The Traveling Groomers Podcast

Mary Oquendo

Join trailblazers Mary Oquendo and Chris Bear Anthony as they discuss everything mobile and house call pet grooming.

  1. Level Up Your Grooming Business With Denise Heroux

    20h ago

    Level Up Your Grooming Business With Denise Heroux

    Welcome aboard to another episode of the Traveling Groomers Podcast! Join co-hosts, including Mary Oquendo and Chris Anthony, as they celebrate reaching episode 324 and dive into lessons learned from the world of mobile and house call grooming. In this episode, they’re joined by Denise Heroux, who discusses her brand-new book designed to guide groomers through every aspect of setting up and running a successful grooming business, with practical worksheets, reverse-engineering strategies, and insights for everyone from newcomers to experienced salon owners. The conversation explores everything from pricing strategies for different business models, building routines, and the importance of emotional intelligence, to using technology and outsourcing for business growth. You’ll also hear about new products designed by groomers, updates from the Pet Stylist Relief Fund, and the importance of community and resilience in the industry. As always, expect a few fun digressions, business tips, and heartfelt camaraderie, so grab your travel mug and hop aboard for another informative and entertaining journey in the world of professional grooming!

    1h 6m
  2. Defining Success in Grooming

    May 27

    Defining Success in Grooming

    Welcome to Healthy, Wealthy, and Wise with your hosts Mary Oquendo and Denise Heroux for a heartfelt and insightful discussion about defining success in the grooming industry and beyond. Together, they explore how personal and professional goals evolve over time, the importance of not comparing your journey to others you see on social media, and the power of writing down your mission and objectives to stay focused during times of transition. Whether you're pivoting careers, redefining personal achievement, or just trying to find your next big goal, this conversation is packed with relatable stories, practical advice, and inspiration for anyone navigating change. Tune in as they share how to set yourself up for success and why having a clear mission statement can be your secret weapon.

    29 min
  3. Navigating Trauma And Mental Health In The Grooming Community

    May 20

    Navigating Trauma And Mental Health In The Grooming Community

    Welcome aboard the Traveling Groomers Podcast! In this special "mental health episode," Chris Anthony and Mary Oquendo tackle a deeply important topic inspired by recent events at a grooming trade show. After a tragic incident rocked the Northwest Grooming Show, Chris Anthony and Mary Oquendo discuss the emotional impact such events can have on our tight-knit community, the importance of mental health care, and practical ways groomers can find support. The hosts share personal reflections, resources for seeking help, and lighter moments, from gardening tips to the joy of snapdragon earrings, reminding us all to find small sparks of happiness amid the challenges of our work. Grab your travel mugs and join us for honest conversation, resources, and support as we roll into an episode that’s as real as it is hopeful.

    59 min
  4. Leaving The Industry Better Than You Found It

    May 13

    Leaving The Industry Better Than You Found It

    Welcome to Healthy, Wealthy, And Wise! In tonight’s episode, Mary Oquendo and Michelle Knowles dive deep into the philosophy of leaving the grooming industry better than you found it. From the importance of continuing education and learning from mentors, to standing strong as an advocate for both the animals and yourself, our hosts share personal stories and insights about fostering a kinder, more progressive grooming community. They also discuss navigating challenging shop environments, creating your own legacy as an educator, and the power of sharing even the smallest ideas for industry innovation. Plus, they touch on why earning a living wage and achieving a healthy work-life balance, exemplified by grooming professionals taking well-deserved family time, are essential for a thriving, sustainable career. Join us for an honest, heartfelt conversation on making a lasting, positive impact in pet grooming!

