Today we’d like to introduce you to Emiley Bullard.
Hi Emiley, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve always had a passion for animals of all kinds so when unexpected life events caused me to move from my hometown in DFW to Houston and a small private shop offered me an apprenticeship I was thrilled and began my journey into dog grooming. Through that amazing opportunity I grew my skills and when I moved further into Houston I started working on my own and exploring the creative grooming side of my work.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road, I’ve had challenging dogs, moved away from my wonderful apprenticeship, and started learning what it takes to run the business on my own. I’ve done a lot of learning on the job when new challenges present themselves like dogs with collapsed tracheas, or missing limbs, or very fearful anxious dogs that need a little extra patience. Working in this industry despite its obstacles is very rewarding to me and the knowledge I’ve gained is priceless.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Like many other people I groom dogs, haircuts, baths, and blowouts, but what sets me apart is my passion for creative grooming! I first found out creative grooming exists when I saw photos online of dogs made to look like tigers or watermelons! I was so impressed that someone could design and successfully “paint” a dog to look like that. Once I did some more research into how people were doing it I got my first client and fell in love. With a dog that loves attention, dog safe dyes, and patience you can create beautiful work with a living canvas! The dogs that I’ve done creative work on love the attention they get and leave feeling pampered! My favorite project I’ve done is a poodle named Ethyl, she belongs to one of my dearest friends and we recently made her poms a fabulous rainbow! We had so much fun and she turned out beautiful.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
My mentors and supporters have meant the world to me during this process. The owner and long standing groomer at my first salon taught me everything I know and deserve the bulk of the credit for my work. Without them I could’ve never believed in myself the way I needed to to become successful in this career choice. My boyfriend and my friends and family get the rest of the credit. Whether going with me to my first few solo clients, or helping me make business cards and Instagram posts they have been with me every step of the way!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @smileypupsalon
- Other: smileypupsalon@gmail.com
