About
Meet Nicola, Your Dog Groomer in Spennymoor
Hello, I'm Nicola. I'm a dog-loving, creative, slightly quirky woman with a fringe, a big heart for animals and a firm belief that grooming should feel kind, calm and personal.
It took me a while to find dog grooming, but looking back, the clues were there all along. As a child I loved two things: animals and art. I imagined becoming a vet or an artist and always dreamed of having a business of my own.
My creative side initially won. I studied metalwork and jewellery and spent many years working as a metalsmith, alongside other design-related roles. I loved working with my hands and creating things, but there was always a niggle in the back of my mind telling me that animals needed to be part of my working life too.
Eventually I began working in a veterinary practice. Being around animals every day felt like a step in the right direction, but I still craved the hands-on, creative element that had always been such a big part of me.
There happened to be a dog grooming salon attached to the vets. From day one I was drawn to it. I trained alongside a groomer for a full year, learning hands-on, and I realised I had finally found the thing that brought both sides of me together: animals and creativity.
I have never looked back.
Finally Finding What I Was Meant to Do
For years I wasn't quite sure what I was supposed to be. Now I can wholeheartedly say: I am a dog groomer, and I think it is the best job in the world.
Grooming allows me to care for animals, work creatively and build genuine relationships with the dogs and people who visit me. It makes my soul sing, which is probably the best job description I could ever give you.
Hello Grooming began in my parents' back garden before growing into the dedicated cabin salon I have today. Opening those cabin doors still makes me incredibly proud. It reminds me how much support I have received from my family and friends and, most importantly, shows my son and daughter that dreams really can become reality when you have the courage to chase them.
Be Kind. Every Dog Is Unique.
My grooming philosophy is wonderfully simple: be kind.
No two dogs are the same, so I don't believe their grooming experience should be identical either. I tailor each appointment around the dog in front of me, taking into account their coat, age, confidence, temperament and individual needs.
Sometimes the kindest groom isn't about achieving the perfect finish in a single appointment. It is about knowing when a dog needs a break, recognising when they have had enough and building enough trust that they are happy to come back next time.
I would always rather work with your dog than against them.
The Pug Behind Hello Grooming
My lovely Pug Nero is a huge part of the reason Hello Grooming looks and feels the way it does today.
We have sadly lost him now, but he is still very much part of the business. He inspired my particular interest in brachycephalic breeds and the extra training I have undertaken to understand their needs. He is also the reason I proudly wear that familiar Pug logo every morning.
The patience, care and understanding I would have wanted for Nero is what I aim to give every dog who comes through my cabin doors.
The Pug logo, inspired by Nero
Training and Continuing to Learn
I love learning almost as much as I love dogs, and I'm usually trying to squeeze another book into my day somewhere.
Alongside a full year of hands-on training with an experienced groomer, I have completed certificates and specialist training in Canine First Aid, Brachycephalic Dogs, Foot and Nail Care, Canine Health and Welfare in the Groom Room and Emmi Pet ultrasonic teeth cleaning.
Continuing to learn matters to me because the more I understand, the better I can care for the dogs entrusted to me.
Away From the Grooming Table
When I'm not grooming, you'll usually find me with my family, reading something new or maintaining my slightly complicated relationship with running. I definitely enjoy running much more once I've finished it!
I'm a mum to a son and daughter, and my family sits at the heart of everything I do. Hello Grooming may be a professional grooming business, but it is also very personal to me. I want people to feel that they know the real person who will be caring for their dog.
