The Barkroom Chat

Linda

The Home Groomers Podcast - Start & Scale your home-based dog grooming business  Welcome to The Barkroom Chat — the go-to podcast for women who dream of turning their love for dogs into a thriving home-based grooming business. Whether you're just getting started or ready to grow your grooming side hustle into a full-time career, you're in the right place. Each week, we dive into real talk, practical strategies, and inspiring stories to help you build a business that fits your life — not the other way around. From pricing, bookings, and customer service to holiday promos, mindset shifts, and staying sane behind the scissors — we cover it all. Hosted by Linda Roche, founder of Glossy Pup Academy, The Barkroom Chat is your cozy corner of the internet where passion meets profit — with a splash of dog hair. Grab a cuppa, step into the Barkroom, and let’s grow your grooming biz — Together we can change the world, One dog at a time 🐾

  1. JAN 29

    Ep 24 - Why Monthly Themes Make Marketing Easier for Groomers

    Marketing doesn’t have to mean posting every day, chasing trends, or feeling overwhelmed.  In this episode, we’re talking about one of the simplest ways to stay consistent with your marketing — monthly themes. If you’ve ever stared at your phone wondering what to post, or felt like marketing just doesn’t fit into real grooming life, this episode will help you simplify things without disappearing online. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: Why marketing doesn’t need to be loud, complicated, or salesyWhat themed marketing actually is (and what it isn’t)Why monthly themes work so well for grooming businessesHow seasonal expectations make marketing easier, not harderSimple themed month ideas you can use straight awayMonthly Theme Ideas Mentioned: February – Valentine’s Month: Love, care, and pamperingMarch – Fresh Start Month: Spring coats, routines, and rebookingSummer – Summer-Ready Dogs: Comfort, deshedding, and practical trimsSeptember – Back-to-Routine Month: Structure, consistency, and regular appointmentsDecember – Christmas Month: Festive dogs and planning aheadYou’ll Also Hear About: How to use one theme across a whole month without overpostingWhy you don’t need discounts or offers every monthHow themed marketing helps you stay visible without burnoutWhy planning just 12 themes for the year can completely change how marketing feelsOther Resources: The Glossy Pup Blueprint – simple systems and SOPs for home-based groomersOne Year of DONE-FOR-YOU Newsletter TemplatesLadies Starting Home-Based Dog Grooming Businesses -  Facebook Page Instagram - @glossypupacademywww.glossypupacademy.comJoin the Glossy Pup Family and recieve your Monthly Mini Magazine, right to your inbox The Glossy Pup Blog Key Takeaway: You don’t need complicated funnels or trendy tactics to market your grooming business.  One theme per month gives your marketing direction, helps clients connect with your services, and keeps things calm, consistent, and manageable. Gentle marketing works — especially when it fits real life 🐾✨

    15 min
  2. JAN 22

    Ep 23 - Why “More Clients” Isn’t Always the Best Goal – And What to Focus on Instead

    If you’ve ever felt like the answer to growing your business was simply getting more clients, this episode is for you. In this conversation, we explore why chasing volume can lead to burnout — especially in home-based businesses — and what to focus on instead for a calmer, more profitable, and more sustainable business. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: Why “more clients” can actually make your business feel harderThe hidden costs of overpacked diaries and constant busynessWhy quality clients matter more than quantityHow focusing on higher value can reduce stress and increase incomeWhy systems and structure matter more than hustleHealthier, more sustainable goals to aim for in your businessKey Takeaway: You don’t need to be busier to be successful. With clarity, systems, and the right clients, your business can feel lighter, calmer, and far more enjoyable. Mentioned in This Episode: The Glossy Pup Blueprint – simple systems and SOPs for home-based groomersOne Year of DONE-FOR-YOU Newsletter TemplatesLadies Starting Home-Based Dog Grooming Businesses -  Facebook Page  Instagram - @glossypupacademywww.glossypupacademy.comJoin the Glossy Pup Family and recieve your Monthly Mini Magazine, right to your inbox The Glossy Pup BlogPerfect For: Home-based business owners, dog groomers, and service providers who want a profitable business that fits their life — not one that overwhelms it.

    18 min
  3. JAN 17

    Ep 21 - Seven Steps Realistic Goal Setting For Home-Based Dog Grooming Businesses

