We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Cory Dewalt a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Cory, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

I was 12 when grooming even came about. I never thought to groom. My mema was tired of paying other groomers to do the house dog Maxx (cocker spanie). She went to wal mart bought some clipper and she told me would I groom him. I wasnt sure why, but i glad she did. I woukd be on YouTube looking for tips on how to groom him. I would groom him until I perfected the breed cut. Then I moved to doing the family dogs and learning how to do different breeds. After about 7 yrs. I, then it moved to friends of the family, to outsiders. I was so in love with doing this. I would work my full time job, then on the weekends I would groom. I’ve always loved dogs so it was easy to navigate to grooming. I was on my garage floor without a grooming table cutting dogs. That’s what made me want to pursue my dream of being an professional groomer. After getting enough clients. I decided to leave my 15yr job. I got my 1st job at Woofgang of Chapin without any experience. I faked it, til I made it. Doing new breeds I had no idea how to groom. Yet, the clients were very pleased. Thats when I knew, I wanted my own grooming shop. I left Woofgang to work at Happy Pets. Thats when the opportunity of a lifetime came. There were 3 ppl telling me about this this shop/salon that was closing. I reached out to the owner of the salon and we came to an agreement. After 2 yrs of working for others. I finally has my very own grooming salon.

Cory, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Cory Dewalt im 38 raised in Newberry SC. I’m a self taught groomer. I got into grooming because of my mema telling me to groom the house dog. I specializing in creative grooming. Meaning I like to Dye dog in various color to spark the look and appearance of the dog. This is what set me apart from other groomers. I also deal with matted and aggressive dogs. Doing dogs most wouldn’t have the patience to do. I take pride in my work and I always put the clients decisions/choices 1st, but also making them understand whats best for them. I engage with them getting to know them. I’m all about my business, but having a relationship with them, build trust with them, but also creating bond and safe place, so they trust me with their baby.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

What help me build my reputation is that the love I have for grooming. I’m very particular on how dogs should look. I like straight lines, rounded faces, clean nails, ears and feet. I also listen to the clients demands. When met,they’re sold to you and become loyal clients. Im very patient and the dogs comfort always come 1st. When they see they’re dog isn’t stressed and happy upon pick up they are happy. This is what set the tone and I have a reputation for that

Any fun sales or marketing stories?

The odds were definitely against me in the world of being creative. It 50/50 when it comes to it. You have ppl that love the over pampering and you have others that hate it. So i set myself apart and I give both what they need. Marketing coloring isn’t the easiest thing to do. So I have my personal shop dog with me daily. I will color him to advertise,but to also show others that being that the dog is colored, they’re also not in harms way. I will also educate others on the safeness of the dyes I used. What it’s vegan, no extra ingredients that will harm your baby. Making them change there decisions on coloring or mind on how they feel about it. I’ve learned that when you’re open with them, they tend to listen more

Contact Info:

• Instagram: GroomToDyeFor
• Facebook: GroomsToDyeFor