Rising Star & Groom Tech Grad: What's Most Impressive Is Her Desire To Share What She's Learned!
Meet Rising Star and Paragon Certified Professional Groom Tech Mia Quintero of Elite Suites Pet Resort in Heath, Texas! Mia approached every challenge thrown her way methodically and deliberately, all while leaning on her passion for this industry to keep moving forward. What impressed us most was her desire to build up her skills enough to inspire others to start grooming too. She’s an asset to the grooming world!
Just ask her mentor, Jen McCarthy, who shares, “She was quite an impressive student! She got great grades on all her photo submission tests along with her coursework. She asked questions when she needed to. Took feedback well when needed. Always had a pleasant and positive attitude as well! A joy to be her mentor!”
Why did you choose dog grooming as a career?
I’ve always loved animals, so when my sister asked me to join her at the doggy daycare where she worked, I couldn’t say no. At first, I just helped out, but soon she started showing me how to bathe the dogs—and I was instantly hooked. Over time, the professional groomers there began teaching me the art of grooming, and I completely fell in love with it. From that point on, I knew grooming was the perfect career for me. It combines my love for animals with hands-on work that’s both creative and rewarding.
What did you enjoy most during your coursework?
What I enjoyed most about the grooming program was being able to work at my own pace. The instructions were clear, and the videos were really helpful for visually understanding each step. It made learning feel smooth and manageable. Whenever I had a question or needed support, my coach was always available and ready to help, which made a big difference in my confidence and growth.
Where can we see your work?
You can check out my work on Instagram, where I share my grooming journey and post before-and-after shots of the dogs I’ve worked on. It’s a great way to see how my skills have grown over time, and I love connecting with others who are passionate about grooming and pets.
What are your future goals?
My goal is to continue growing in the grooming industry by perfecting my skills and expanding my experience. One day, I hope to help others learn the craft as well—whether that’s through mentoring, teaching, or simply sharing what I’ve learned along the way. I also want to inspire other young groomers to take a chance and pursue their passion, just like I did by enrolling in this program.
Any advice for aspiring groomers?
My biggest advice is to be patient—with the dogs and with yourself. Grooming is a skill that takes time to develop, so don’t get discouraged if things don’t come out perfect right away. Take every opportunity to learn, ask questions, and watch experienced groomers work. Stay passionate, stay kind, and trust the process. If you truly love working with animals, the rest will come with time and practice.