Get to know us...
Jessica Wallace
My name is Jess, I have been working with animals since I was 15 years old; I have always loved animals ever since I was a small child. I have owned rodents, birds, cats, dogs and horses.
I have worked at a kennels and cattery as well as veterinary surgeries. I decided I wanted a career change, but still work with animals so I trained to become a dog groomer. I enjoyed learning and I also gained a qualification in cat grooming.
Having gained experience for a few years, I decided to venture into teaching dog grooming, I achieved a qualification in teaching. I enjoyed both so much I decided to open up my own school with my colleague and very good friend Ruth. Together we want to teach those who are interested in this profession the correct ways of grooming in a safe, knowledgeable and fun way.
Ruth Goddard
My name is Ruth Goddard, I have been grooming for 10+ years and I have been teaching for the past 6 years. I live in Winchester with my partner Liz and our son Zak. I have lived in the south of England all of my life. I have a Parson Russell Terrier named Lola who I took on when I was a dog walker, she is a cheeky little girl who does have some issues, but I would not change her. I would very much like a Bedlington or a Griffon Bruxellois. Throughout my life, I have always wanted to work with animals especially dogs! I was the girl who bought clippers and groomed the family Yorkshire Terrier called Lady, bless her I could do anything to her. Once I finished my applied Biology Diploma, my life went in the total opposite direction, from being a manager of a cinema, to delivering lorries and fixing vans, until I got myself a job as a dog walker, I then moved to Winchester which saw the start of my new future, I walked, cared for and dog sat for many years before I was given the opportunity to learn how to groom. I enrolled into the local college dog grooming course, this was the start of my life! I completed my C&G Level 2, and decided to further my experience before completing Part 1 of the Dog Grooming Diploma, having gained my complete diploma, I also have other qualifications on the way, Level 3 in Training and Education, Certificates in Canine First Aid, Basic Cat Grooming, Anatomy and Physiology and Nutrition. I am currently undergoing my Telling TTouch Practitioner’s Course. My ethos is to teach students to be the best that they can, to treat dogs like they are their own and to also understand the dog from the signals it is giving you. I take pride in the fact that I have been a great influencer to many students I have taught. A person I very much look up to (and I am rather short!) is Julie Harris (dog groomer, judge, educator), her knowledge on dogs and grooming is outstanding and one day I hope to be just as knowledgeable. I attend many seminars and courses to expand my experience thus improving my knowledge to my students which makes for much better learning. Every day is a school day!
Lorna Baumel
Assistant Dog Groomer
Lorna has been working at Able Groomers for over 5 years. She is amazing at caring and handling animals. She has recently started her education on becoming a qualified dog groomer. She is an important member of Able Groomers.
In her spare time she paints portraits of owners pets. which you can have a look at her work on www.portraitsbylorna.co.uk