    27 min
  5. Exploring Small Grooming Shows And Retreats

    May 6

    Exploring Small Grooming Shows And Retreats

    Welcome aboard, groomers, pet stylists, and canine cosmetologists! On this episode of the Traveling Groomers Podcast, hosts Mary Oquendo and Chris Anthony dive into the world of small grooming shows and retreats. Recorded with a few technical hiccups, the conversation kicks off with fun anecdotes about early morning miscommunications, quirky new coffee drinks, and memorable experiences from recent grooming events. Throughout the episode, you'll hear the hosts discuss the unique energy of both large and small trade shows, share tips for avoiding common mobile grooming mishaps, and explore the benefits of intimate retreats versus traditional grooming conventions. They highlight how smaller events offer opportunities for personal interaction, tailored education, and access to local vendors. From listing independent shows across the country to sharing stories of Niagara Falls excursions and karaoke adventures, this episode is packed with industry insights, self-care reminders, and plenty of laughter. Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or considering your first grooming competition, join us as we roll into this episode exploring why small shows deserve a spot on every groomer’s calendar!

    1h 7m
  6. Balancing Passion and Profit

    Apr 29

    Balancing Passion and Profit

    Welcome to Healthy, Wealthy, And Wise. In this episode, our hosts dive into the "wealthy" component of the healthy, wealthy, and wise trilogy, tackling a topic that sits close to the heart of every pet professional: the passion penalty. They discuss how loving what you do can sometimes mean undervaluing your work, leading to undercharging clients and sacrificing your own financial well-being. Drawing on personal experiences and industry examples, the panel explores the emotional hurdles around pricing, the importance of setting boundaries, and practical tactics for revamping your grooming business. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, this episode is packed with actionable advice on reassessing your pricing, structuring your business for long-term sustainability, and making sure your passion propels you forward—without costing you your profitability.

    27 min
  7. Reviewing Tools, Tech, And Policy Updates For A Profitable Spring Grooming Season

    Apr 22

    Reviewing Tools, Tech, And Policy Updates For A Profitable Spring Grooming Season

    Welcome aboard the Traveling Groomers Podcast! Fresh off their trip to the recently rebranded "Groomed" (formerly Atlanta Pet Fair), Chris Anthony and Mary Oquendo dive into post-show reflections, travel mishaps, and lessons learned both on the road and in the grooming van. This episode is packed with stories about flight nightmares, the ever-confusing world of airport CLEAR and PreCheck, and, of course, some classic pet parent and grandparent shenanigans (including the questionable dietary choices of Pooh Bear).But it’s not all fun tangents—Chris Anthony and Mary Oquendo bring the conversation back to business with an honest look at "spring cleaning" your grooming operation. They share tips for reassessing tools, tech, and routines, highlight the importance of updating policies and procedures, and remind us why now is the perfect time for some practical housekeeping—especially as business picks up with the new season. From evaluating what gear you really need, to making sure your business model (and boundaries!) are still working for you, this episode is full of real talk and great advice for every pet professional.So grab your travel mug, settle in, and join the Traveling Groomers as they blend practical insights, hilarious stories, and fresh perspectives on what it really takes to run a successful—and sustainable—grooming business.

    1h 4m
  8. Pushing Through Is Not a Personality Trait

    Apr 15

    Pushing Through Is Not a Personality Trait

    Welcome back to Healthy, Wealthy, and Wise! In today’s episode, “Pushing Through Is Not a Personality Trait,”  Join Mary Oquendo, Denise Heroux, and Michelle Knowles as they candidly examine the culture of “toughing it out” in the grooming industry. From glorifying marathon grooming days and ignoring physical pain, to real talk about burnout and losing passion for your craft, they challenge the notion that perseverance at all costs is a badge of honor. The hosts share personal stories and practical advice for finding a sustainable work-life balance, from raising prices and slowing your schedule, to the importance of movement, proper sleep, and nutrition. Plus, tune in for creative ideas about workplace wellness, including salon stretch guides and self-care reminders. If you’re a groomer feeling exhausted or questioning your passion, this is the must-listen episode for reclaiming your health, happiness, and love for the job.

    30 min
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4.8
out of 5
23 Ratings

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Join trailblazers Mary Oquendo and Chris Bear Anthony as they discuss everything mobile and house call pet grooming.

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