This Maryland Rising Star's Mission to Make Every Pet Feel Clean and Confident Inspired All Of Us
Meet Rising Star and Groom Tech Grad Hailey Schmidt of The Sudsy Puppy in Severna Park, Maryland! Hailey is one of the most dedicated groomers we’ve ever seen. Her mission is to make every pet look and feel their best – especially ones in shelters who rarely see the grooming table.
We’ve been really impressed with the quality of her grooming too! Just ask her mentor Brandy Mayes, who had this to say, “Hailey has been a rock star in the Groom Tech Program! She consistently submitted beautiful work and has zoomed through the program at an amazing pace. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for Hailey, as she has displayed a natural talent for the profession.”
Why did you choose dog grooming as a career?
From a young age I have always been involved with animals and animal care. I’ve done farm work, pet sitting, dog walking and then began working in hospitals. I later found myself working at a professional dog salon it was a new experience to me but I was excited to learn.
I had always loved bathing the dogs we got from shelters at the hospital. Most of the time they would arrive in awful shape and they just didn’t look like they had anyone to really make them feel good in awhile. It made me happy to see them go from dirty to clean, and I’d like to think that in some way it made them feel cared for.
While working at the salon as a assistant groomer, I learned a lot. However, life took me in a different direction, this time to sanctuary work – specifically with senior dogs. I started slowly bringing over my skills from the salon: just small things here and there that could be useful. Over time we would get more dogs that just needed a bit more help than a bath could ever provide. I began to teach myself how to do some grooming with the equipment that was kindly donated to us at the sanctuary.
Suddenly I realized how much joy I got out of doing basic hair cuts and saving dogs from severe matting. It almost felt magical to see how they ran around after being pampered and holding their head up high. I continued to push myself more out of my comfort zone and found myself back at the very salon that ignited that passion to begin with. I was given the amazing opportunity to be provided professional schooling and amazing mentors. Here I am now!
What did you enjoy most during your coursework?
I love doing natural feet and curly/double coated bath & brushing!
Where can we see your work?
For now, I will be posting occasionally on my personal Facebook and on the Paragon Facebook page.
What are your future goals?
My future goals are to be able to provide my services to shelters. Doggy makeovers could give them a better chance at finding homes and give them the TLC they deserve. Learning as much as I can, being creative, and having fun are my priorities for now!
Any advice for aspiring groomers?
Practice and don’t be afraid to fail. Everything in life is a learning point.