Behind the Brush

The love and desire to be a part of animals’ lives and to be surrounded by them go back to my childhood. I was always comfortable around them, curious, and never afraid. My parents never knew what would tag along with me when I got home, no matter which continent we lived on; I wanted to save them all!

Even though my college career path, a BA in Cinema and Television Arts from CSUN, would have been exciting, I never pursued it because I always knew I would work with animals in one way or another. It was always there, waiting for me while I went off experiencing new things in life after college. This ultimately brought me to Hawai’i, where I started my career with animals. Before I moved to Hawaii, I chose a path in dog training because I was always fascinated by how dogs learn, how they think, and why they act the way they do. In California, I attended ABC (Animal Behavior College) to obtain my certification. Approximately a year after being on Oahu and working in the service industry, I was ready to take the next step toward the future I had always dreamed of.

I have always been a creative person and have loved finding ways to express that creativity. How I ended up in dog grooming was completely by chance. Petco had a dog training position available, so I applied; however, I walked out with a dog grooming apprentice position. Eight years later, after working on three different islands, here I am. My background in dog training, along with my knowledge and hands-on practice with industry professionals, has helped me tremendously in grooming. I believe that being able to apply this skill to grooming has been the best prerequisite for this profession. Understanding why certain behaviors occur and how to approach them has been key to my success in working with a variety of dogs on my table, from young to old, from well-behaved to naughty, and including those with health conditions.

When I started in dog grooming, I knew nothing about it except that I loved dogs and wanted to make them pretty. However, it is so much more than that on every level. All of your senses must be in tune, and I always trust my intuition. The biggest eye-opener I had was how much a dog’s health goes hand in hand with grooming, as well as the environment in which they are groomed. This realization has led me to this point today. I knew that I could provide a better approach to making their grooming experience less stressful by adding a personal touch in a home environment. With all the feedback from pet parents that I have received over the years, I have tried to mold their ideas, needs, and wishes with my own vision. And then, Doggie Stylz Grooming was born.

I’m grateful to turn a lifelong love for animals into a service built on trust and care. Every pet I groom is treated with patience, respect, and understanding because they deserve nothing less. My goal is for Doggie Stylz Grooming to be a local favorite and to stand for more than just a great haircut; it’s about creating lasting comfort, confidence, and peace of mind for both pets and their owners.