A Future with Fur

After I left school, I was completely lost. I had no direction, no motivation, and Mum and Dad were on my case about getting a job. I’d done VCAL in Year 12 in early childhood education, and even though I loved the kids, deep down I knew it wasn’t my thing. Then COVID hit and, honestly, it did me a favour. It got me out of that course… but then I had a new problem: now what?

Mum was a hard task master (I now realise this in the best possible way, I didn’t at the time) she made it abundantly clear I needed to work. So I tried… I bounced through a bunch of hospitality jobs and I absolutely hated every single one — but I knew I had to have a job and earn an income. Mum also didn’t tell me about the dole, so there was no “easy out.” I felt stuck, frustrated, and dreaded my working days.

Mum kept helping me try different things, and I don’t know how she kept the faith, but she did. Somewhere in all that, I started washing a few dogs. I have always loved dogs … dogs are different. Dogs don’t judge you, they love you regardless of anything, they’re not rude, they don’t make you feel stupid. They just love a pat and your company. Washing dogs in Mum and Dad’s outdoor bathroom made me feel genuinely happy for the first time in ages. 

That’s when I started thinking about dog grooming. I wanted to give it a go, but there was nothing around to help me get started. No taster days, no intro weekends, no one showing you the basics so you could find out if it was the right fit. Luckily, one of Mum’s friends had a mobile groomer, Kellie, who let me tag along for a few days. She even let me use the tools and have a go at grooming. I will be forever grateful to Kellie for giving me that opportunity. I was the happiest I’d been in so long. I finally felt like I’d found something that made sense for me. Something I could see myself doing.

Fast forward nearly three years, and I’m running my own business. I’ve got clients furry ones and their owners (who pay the bills), I have so much more confidence, independence — and a career I actually love. And here’s the funny part: I used to tell Mum, “I’m not you. I don’t want to be a workaholic.” I thought she was crazy for being so passionate about her work. But the truth was, I’d just never enjoyed anything enough to understand why she loved her work. Once I found dog grooming, it clicked. I finally got why she loved what she did — because when you find the right thing, you want to show up, work hard, and build something. And that’s exactly why I want to run the Dog Groomer Test Drive Weekend. Because I know what it feels like to be lost, to try jobs you hate, to feel like nothing fits, and to have no idea where to start.

I was lucky enough to get a real chance to try grooming before committing to it — and that opportunity changed everything for me. Now I want to offer that same opportunity to others: a genuine, test drive where participants can explore the tools, the reality, the pros and cons, and decide for themselves if this could be a career worth pursuing

PARTICIPANT BENEFITS
• Get a real look at what dog groomers do day-to-day
• Learn about the tools and equipment needed to get started
• Understand the honest pros and cons of the industry
• See real grooms from start to finish
• Participate in basic hands-on tasks
• Ask questions and get genuine, practical answers
• Learn about career pathways and next steps
• Decide if grooming is the right fit before spending money on a course
• Experience a professional salon environment
• Stay on-site for a full weekend immersion

ONLY 4 SPOTS
• More one-on-one attention
• Safer, calmer environment for dogs and participants
• Real hands-on time, not just watching
• Easier to learn and ask questions
• Personalised feedback and support
• Boutique experience — not a classroom vibe
• Higher quality weekend, not rushed or crowded

PRICING & INCLUSIONS

• 2 nights on-site accommodation for 2 people at Airtree Resort (Friday & Saturday)
• Friday night dinner + “get to know each other” welcome
• Saturday breakfast
• Hands-on salon sessions (morning)
• Saturday lunch
• Hands-on salon sessions (afternoon)
• Saturday dinner
• Sunday breakfast
• Hands-on salon session (morning)
• Sunday lunch
• Final wrap-up + Q&A •

Meals included for one parent or partner across the weekend (Parent/partner is not included in salon sessions.)

$899 per participant which includes your parent/partner

Payment options
Pay in full discounted $849
Payment Plan pay $299 non refundable booking then $150 per month over the next 4 months.