Leah Mayman : How I prepared for my first dog grooming show

Leah Mayman : How I prepared for my first dog grooming show
Loading...
Leah Mayman : How I prepared for my first dog grooming show

Leah Mayman First show

 

Since joining Tiktok over a year ago, I have met a wide range of groomers, from those who have just begun to those who have been in the industry for decades. With this, I have gained traction on my own grooming career, spurred on by my ‘colleagues’. My ‘colleagues’ meaning the many other groomers world-wide that I’ve connected with over social media, whom I believe are just one salon with a very good distance between us.  

 

So, it was pitched to me by another tiktoker, a Welsh groomer called Naomi; who is most certainly a passionate and talented groomer, well versed in the world of competitions, that I was to join her in competing in ‘The Great British Groom Off’ and if you know me, I was most certainly going to say yes.  

 

Leah Mayman and Ivy

 

I was going to use my 10 month old Shihtzu, Ivy. A first time for the both of us. The night before at 9pm, I had prepped her in the DezynaDog Intensive Nourishing Shampoo and followed up with the Simply Sleek Conditioner . I’ve found this combination to be perfect for her drop coat and kept static a bay as I worked on her coat. Pads and hygiene trimmed, top knot wrapped up. Then it was home to bed ready for the 4am start, including a 3 and a half hour drive down to Stoneleigh where the Kennel Club building is.  

 

leah mayman great British groom off

 

On arrival, I promptly ran to the nearest toilet, nerves were most certainly getting the better of me. I had never been to such an event, never mind participate. Once in, my brother Daniel calmed me whilst, a grooming friend of mine, Holly helped cart in the equipment. We had brought a Groom Professional Ring Side Table , perfect for Ivy and me to work on and a trolley full of everything I’d need. It wasn’t long till I was set up and the clock started to tick, 2 hours of grooming with a 10 minute break in between. Was I ready? I wasn’t sure, but I was going to do it anyway! 

 

leah mayman great british groom off

 

After 10 minutes me and Ivy had found our groove, the atmosphere was far more relaxed than I anticipated and the world was blocked out, I was in the zone. At one point, I did look up as I looked for some and there they were, the smiling faces of some of my colleagues who’d made the trip to cheer me on. My heart was glowing, and I was thriving. Ivy sat like an angel, for only 10 months old I was beaming with pride. And just like that 2 hours were gone, and I was proud of the outcome. I had loved every minute of focusing on my dog and doing what I love best. 

 

leah mayman great British groom off

 

We waited for judging and got some amazing feedback. We didn’t place, but I had won, it was an experience that I will never forget. It was even commented that I had done her face perfectly, though my legs could do with some more work. I couldn’t thank everyone supporting me enough, it was amazing. I do believe I now have ‘the bug’. So, I’m sure you’ll be seeing us again in the ring. 

 

leah mayman and ivy

Comments

Please login to comment.

Don't have an account?

Sign Up for free