08/28/2026
✨ A post long overdue ✨
I thought now would be the perfect time to look back and celebrate one of the most unforgettable achievements in my grooming career.
Around this time last year, I competed in my first-ever grooming competition at the New England Groom Expo which is something I honestly never thought I’d have the courage to do. And somehow… I walked away with 2nd place 🥈 in Salon freestyle AND Best first timer! 🏆
To say it was an uphill battle would be an understatement. 😂
I found out very last minute that one of my competition dogs wouldn’t be available. The only replacement I could find was severely matted, almost pelted, so I spent the morning of the competition prepping and de-matting just to get her ready.
And as if that wasn’t enough, I had found out only 2–3 weeks before the competition that I was pregnant! I was battling nausea, dizziness, nerves, and so many unexpected challenges while on the competition platform.
I was a nervous wreck, but I did it.
The crazy part? I never expected to place. I entered simply for fun, to challenge myself, and to gain the experience. I remember thinking, “There are so many incredible groomers out there. There’s no way I’m placing.”
So hearing my name called not once, but twice, is something I’ll never forget. 🥹
Julie Wilkins Grooming & Nicole Medina , thank you for pushing me to enter. I truly never would have considered competing if it weren’t for you.
Madeline Rothwell Judge Madeline Rothwell, thank you for deeming my work worthy of placement and for encouraging me despite my nerves. You’ll never know how much that recognition meant to me. ❤️
And to my friends & family who showed up, supported me, and cheered me on both days thank you for making such a huge deal out of this accomplishment and making it even more special.
I’m so sad this year’s New England show was cancelled, but I’m hopeful I’ll get the chance to compete again soon.
For now, I’m looking forward to continuing to learn, grow, create, and push myself in this career I love while meeting new people and learning from the best in the industry.
If you made it this far, all I can say is thank you for following me!