Student Feature: Katie Harris

Tell us a little bit about yourself!

Hey, my name’s Katie Harris. I’m 25 years old and live in Taupo, New Zealand! I’m very much into anything creative whether it be art, music, makeup, styling etc.

You are a QC Makeup Academy graduate and have your own successful makeup and hair business! Why are you turning your sights to dog grooming, a completely different profession?

When I moved from the big city of Auckland to small town Taupo, there wasn’t really the biggest market for hair and makeup. So I decided it was time to learn a new skill and was very excited to learn that QC introduced an online dog grooming course.  I’ve always been around animals and have a huge passion for them, so a job that meant I could spend all day with them? Why not!

What do you enjoy about dog grooming?

The dogs, obviously! I really enjoy the art of grooming and helping dogs look and feel their best. I really feel for the dogs that come in severely matted, but it makes me feel great when they leave completely de-matted and happy.

Will you be juggling your dog grooming business with your beauty business?

At this stage, no. I’ve got my sights set on dog grooming and am already booked up 3 weeks in advance— and I haven’t even finished my course!!!

What’s one thing that you wish someone had told you when you started your dog grooming certification?

Make sure you have the funds to start up. Invest in some good, reliable dog grooming tools, and make sure that if you’re doing it from home, you have somewhere suitable to groom.  Oh, and carpet sucks for pet hair haha!!

Did you find your tutor feedback and experience useful?

Yes, the feedback is helpful. All the videos are great, too, and very in-depth. Again, I haven’t done the majority of the course yet and already very busy, so I haven’t had tons of feedback yet.

You’re excelling in the course so far. What’s one thing you’ve learned from the course that’s completely brand new to you?

The First Aid training was something I hadn’t even thought of before the course. I didn’t realize the level of information that was required for First Aid, and how useful it is for feeling more confident when deal with situations.

What do you think the future holds for you?

Hopefully more grooming!! I’ve been loving it so far 🙂

Are you looking into online dog grooming courses? Find out how to compare accredited grooming schools!