Rising Star and Pet Groomer Grad: Proof that Perseverance Pays Off!
Meet Rising Star and Pet Groomer Grad Lillyan Housend of Pet Supplies Plus in Minot, North Dakota! Lillyan doesn’t let anything stand in her way and as you’ll read below, she had a very good reason to put grooming on hold and no one would’ve held it against her. She is a force to be reckoned with and we’re so happy she’s making her dreams come true.
Her mentor Suesan Watson shares our praise, telling us, “Lilly has worked so incredibly hard throughout both levels, she has had a lot of things come up that would have made most people quit, but she did not! She wanted to work towards her dream and did just that. She wanted feedback on her work and kept at it until she felt it was right. I know she will continue to learn and grow in this field and nothing is going to stop her. Keep reaching for the Stars Lilly!”
Why did you choose dog grooming as a career?
I wondered to myself, “If I can shave a llama and goats, maybe grooming dogs would be just as amazing.” I have always had livestock and have shaved many goats, llamas, and a few sheep. My mom always encouraged me to do something with animals, and she was my biggest supporter and part of my cheer team. I want to eventually be a master groomer and do livestock as well.
What did you enjoy most during your coursework?
I loved the flexibility of it. I was able to go take care of my mom during her chemo treatments and still get feedback and have amazing support. Sue was so encouraging and supportive. Even when my mom passed unexpectedly, everyone had my back and I knew if I needed anything they were there. The videos were a lifesaver and the quick bytes helped so much. I feel so blessed to have this experience.
Where can we see your work?
I work at Pet Supplies Plus in Minot North Dakota, and you can see us on Facebook and Instagram. You can also follow StotesMcGoatsFarmstead to see my goat, llama, and rabbit grooms.
What are your future goals?
To make my mom proud of me. Unfortunately, she passed a month to the day before I graduated. I know she is smiling down on me and is so proud of me. I want to eventually be a master groomer and learn something new every day. I want to take my knowledge and apply it not only in my daily grooming but also in my livestock grooming. I want to show my dairy goats at the national level like I do my rabbits. I raise Toggenburg and Saanen goats as well as Silver and Japanese Harlequin rabbits. This will eventually allow me to open my own grooming studio on my future homestead and give a different experience to people.
Any advice for aspiring groomers?
Keep going. My mantra for a lot of my schooling was just to keep swimming. “You can do this. Breathe.” Some days may be harder than others. Brush, Brush, Brush. Sometimes put the dog away in a kennel for a few minutes regroup and get a different perspective. You will get a routine and stick to it.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. There is always someone who can help give a different perspective. YOU can do Stylized legs. We all understand the struggle. You will make amazing relationships with dogs and their owners. It is a rewarding amazing profession. Don’t let the hard days and dogs win. Remember why you wanted to do this.