What It’s Really Like to Run a Mobile Grooming Business

Alex Martin
May 21, 2026

Learn how to start a mobile grooming business with practical advice on vans, clients, costs, and daily operations

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Part II of the Start Series

Presented by ⁠The Daily Groomer⁠ and ⁠@WagnTailsMobile⁠

Starting a mobile grooming business looks great from the outside.

Flexible schedule. Higher prices. Independence.

But what does it actually feel like once you’re in it?

In this session, we’re going beyond the highlight reel and getting into the real day-to-day experience of running a mobile grooming business — especially in the early stages.

No theory. No sugarcoating. Just an honest look at what it takes to get up and running and build something that lasts.

💬 What You’ll Learn

Tess will walk through what it’s really like to start and run a mobile grooming business — especially in the early days when you’re figuring everything out.

We’ll cover the real decisions, tradeoffs, and lessons that new mobile groomers face, including:

What the first few months actually look like after going mobile

How to think about buying your first van (new vs. used)

Different ways to finance your van — and what to watch out for

The biggest mistakes new mobile groomers make early on

How to handle your first clients, scheduling, and daily operations

What surprised her most when starting (the stuff no one tells you)

…plus YOUR questions, answered live and unfiltered

This session is designed to give you a clear, honest picture of starting mobile — so you can move forward with confidence and avoid costly missteps.

🎤 Guest Expert

Tess Oliver

Owner, Best in Show Pet Spa (Miami, FL)

Tess Oliver (IG: ⁠@best.in.show⁠) is an award-winning dog groomer based in Miami, NDGAA certified in Non-Sporting breeds and Long-Legged Terriers. She shows and competes with Bedlington Terriers, and is an educator for Groom Haüs with several courses ranging from every day doodle trims to showing the Shetland Sheepgod. With over 15 years in the grooming industry and 10 years as a business owner, she brings a unique blend of technical grooming expertise and real-world business experience.

📍 Part of the Start Series

This workshop is Part II of the Mobile Grooming Growth Summit – Start Track, designed for groomers exploring mobile or in the early stages of building their business.

Part I – May 4

Salon & Mobile: What It Takes to Build Beyond One Model⁠

Part II – May 18

What It’s Really Like to Run a Mobile Grooming Business⁠

Part III – June 1

The Roadmap to Going Mobile: How to Start, Launch, and Grow Your First Van⁠

🐾 Why Attend?

If you’re thinking about going mobile — or just getting started — this is the session that shows you what it’s actually like once you’re in it.

Get a realistic view of the early-stage experience

Learn from someone who’s built and operated multiple vans

Avoid common mistakes that slow new operators down

Understand what it takes to build a fully booked business

Bring your questions. Leave with clarity and confidence.

🔜 Coming Later This Year

The Scale Track — focused on multi-van owners and operators looking to grow — will be announced later this summer.

Stay Connected

Follow them on their social media ⁠@best.in.show⁠⁠ . Curious about Teddy? You can ⁠sign up here⁠. For more grooming tips, insights, and stories, check out our website at ⁠The Daily Groomer⁠. Join and be part of ⁠The Daily Groomer Community!