How did Julie Isbell get into the dog grooming business? In her words, “My mom got a puppy, and that was it.”
Julie’s mother brought home a Toy Poodle named Daisy, and even though it needed grooming upkeep, she wouldn’t trust anyone to groom her baby, so Julie went to grooming school.
“It was so my mom wouldn’t have to worry,” Julie said. “If it hadn’t been for her, I don’t know if I would have thought about grooming. Eighteen years later and two states, here I am.”
Julie attended the Paragon School of Pet Grooming in 2002, and continued to groom in Michigan for 12 years. She moved to Arizona to groom for the next 6 years. Currently, Julie is a groomer at a dog grooming salon in a corporate chain, which is a first for her.
“I’ve been where I’m at for two years”, Julie said. “I’ve shared techniques I’ve learned from Paragon with other groomers. Mentoring other groomers is very important.”
Julie went on to say her peers continue to expand her creativity by showing her new styles and what is trendy with certain breeds. Her workplace uses Paragon’s Learn2GroomDogs.com video streaming service to keep up to date on grooming techniques and safety.
“I’m thrilled the Corporate stores are using Paragon’s programs for education,” Julie said.
In addition to Learn2GroomDogs.com, Julie’s employer utilizes Paragon’s Distance Learning Program to train new groomers. “I’m confident they are learning what they need to know,” she said. “I’m a cheerleader for Paragon.”
Julie describes the grooming industry as a life-long learning environment, “You never stop learning. There is always something new to discover. There are workshops, seminars, and always something to learn. I love grooming. I absolutely adore it, and if I can share and teach I will.”
Now when Julie thinks of that Toy Poodle her mother brought home 18 years ago, she says she can’t believe how much of an impact it had on her life.
“I couldn’t see myself doing anything else. I can’t imagine not working with animals”, she said.