Today we’d like to introduce you to Ginnie Potts
Ginnie, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My journey into dog grooming began in November 2020, during the Covid lockdown. Like many others, I had recently been laid off and found myself reevaluating my career path. One day while scrolling TikTok, I stumbled upon a simple dog grooming video, and it sparked something in me.
Growing up, I always had dogs, but I never realized there was an entire profession dedicated to grooming and styling them. As both an animal lover and an artist, I was drawn to the creative aspect of grooming. The idea of transforming a dog’s appearance while ensuring their comfort and well-being intrigued me.
I took my first steps into the industry in November 2020. It was a challenging start, and I quickly learned that dog grooming can be a dangerous field—especially for the dogs themselves. The industry is largely unregulated, meaning anyone can open a salon and call themselves a groomer. I worked at several different salons before finally landing at a stable, reputable place where I could properly learn the craft.
There are many ways to learn dog grooming, but no standardized curriculum to follow. For me, three key priorities guided my education:
1. Ensuring the safety of the dogs in my care.
2. Maintaining their overall health and well being.
3. Perfecting the art of grooming so they can leave looking their best.
To build my expertise, I pursued multiple certifications and training programs. My qualifications range from skin and coat health, salon safety, pet CPR/first aid, and specialized techniques in various breeds and styles.
As I gained experience, I became interested in competitive grooming. These competitions require groomers to style a purebred dog within a set timeframe, with judges evaluating the final look based on breed standards and technique. A board called Groom Team USA oversees these competitions and ranks groomers nationwide. Every two years, the top five ranked competitors earn the honor of representing the U.S. in an international grooming competition, often referred to as the “Grooming Olympics.” Countries all over the globe will send their top groomers to compete against each other to determine which country grooms the best. A major goal of mine is to earn a spot on Groom Team USA.
Recently, my career took an exciting turn toward working with show dogs. I left the salon environment to assist two Dallas-based professionals, Susan and Tommy Katzenstein, in maintaining and grooming show dogs and their clients’ dogs. This role allows me to travel across the country, caring for beautiful dogs and building connections within the industry while continuously expanding my knowledge.
When I’m not traveling for shows, I provide in-home grooming services across the Dallas-Fort Worth area. I specialize in a rare grooming technique called “hand-stripping,” used for dogs with rough, wiry coats. Currently, I am saving to invest in a mobile grooming van to expand my services and reach even more clients.
My journey in dog grooming has been both rewarding and ever-evolving, and I look forward to seeing where it takes me next.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
One of the biggest obstacles in entering this profession is finding experienced professionals to learn from. Many groomers simply don’t have the time to teach, and formal grooming schools are limited. I started by learning the basics through trial and error while attending an online grooming school. Eventually, a salon owner invited me to work for her, providing me with the space to grow and refine my skills.
As my passion for grooming deepened, I sought out more specialized techniques. I made valuable connections by attending dog shows, grooming conventions, and engaging with the grooming community online. Through these efforts, I met Susan and Tommy Katzenstein, who have since become incredible mentors and significantly expanded my knowledge.
Getting started in this field can be difficult, but for those willing to put in the time and effort, the opportunities for growth are limitless.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
As an artist, my canvas is the dogs I groom. Dog grooming is an incredibly creative craft, and my favorite part of the process is watching my work come to life—whether it’s seeing a freshly groomed dog strut confidently across the floor or witnessing the joy on a family’s face when they pick up their pet.
I specialize in all coat types, Asian Fusion styling, creative dye work, purebred trims, and hand-stripping.
Hand-stripping is what I’m most known for. This specialized grooming technique involves plucking the dead coat out of the skin by hand rather than using clippers or scissors to remove it. Removing the coat this way keeps the dog’s skin healthy while preserving the vibrant color and strong texture of the fur. It’s a labor-intensive process, primarily used for wire-coated breeds like terriers, as well as some sporting breeds such as spaniels and setters. Mastering this technique takes years, but it’s a skill I take great pride in.
What I’m most proud of is how far I’ve come in such a short time. At grooming competitions, when I tell my peers how long I’ve been in the industry, their reactions remind me of the dedication I’ve put into my craft. I’ve spent countless days off traveling across Texas and the U.S. to learn from some of the best in the industry, and that commitment has shaped me into the groomer I am today.
What sets me apart from others? Everything. My wide range of skills—from classic breed trims to playful, creative styles and vibrant color work—combined with my extensive safety certifications and continuous education make me a well-rounded and highly skilled groomer. In a short time, I’ve built a career as a multi-award-winning stylist, constantly pushing myself to learn and grow.
Above all, my dedication to safety sets me apart. A beautifully groomed dog means nothing if they leave my care injured or unwell. While accidents can happen, I pride myself on taking every precaution to minimize risks and ensuring I’m prepared to handle any situation. My goal is always to provide not just a stylish groom, but a safe and positive experience for every dog in my care.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
The luckiest thing to happen to me in this career happened before it even started. Getting laid off due to Covid and stumbling across a dog grooming TikTok video set everything in motion—but after that, it was all me.
I worked hard to put myself in the right environments to learn and grow. I invested time and effort into traveling, constantly seeking new knowledge and refining my skills. I pushed myself to compete, showcase my abilities, and prove my dedication to this craft. While that initial spark may have been luck, everything I’ve achieved since then has been the result of hard work, persistence, and passion.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ginnierayegrooming?igsh=MXJqaGYzNTczYWxl&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/19wZ9uh3ut/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Image Credits
Ginnie Potts
Sarah Moon-Penrod
