Rising Star and Groom Tech Grad: Part Time Student Works Hard Towards Long-Term Goals
Meet Rising Star and Groom Tech Grad Alicia Eroh of Pet Supplies Plus in Whitehall, Pennsylvania! Alicia is living proof of what can be accomplished when you set your mind to something. Studying to become a groomer is hard work, and it’s impressive see this level of competence and success from someone studying part-time. Keep up the great work and never stop chasing your dream!
Her mentor Suesan Watson adds, “Alicia was a part-time student but you wouldn’t know it when you saw the how quickly she worked through the program. She messaged often, letting me know where she was and how she was doing, asked questions, so that she could stay on task. She has a goal to become a groomer but wants to make sure that she does it right and learns from the bottom up! I have no doubt she will meet these goals! Reach for the Stars! Congrats!”
Why did you choose dog grooming as a career?
My path to dog grooming actually started with bunnies. I started volunteering for a small animal shelter and saw all the needs and struggles that came along with not being a cat or dog program. Because of this, I started my own fundraising nonprofit. This then morphed into a sanctuary for special needs rabbits and guinea pigs, and then a rescue on its own. All the while, I continued to work with the original small animal program. Eventually I realized I would need additional funds to help the animals in my care. If I was to get a second job, it absolutely needed to be with animals. A friend of mine was already a dog groomer, so I decided to pick her mind about becoming one. Her response? “It took you long enough!” She always thought I’d end up a groomer!
What did you enjoy most during your coursework?
Working with all the animals of course! Learning the different ways to calm the dogs and seeing how confident they are when they walk out of the salon! My first return customer, the dog was so happy to see me! I earned the trust not only of the owner, but the dog as well.
Additionally, all the things I’ve learned that I can apply to help the animals in my care. Shaving neglected bunnies is similar to doing sanitary trims.
Where can we see your work?
I’m going to start posting on my nonprofit page, Miss Bunny’s Menagerie. I’m proud that my work is going to help the small animals as well!
What are your future goals?
I’d like to pursue Level 2 and maybe even Level 3. As this is a second job, it may take time, but I love doing it!
Any advice for aspiring groomers?
Listen to your coaches and mentors. The little details are what take a good bath and brush to a GREAT bath and brush. I’m told that when I move to level 2 this attention to detail will make the cutting MUCH easier!