Kelly Gayler (4)

I started grooming at the age of 17 having previously completed a dog grooming course as part of an animal care diploma at a local college and I was working as a vet nurse assistant at Kingsteignton Vet Group. We decided to enroll at a well established school in Somerset. I loved every minute of my course and met some lovely new people and gained the confidence to start a business.

My mum, Gill and I then started Fido Sassoon Canine Beauticians. We started grooming out of our garage but soon found we needed more room. We opened up the front of the garage into a shop front and business boomed even more. Having a business was a huge and steep learning curve. I had to learn quickly about customer relations, handling, advertising, and the key to success which I believe is always being involved in the community. In 2009, I competed in my first competition and was proud to take home the title of YKC Groomer of the Year.

In 2013, I decided I would like to move on and experience more of the grooming world. I accepted a job as grooming manager for Pets at Home. I learned a lot from this experience and attended lots of seminars with industry experts. However I felt that the large corporation world was not for me.

Whilst still owning my salon in Devon, I then accepted a job at the Canine Design Academy. I was working alongside Lesley Garratt and Tina Ogborn. Since being at Canine Design I have learnt some invaluable skills and pushed myself to a higher level. I have started to undertake my higher diploma and my ICMG and I have competed and won at competitions.

I am now back in Devon running my own school, KJG Dog Grooming Academy. I am a regular seminar speaker and have written many popular courses and workshops. In my time away from teaching I travel around the UK delivering private training and consultancy sessions in people’s salons and colleges.

I have always been very driven and my career is no exception. I always strive to be the best that I can in everything that I do. I love to go the extra mile in encouraging my students to do the same.

Achievements:

Contestant in BBC 1's Brand new series POOCH PERFECT UK! 

I have been part of the grooming industry for for almost 20 years

‘Speaker of the Year’ nominee in the Liz Paul Industry Awards 2017

Set up a very successful dog grooming business

Regular seminars and event organising

Successful competitor

Judge at MasterGroom International Grooming Competition

Competition Judging Experience

Dog grooming academy ‘Canine Design’ manager for nearly 4 years

Experience in working with the industry’s largest grooming employer

Helping salons to turn a profit and take their business to a higher level

Qualifications in Business management, canine anatomy, canine behaviour and animal care

Advanced Diploma in Dog Grooming – Distinction

Currently completing the Higher Diploma in Dog Grooming and
ICMG