Today, I had the distinct pleasure of engaging in an enlightening conversation with Karen Fisher from The Grooming Goddess Academy. The discussion revolved around the establishment and significance of her membership programme, which is specifically tailored for female dog groomers. Karen elaborated on her extensive experience in the dog grooming industry, highlighting her journey from a novice to a seasoned professional who has successfully balanced her business with personal commitments. Throughout our dialogue, we explored the critical importance of goal setting and the necessity for ongoing support within the grooming community. This episode serves as a valuable resource for anyone seeking to enhance their understanding of the grooming profession and to foster a sustainable business model.

Takeaways:

• In this episode, Karen Fisher discusses her journey as a dog groomer and the establishment of the The Grooming Goddess Academy.
• The Academy provides vital business support for female dog groomers, focusing on pricing, marketing, and customer relations.
• Karen emphasises the importance of continuous professional development and setting achievable business goals for success.
• Vicky shares insights on the necessity of understanding one's financial needs and overheads to set appropriate service prices.
• Both hosts agree on the significance of ongoing marketing efforts to maintain customer loyalty and awareness.
• The episode highlights the value of investing in professional support, such as mentorship and accounting services, for pet business owners.

You can join our Facebook Group for the Expo here: https://facebook.com/events/s/the-pet-pro-expo-2025-hosted-b/1867478147351627/

Vicky engages in a compelling conversation with Tegan, the Accounts Manager at Pet Accountants, who shares her journey from being a dog groomer to her current role. Tegan provides invaluable insights into her experiences in the grooming industry, highlighting the challenges she faced, particularly regarding pricing strategies and the importance of understanding financial management. She reflects on her initial misconceptions about charging for her services and the lessons learned about valuing her work appropriately. This discussion is particularly relevant for those in the pet care industry, offering practical advice applicable to groomers, walkers, boarders, and trainers alike. Overall, the episode serves as a guide for aspiring pet business owners to navigate the complexities of their financial responsibilities effectively.

Takeaways:

• Teigan, the Sales Manager, transitioned from being a dog groomer to an accountant due to her passion for helping pet businesses succeed.
• In her early days as a groomer, Teigan faced challenges with pricing her services appropriately, a common issue for many new business owners.
• The importance of maintaining accurate financial records and understanding cash flow cannot be overstated for those in the pet grooming industry.
• Teigan emphasises the importance of using social media effectively to attract clients and establish a strong reputation in the pet grooming industry.
• Outsourcing tasks such as bookkeeping can alleviate stress and allow business owners to focus on what they love most about their work.
• Networking and seeking guidance from experienced professionals can greatly enhance one's business journey in the pet industry.

You can join our Facebook Group for the Expo here: https://facebook.com/events/s/the-pet-pro-expo-2025-hosted-b/1867478147351627/

The core discussion of this podcast episode centres on the distinctions between operating as a sole trader and establishing a limited company. Vicky and Lee elucidate the various advantages and disadvantages inherent to each business structure, particularly highlighting the tax implications and operational complexities associated with a limited company. They assert that for individuals embarking on their entrepreneurial journey independently, commencing as a sole trader may prove to be more financially prudent and manageable. However, they caution that the choice of business structure ultimately hinges upon individual circumstances and specific business goals. The episode aims to guide listeners through these critical considerations, ensuring they are equipped to make informed decisions regarding their business entities.

Takeaways:

• In the realm of entrepreneurship, one must carefully weigh the advantages of operating as a sole trader against the regulatory complexities inherent to a limited company.
• Choosing between a sole trader and a limited company is contingent upon specific business circumstances and financial goals.
• It is imperative for new business owners to consult with professionals before deciding on their business structure to avoid costly mistakes.
• Understanding the tax implications and legal responsibilities associated with each business structure is vital for long-term success.
• Many individuals mistakenly believe that transitioning to a limited company can circumvent VAT registration requirements, which is not accurate.
• The initial financial outlay and administrative duties associated with a limited company are significantly greater than those of a sole trader.

You can join our Facebook Group for the Expo here: https://facebook.com/events/s/the-pet-pro-expo-2025-hosted-b/1867478147351627/