    The New Year often brings pressure to do more, be better, and change everything at once — but that mindset doesn’t always suit home-based dog groomers. In this episode, we’re talking about a more realistic, supportive approach to New Year goal setting. One that fits around real life, real energy levels, and the day-to-day realities of running a grooming business from home. If you want steady growth without burnout, this episode is for you. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why traditional New Year goals often don’t work for home-based dog groomers The importance of setting realistic, achievable goals that suit your lifestyle How to choose one meaningful focus instead of trying to fix everything Simple ways to break big goals into manageable, doable steps How to be honest about your time, energy, and capacity Why systems matter more than motivation How to adjust your goals without giving up when life gets in the way Key Topics Covered Reflecting on the past year without guilt Avoiding overwhelm and unrealistic expectations Creating a business that supports your life, not drains it Small changes that lead to steady, sustainable growth Letting go of “all-or-nothing” thinking Helpful Resources The Glossy Pup Blueprint – SOPs and checklists designed to help home-based dog groomers create calmer, more organised, and more professional businessesLadies Starting Home-Based Dog Grooming Businesses - Facebook PageInstagram - @glossypupacademyOne Year of DONE-FOR-YOU Newsletter Templates Free Guide - Simple Marketing Strategies for your Home-Based Dog Grooming BusinessJoin the Glossy Pup Family and recieve your free Monthly Mini Magazine Perfect For You If… You run a dog grooming business from home You feel overwhelmed by traditional goal-setting advice You want growth without burnout You’re ready to build a business at your own pace Final Thought You don’t need to do everything this year — you just need to do what makes sense for you. Quiet progress is still progress 🐾

    19 min
  4. 12/05/2025

    Ep 20 - Beat the Holiday Burnout: Essential Tips for Busy Groomers

    The holiday season is one of the busiest — and most profitable — times of year for home-based dog groomers. But with extra bookings, festive add-ons, and non-stop client communication, burnout can sneak up fast.  In this episode, we’re breaking down the essential strategies you need to stay energised, organised, and joyful all December long. Whether you're fully booked or still building your Christmas rush, these practical tips will help you protect your wellbeing and deliver a magical experience for your clients. 🎧 In This Episode, You’ll Learn: How to set a realistic grooming capacity (and actually stick to it) Why holiday packages reduce stress and boost profits How SOPs and checklists save your brainpower during busy season The importance of communicating clear boundaries with clients Simple festive touches to elevate your salon — without overextending yourself How to support your body during long, intense grooming days The power of batching admin tasks to avoid digital overwhelm Why scheduling time off is non-negotiable Small ways to keep the fun alive so both you and the dogs feel the joy ✨ Other Resources: The Glossy Pup Grooming Blueprint — Ready-to-use SOPs and checklists to simplify your December and streamline your salon year-round.Ladies Starting Home-Based Dog Grooming Businesses Facebook PageFree Guide - Simple Marketing Strategies for Home-Based Dog Grooming BusinessesInstagram - @glossypupacademyJoin the Glossy Pup Family - Join the email list to recieve weekly tips and advice as well as The Glossy Pup Academy Mini Magazine.www.glossypupacademy.com

    14 min
  5. 12/04/2025

    Ep 19 - Creating a Cosy and Magical Christmas Experience for Clients this Christmas

    The festive season isn’t just the busiest time of the year for dog groomers — it’s also the most magical. In this episode, we’re diving into simple, cosy, budget-friendly ways to transform your home grooming salon into a warm, memorable Christmas experience your clients (and their pups!) will adore. Whether you’re aiming for subtle sparkle or full festive wonderland, you’ll walk away with practical ideas you can implement today without overwhelm. ✨ In This Episode, You’ll Learn: 1. How to Set the Scene With Festive Décor 2. Easy Festive Add-Ons Clients Love 3. Thoughtful Gifts That Don’t Break the Bank 4. How to Share the Magic on Social Media 5. Creating a Smooth & Stress-Free December Booking Experience 6. Making Pick-Up Extra Special 7. Festive Upsells & Seasonal Offers That Sell Themselves 8. Fun Ways to Celebrate Your Clients 🎁 Final Takeaway Creating Christmas magic doesn’t require big budgets or huge transformations. It’s all about thoughtful, intentional touches that make clients feel special, simplify their visit, and celebrate their dog. When you add small bursts of festive joy, you’re not just grooming — you’re creating memories that keep clients coming back year after year. 💕 Loved This Episode? Subscribe to the Glossy Pup Academy Podcast so you never miss an episode — and share it with another groomer who could use a little festive inspiration this season. Until next time, keep creating magic… one groom at a time. Other Resources Ladies Starting Home-Based Dog Grooming Businesses Facebook Page Instagram - @glossypupacademyFree Guide - Simple Marketing Strategies for Home-Based Dog Grooming BusinessesOne Year of DONE-FOR-YOU Newsletter Templates The Glossy Pup BlueprintWebsite - www.glossypupacademy.com

    17 min

About

The Home Groomers Podcast - Start & Scale your home-based dog grooming business  Welcome to The Barkroom Chat — the go-to podcast for women who dream of turning their love for dogs into a thriving home-based grooming business. Whether you're just getting started or ready to grow your grooming side hustle into a full-time career, you're in the right place. Each week, we dive into real talk, practical strategies, and inspiring stories to help you build a business that fits your life — not the other way around. From pricing, bookings, and customer service to holiday promos, mindset shifts, and staying sane behind the scissors — we cover it all. Hosted by Linda Roche, founder of Glossy Pup Academy, The Barkroom Chat is your cozy corner of the internet where passion meets profit — with a splash of dog hair. Grab a cuppa, step into the Barkroom, and let’s grow your grooming biz — Together we can change the world, One dog at a time 🐾