Daily Inspiration: Meet Taylor Blake

Today we’d like to introduce you to Taylor Blake.

Hi Taylor, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve always wanted to work with animals. At first, it was to work in the veterinarian field. Then later, I saw a local grooming shop near my childhood home and thought, “I want to be a groomer one day.” Years later, I was a bather at a Corporate salon in Florida before I accepted going through their grooming academy. Six years later, I have gone from a Corporate salon to a Veterinarian salon to a Private salon. I am a National Certified Groomer with 8 years of experience. I started in South West Florida in the top corporate salons in America. Later I moved to TN to be closer to family 2016. In 2017 I started working at a vet clinic in Clarksville and won Best of Clarksville within a year. After that continued to win multiple best of awards in her town for three years straight and got finalist awards too. Since then, I have been passionate about continuing education and supporting other groomers in the industry to realize their self-worth. I have an article on Ryan’s Pet Supplies about being a vet groomer and part of the Kit Crew with Foxy Roxy, with whom I’m a brand ambassador. In 2020 I helped design fur-resistant leggings called “Stardust” for a pet supply company, Loyalty Pet Products. I currently work in a luxury pet salon in Clarksville called The Pet Studio. I groom the everyday pet from chihuahua to show groom poodles.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has been a unique balance. You go from many pros to cons. The struggles are having to manage difficult/aggressive animals. Animals can be completely unpredictable; the groomer’s skills rely on understanding the dog’s body language and recognizing how to adapt or work with it safely; one misguided thought can result in a bite injury or worse. I have multiple scars from dogs scratching and biting me. I’ve had a broken finger from a dog is my worst injury. The worst part of my job is the heartbreak and loss. I had groomed dogs since they were a puppy to ones that were older in life when I started becoming their groomer. It never gets easier when the owner calls or texts you telling you Fluffy has passed. I am thankful to have a handful of clients who have let me say goodbye before they crossed over the rainbow bridge.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a dog groomer. I provide professional dog grooming, massaging baths, reducing shedding, and haircuts to owners’ desire. I specialize in everyday pet grooming or butt fluff trim. Give me an Aussie or a corgi, and I’ll make them look fierce. I’m still branching out to breed standards that are my favorites, but I haven’t chosen my passion breed yet. I am proud of the accomplishments I’ve made so far. I have traveled to multiple states in this career. I have competed multiple times against many of the top groomers in the nation. I have helped design a pattern for a pair of hair-resistant leggings with a well-known pet company. I wrote a blog article for a pet supply company about being an everyday Vet groomer. I am sponsored by an amazing company that helps continued education and helps the everyday groomer. I would be proud if ‘baby groomer’ saw myself today. It is hard to compare myself to others in the set of what sets me apart. I think every groomer has a unique skill set trait. But, I will have to say my customer service with clients. I treat them with respect. I try to connect with them personally and get to know them besides knowing me for five minutes and trusting me with their dog, as most have with their barber or hairstylist.

Pricing:

• Small 70+
• Medium 85+
• Large 100+
• X-large 135+
• Doodles 130+

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://Instagram.com/thepleasantgroomer
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/grooms.taylor
• Other: https://store.ryanspet.com/the-good-the-bad-and-the-furriest-vet-groomer?fbclid=IwAR1D9U7ZZglfb_x7aoAOejyuVJcpbzyPcsvjpZqDvrg89hlp5Vx0AAn5yns