“Family and Friends are hidden treasures, Seek them out and enjoy their riches” - Wanda Hope Carter

So, you’re taking the leap and starting your home-based dog grooming business — amazing! 🐾 But when it comes to telling your friends and family, you freeze up a bit.

Maybe you're thinking:

“I don’t want to bother anyone…”
“What if they think I don’t know what I’m doing?”
“What if no one takes me seriously?”

Sound familiar? You’re not alone — this part feels awkward for so many of us. But here’s something really important to remember:

You’re not asking for a favour.
You’re simply letting the people who already love and care about you know that you’re doing something exciting — and they’ll likely want to support you if they can.

Here are 5 simple ways to get started:

1️⃣ Don’t Be Afraid to Say It Out Loud

“I’m starting a dog grooming business from home.”

Go on — say it! Out loud. To a friend. To your sister. To your partner. Saying it makes it real, and it builds your confidence one conversation at a time.

You’ll be surprised how encouraging people are once they know what you’re working on — and chances are, they’ll be more excited than you expected!

2️⃣ Offer a Free or Discounted Groom to Close Friends & Family

This is a fantastic way to:

• Get practice in with dogs you already know

• Build your portfolio with great before-and-after pics

• Start collecting testimonials and word-of-mouth buzz

Think of it as an investment in your future bookings — and a boost to your confidence too!

3️⃣ Ask If They Can Help Spread the Word

Do they work in a busy café, salon, crèche, or shop? Could they put up a poster or hand out a few business cards?

A single flyer in the right place can lead to a flurry of local bookings. You never know who might see it and be looking for a local, friendly groomer like you.

4️⃣ See How Else They Might Be Able to Help

Support doesn’t always mean booking a groom. It might mean:

• A tech-savvy friend helping you set up a booking form

• Someone with a good camera taking photos for your Instagram

• A loved one giving you a pep talk when you're feeling unsure

Let people know what you need — many will be thrilled to help.

5️⃣ Remember: This Is How Most People Start Out

No one begins with a fully booked schedule or thousands of followers. Most successful groomers start with a few family dogs… then a couple of neighbors… and then it snowballs from there.

This is how it begins — and you’re right where you need to be.

💛 Final Thoughts

Starting something new is a big deal — and it’s okay to feel a little vulnerable. But don’t let that hold you back. The people who love you want to see you thrive.

This is your gentle nudge:
Reach out. Share your news. Ask for support. You never know what doors it might open.

Have you asked any friends or family for help yet? If not, what’s one small step you could take this week? Let me know in the comments below 👇