From rising up in a dog-loving household to representing England on the world stage, Joanne Silk-Smith’s grooming journey is constructed on kindness, willpower and a continuing need to enhance. Proprietor of K9Transfurmations close to Chester, she shares how ardour, mentorship and self-belief have formed her profession.
Changing into a canine groomer wasn’t a part of a rigorously mapped-out plan for Joanne Silk-Smith. In reality, as she brazenly admits, “it wasn’t one thing I got down to do as a lifelong dream — I truly fell into it by likelihood.” A serving to hand at Mike Wildman’s salon in Chester shortly became one thing way more significant. “It didn’t take lengthy for me to grasp how a lot I beloved it,” she says — and the remainder, as they are saying, is historical past.
Canines, nonetheless, have all the time been central to Joanne’s life. With a mum who’s a canine groomer and exhibitor, and a nan who bred and confirmed miniature long-haired Dachshunds, she was immersed within the canine world from an early age. “I grew up surrounded by all kinds of breeds, from German Shepherds to Cockers and lots of in between,” she explains. “You possibly can say canine are very a lot a part of my DNA.”
Like many profitable groomers, Joanne credit robust mentorship as a key affect in her growth. “My greatest stand-out mentor needs to be Kirsty Hunt,” she says. A second throughout a Mastergroom class stays vivid in her reminiscence. Whereas battling a Bichon, she appeared as much as see one in every of Kirsty’s Poodles mid-groom. “It genuinely stopped me in my tracks; I used to be utterly in awe.” Since getting her personal Poodle, Kirsty’s encouragement and help have been invaluable. “Having a mentor who pushes you past your consolation zone whereas supplying you with the boldness to strive is price their weight in gold.”
On the coronary heart of Joanne’s enterprise, K9Transfurmations close to Chester, is a robust ethos of compassion and respect. “I give attention to being form and compassionate to each my purchasers and their canine,” she says, “and I always remember that it’s a privilege to be trusted with making them appear and feel their greatest.” She works on a quality-over-quantity foundation, permitting time for every canine to obtain the care they deserve. Whereas agency about appointment insurance policies, Joanne believes this creates mutual respect and long-term loyalty. “On the finish of the day, our purchasers are the inspiration of every little thing we do.”
Balancing salon life with aggressive grooming hasn’t all the time been simple. “There are weeks the place I’ll work six or seven days, significantly when a contest is arising,” she admits. Alongside the bodily and psychological calls for, there’s additionally household life to contemplate. Joanne is fast to acknowledge the help of her companion James and son Jackson, even whereas recognising the guilt that may include time away. “Their encouragement, mixed with my ardour for the craft and my willpower to be one of the best I may be, is what retains pushing me ahead.”
What retains Joanne impressed day-to-day is selection and progress. She loves assembly new canine, particularly unfamiliar breeds, and nonetheless has a want record. “One thing a bit totally different like a Kerry Blue Terrier or a Chinese language Crested” is excessive on it. Finally, although, it’s self-improvement that drives her. “The one individual I need to be higher than is myself.”
Her recommendation to fellow groomers is grounded and heartfelt: “Be form in the beginning — to your self in addition to others. Keep humble.” She encourages making connections in what generally is a surprisingly lonely occupation, listening rigorously to suggestions, and by no means limiting your self with self-doubt. “Progress begins the second you problem these doubts and permit your self the house to strive.”
Joanne’s personal journey is a testomony to that mindset. She is the Spaniel and Setter Group Member for Groom Group England for each the 2023/24 and present 2025/26 cycles, chosen via a rigorous two-year qualification interval. “Being chosen twice is one thing I’m very grateful for,” she says. On the final World Championships, the workforce positioned sixth out of 23 international locations — “a tremendous expertise and a privilege.”
Trying forward, Joanne sees the business persevering with to lift its requirements and hopes purchasers more and more worth welfare and high quality over worth. Personally, she plans to continue learning, competing, and tackling new challenges — together with changing into a extra assured speaker. “Talking in entrance of individuals has all the time terrified me,” she admits, “however it’s one thing I’m decided to enhance.” Along with her drive and humility, there’s little doubt she’s going to.
