
Not sure where to start with leave as a sole trader? Read Mel’s insight into Maternity Leave for Self Employed Groomers
Safe Work Practices When You Work Alone
Working solo means there's no one to step in if something goes wrong. That makes safety even more important:
Avoid lifting large dogs without proper equipment
Make sure someone always knows where you are and when you're expected back
Use non-slip, anti-fatigue mats and groom with ergonomics in mind
Take regular breaks and stretch out your hands, arms, and back
Don’t ignore bites, scratches, or repetitive strain injuries
Need a refresher? The WHS Induction Course was built for solo and team groomers alike (and is ALSO free for members!)
Boundaries, Bookings & Burnout
When it's just you, poor boundaries don’t just make you tired. They make your business unsustainable.
Set clear booking hours and stick to them
Create a cancellation policy and make it visible
Say no to aggressive dogs or clients who don’t respect your time
Use automated reminders to cut down on last-minute no-shows
Build breaks into your day, especially if you don’t have someone to cover for you
You’re allowed to rest. You don’t need to earn it by burning out first.
Growing a Sustainable Solo Business
Being small doesn't mean you can’t be smart about growth. A one-person business can be profitable and professional with the right systems:
Charge properly for your time, not just the haircut
Use rebooking strategies to build a reliable client base
Outsource things you hate (admin, socials, laundry)
Review your pricing regularly
Think about where you want to be in 2 or 5 years. Not every solo groomer stays solo forever.
If you’re starting to think about bringing someone on - even just to help run things when you take a day off - check out the Employing Staff, Staff Induction, and Training Staff pages for tools and support to help you take that next step.
Commit to Ongoing Education
When you're working solo, there's no team around to bounce ideas off or share tips with. That’s why it’s even more important to stay connected to what’s happening in the industry.
Yes - we know it’s our bag, but an igroomhub membership gives you access to tutorials, tips, breed-specific grooms, and handling strategies from professionals who’ve seen it all. Or take things to the next level and complete some dog grooming theory courses with igroomschool.
Whether you’re refining your technique or learning something new, regular education keeps your skills sharp and your confidence up.
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