So, you're thinking about starting your own home-based dog grooming business — and your head is spinning with excitement, nerves, and a million questions.

“Where do I even start?”
“Do I need a qualification?”
“What if I mess it up?”

First of all — take a deep breath. You’re not alone, and everything you’re feeling right now is completely normal. You are exactly where you need to be right now.

When I first started, I remember spending late nights Googling everything from “how to trim a doodle’s face” to “how to register a business in Ireland”… while also wondering whether I’d made a huge mistake even thinking I could do this.

But guess what? You don’t have to have it all figured out to begin.
You just need to take one small step — and then another. And over time, those steps build something beautiful.

Here’s what I wish someone had told me when I was right at the beginning:

1. You Don’t Need to Be an Expert to Begin

So many women hold themselves back because they don’t feel “qualified enough.”
But here’s the truth: you don’t need to be a pro groomer with years of experience to start — you just need the desire to learn and a genuine love for dogs.

Your first trims won’t be perfect. You’ll probably have awkward conversations. You’ll likely sweat buckets trying to clip a wriggly cocker spaniel.
But that’s how you learn.

Start with the basics. Invest in beginner-friendly training. Practice safely. Build your confidence one paw at a time.

💡 Remember: every professional started as a beginner — messy clips, shaky hands and all.

2. Start Small and Grow Steady

You do not need a full salon, five clients a day, or a brand photoshoot on day one.

Some of the most successful home groomers started with:

• One table in a spare room or garage
  
  

• A handful of loyal clients from Facebook groups or dog-walking friends
  
  

• Second-hand tools that got the job done
  
  

And you know what? That’s more than enough to begin.

Starting small allows you to:

• Learn without pressure
  
  

• Build real relationships with clients
  
  

• Avoid burnout while you’re still learning the ropes
  
  

🌱 Growth comes from consistency, not perfection. Focus on steady, simple progress.

3. Don’t Overthink Your Prices

This one’s tricky — and emotional.
Most new groomers underprice their services because they’re scared people won’t book them.

But pricing too low can actually:

• Undermine your confidence
  
  

• Attract the wrong kind of clients (you know the ones 😬)
  
  

• Make you feel burnt out and underpaid
  
  

Instead:

• Do some local research (check what others charge in your area). However you don’t want to price your services based on other peoples prices
  
  

• Factor in your time, tools, products, and setup costs
  
  

• Choose a starting price that feels fair, not just cheap. You want a price that makes you feel good when you say it out loud. 

• A book that I found helpful when it comes to money and pricing was “Get Rich, Lucky Bitch” by Denise Duffield Thomas
  
  

You can always adjust your prices as your skills and confidence grow — and your clients will grow with you.

💰 You deserve to be paid for your time, care, and effort — even as a beginner.

4. You Don’t Have to Do It Alone

This one is huge. I made the mistake of trying to do everything myself — from learning new trims online to guessing my way through insurance and booking systems.

The result?
Wasted time. Frustration. And a lot of unnecessary self-doubt.

What I learned is this: You don’t have to be a lone wolf to be successful.

You’re allowed to:

• Ask for help
  
  

• Invest in guidance
  
  

• Use templates, tools, and support to make things easier
  
  

That’s why I created Glossy Pup Academy — a space where aspiring home groomers get step-by-step training, ready-to-use tools, and real support.
Because figuring it all out alone? That’s overrated.

🤝 Community and clarity make everything feel lighter.

5. Your Dream Is Worth Pursuing

Even if you’re nervous.
Even if your spare room smells like wet dog.
Even if your mum, partner, or friends don’t quite get it.

You’re allowed to build a business around your life — not the other way around.
You’re allowed to earn an income doing something you love.
You’re allowed to dream of more freedom, flexibility, and fulfillment.

And you don’t have to wait until you feel “ready.”
(Spoiler alert: no one ever truly feels 100% ready.)

🐾 Start where you are.
📦 Use what you have.
💛 Trust that you can figure out the rest as you go.

✨ Final Thought

Starting a home-based grooming business is brave, beautiful work.
It’s about more than dogs — it’s about creating a life that feels good to you.

So whether you’re setting up your first grooming table, watching tutorials at midnight, or nervously posting in your local Facebook group — just know this:
You’re doing better than you think. And you’re not alone.

If you’d love a clear, confidence-boosting path to help you get started, come check out Glossy Pup Academy — it’s the step-by-step support I wish I had at the beginning.

👉 Learn more about me and Glossy Pup Academy