Since joining the pet industry in 2008, Tonya Smith is a passionate educator, mentor, and industry leader dedicated to shaping the next generation of groomers. As an instructor at Paragon Pet Grooming School, Tonya combines her extensive hands-on experience with a strong commitment to teaching best practices, technical skills, and professional development.
Tonya is the founder of LC’S Detroit Pet Salon, a premier pet grooming company in Detroit known for its personalized, one-on-one grooming experiences. Beyond her work in grooming, she is also a pet care advocate and the founder of LC’S Foundation, a nonprofit organization focused on improving pet well-being through education, training, and global outreach.
A strong believer in lifelong learning, Tonya actively pursues continued education to stay at the forefront of the pet grooming industry. Her dedication and impact have been recognized nationally. She is a recipient of the Trailblazer in Animal Welfare Award from the Humane Society of the United States.
Through international travel to places like Ghana and Nigeria, Tonya understands the importance of pet care education on a global scale. Her expertise, combined with a deep passion for mentoring future groomers, makes her an invaluable part of the Paragon team. She is dedicated to inspiring students to develop not only their technical grooming skills but also their business acumen and professional confidence.