Rising Star and Groom Tech Grad: An Inquisitive Nature and Confidence In Skill Make For Grooming Success
Meet Rising Star and Groom Tech Grad Gabrielle Brecht of Pet Supplies Plus in Ames, Iowa! Gabrielle’s work ethic and attention to detail really shone through in each of her assignments. We’ve been continually impressed and hope she sticks with it – she’s going to make a great groomer!
Her mentor Suesan Watson agrees, telling us, “Gabrielle was a very hard-working student. She is willing to do what is needed to get her skill level where it needs to be. She learned from the critiques given and easily transferred it to the next skill. She was very good at communicating, which for me is key to a student’s success. Great Job!”
Why did you choose dog grooming as a career?
I chose to pursue dog grooming as a career because I have been drawn to dogs all of my life. Growing up, my family dog Willow was a springer doodle. Because of her I understood the importance of dog grooming as a career path. I want to be able to make the same positive impact for others that Willow’s groomer made for my family.
What did you enjoy most during your coursework?
I enjoyed seeing my own progress in real time. For example, a skill that at one point I had to be shown multiple times would suddenly become second nature after a little while. It was exciting to experience myself picking up a new skill.
Where can we see your work?
You will hopefully be able to see my work on the Ames Pet Supplies Plus Facebook page!
What are your future goals?
As of right now my goal in the future would be to have my own private salon where I can continue to hone my skill with clients of all shapes and sizes. I would also love to continue to work alongside other groomers to have a good support system like I do now! I also hope to one day volunteer my grooming services at local shelters to help groom some of their pups.
Any advice for aspiring groomers?
Never be afraid to ask questions! Even if you’ve asked the question before, ask it again! Repetition is key after all, as is confidence in what you’re doing. Dogs feed off your energy, so if you’re nervous they will sense that. So you want to be able to meet them wherever they are at and do it with confidence!