Meet Paragon Certified Groom Tech Lacy Paul
Meet Paragon Certified Groom Tech Lacy Paul! Based in Toledo, Ohio, Lacy found her passion for dog grooming after spending six years as an automotive mechanic. Though she first explored grooming years earlier, the opportunity finally came after a cross-country move in 2024, when she stepped into the role of junior groomer and bather. While cars have always been her first passion, Lacy discovered her second in dog grooming, finding joy in helping dogs and their parents feel great while transforming pups through grooming. With dedication and a love for learning, Lacy has officially earned her Certified Groom Tech title.
Her mentor, Elise Anderson, shares:
“Lacy has shared her goals, her fears and no matter what she has fought through those fears to get to her goals. She has reached out to me time after time with plenty of outstanding looking pups to ask questions! I am beyond proud of Lacy as my student.”
Why did you choose dog grooming as a career?
I had been an automotive mechanic for 6 years prior to getting into the grooming world. I had looked into it 10 or so years ago but it wasn’t offered with training where I was working at the time. March of 2024 saw me and my husband moving cross country to my home state of Oregon, and the option to become a junior groomer/bather opened up to me there, and I took it. And I am so glad I did. My first passion has always been cars. My second one, turns out, is dog grooming and making dogs and their parents feel great. The satisfaction I get from making a dog look entirely different before and after their service is amazing, and I love coming to work every day to do it.
What did you enjoy most during your coursework?
I enjoyed the fact that Paragon teaches beginner groomers a little bit more than my previous place of employment, who did not use Paragon. As a bather I only really learned bathing, drying and brushing techniques, as well as teeth brushing, nail clipping and filing, and ear cleaning. With Paragon, I’m learning much more than before and feeling like I can actually use these skills.
Where can we see your work?
You can follow along with Lacy’s grooming journey on Instagram at @lacys_fabulous_pups, where she showcases the wonderful pups she gets to groom.
What are your future goals?
After I pass Groom Tech/Level 1, I want to make it through Level 2 to become a full Groomer, and honestly would love to move through Level 3!
Any advice for aspiring groomers?
Take it slow, don’t get in your head, ask ALL the questions, and soak up all the knowledge you can from almost anywhere you can. This is a profession just like automotive was, where the learning never stops no matter how long you’ve been at it.