One Year Anniversary lesley Hinton
Lesley, Dash DogWash Mudgeeraba, is celebrating her first year anniversary with Dash DogWash. We stopped by to ask her how she is going:
You’re One Year into your new business Lesley. Congratulations! How are you feeling about your new business?
I feel incredibly proud of how far I’ve come in just one year. What started as a big leap of faith has grown into a business I genuinely love. I feel more confident, settled, and excited about the future.
Can you remember back to your first week and now you are up to one year. What’s the difference between that first week and this week?
The first week was really nerve-wracking. I was second-guessing myself and felt overwhelmed. Now, one year on, I feel calm, confident, and capable. My routines are solid, my skills have grown, and, while I do still second guess myself at times, I see this improving all the time.
You must have many regular customers now. How are you building that customer relationship? How does it feel to be returning to customers?
I’ve built my customer base through a mix of marketing skills learnt during training. I have strong word of mouth and happy clients recommend me to others. Building relationships comes from being consistent, reliable, and genuinely caring for each dog. Returning to regular customers is really rewarding as it feels familiar, and I’ve build this trust in being part of their routine rather than just a one-off service.
Taking your mind back a year. Starting a new business is hard. There’s lots of overwhelm and imposter syndrome (feeling like you’re an imposter in your business). Did you feel supported by Dash DogWash in those early days?
Yes, absolutely. I definitely felt overwhelmed at times, but the support from Amber (Queensland Support Team) and everyone within Dash DogWash was such a comfort. There was always someone there when I needed advice or questions answered.
Knowing I could ask questions and get reassurance made a huge difference in those early days. Now, one year later I like knowing I have a support system that I can rely on. This is why I chose to be part of Dash DogWash.
How do you find the level of ongoing support as you continue to grow in this business?
The ongoing support has been fantastic. Having Amber as my support person has made a huge difference, she’s always approachable, encouraging, and quick to help whenever I have questions or need guidance. Knowing I have
someone experienced to lean on gives me confidence to keep growing the business and tackle any new challenges should they arise.
Can you remember the moment when you felt confident as a groomer. When did that happen and how did it feel?
Around six months in, I noticed a real shift in my confidence. I wasn’t constantly second-guessing myself and the nerves I felt before each groom had settled down. I started trusting my training, my instincts, and my ability to handle different dogs and situations. It felt so empowering and reassuring, and that’s when I truly began to enjoy my business with a huge sense of achievement.
Looking back on your training, how was your training period? What were the highlights of Training?
The training was fantastic, hands-on, thorough, and practical. The highlights were learning real-world grooming skills, handling different dog personalities, and building confidence gradually. I didn’t feel 5 days was long enough at the grooming school. Additional days of training would have been very beneficial for me at the time. Having said that, I know the real learning comes from being on the road and building that confidence groom by groom.
Financially, have you have hit your milestones?
Yes, I’m happy with where I am financially. Through consistency and patience, I feel I’ve reached important income milestones and it continues to grow.
What’s your favourite part of being a Dash DogWash Groomer?
My favourite part of being a Dash DogWash groomer is the connections I am building with dogs and their owners. I love seeing dogs become more comfortable and relaxed over time, especially anxious dogs. Knowing I’m helping keep dogs healthy, happy, and feeling their best is incredibly rewarding. I also really value the flexibility and independence of running my own business while doing something I truely love every day.
And the least favourite?
The physical demands can be tiring sometimes. It’s important to find the right balance. Educating clients with matted dogs who don’t fully understand the skill and energy a Dash DogWash groomer brings to the table. Honestly, it’s a small downside compared to how fulfilling the work is.
Any regrets in your decision to join our team?
I have zero regrets about joining Dash DogWash. It’s given me the opportunity to build my own business with the confidence of having good training and ongoing support behind me. Looking back, it was the right decision for me
both personally and professionally, and I’m really proud of what I’ve achieved so far.
Would you recommend this business to someone else and if so, what would you say?
Absolutely. I’d say if you love dogs, want flexibility, and want to run your own business with strong support behind you, Dash DogWash is a fantastic business opportunity.
If you would like more information about becoming a Dash DogGroomer please click here: https://dashdogwash.com.au/franchising-opportunities/
