We Were Homeless Three Times—Then I Opened a Grooming Salon in a Pandemic” How Dino Suds N Scissors Became More Than a Business—It Became a Lifeline

 We Were Homeless Three Times—Then I Opened a Grooming Salon in a Pandemic

How Dino Suds N Scissors Became More Than a Business—It Became a Lifeline

Hello there, I’m Sydney—owner of Dino Suds N Scissors, certified groomer, animal lover to my core… and someone who once tried to own every animal in the world. (Spoiler alert: it didn’t quite work out.)

Ever since I was 8 years old, I knew animals were my everything. While other kids were out riding bikes, I was passing out handmade flyers—thanks to help from my mom and grandma—for my first-ever dog walking and pet sitting “business.” It wasn’t fancy, but it was the beginning of something much bigger than I ever imagined.

Fast forward a few years (okay, more than a few), and I found myself stuck in a cycle of jobs that just didn’t feel right. Then one day, I landed a role as a bather at a grooming salon in Pleasant Grove, Utah—and everything clicked. I wasn’t just scrubbing muddy paws. I was absorbing everything—grooming techniques, product knowledge, skin and coat science, dog behavior, and the deep art of caring for animals.

Then I learned about Master Grooming. And the science nerd in me? Obsessed. I wanted to know it all—how diet affects skin, how shampoo pH impacts a coat, how one dog’s stress can be another groomer’s meltdown. I dove headfirst into education, fueled by passion and probably too much coffee.

Eventually, I came back home to Vernal, Utah. I worked in a few salons, but something felt off. Not every place gave pets the care and attention I’d come to believe was standard. I realized… if I couldn’t find the salon I dreamed of working in, I’d build it myself.

So, I did.
And that’s how Dino Suds N Scissors was born.
In the middle of a global pandemic.
After being homeless.
Three. Separate. Times.

Let that sink in.

My husband and I were barely scraping by, living paycheck to paycheck, sometimes without a place to call home—but we believed in this dream with everything we had. We poured our souls (and our bank account) into creating a salon that felt different. One rooted in care, compassion, and doing things right.

I won’t sugarcoat it—those first months were brutal.
We opened during COVID.
We prayed every day just to keep the lights on.
We Googled whether groomers had to charge sales tax (turns out, yep, we do in Utah).
We were learning it all on the fly.
And somehow… we survived.

That first year taught us everything—about grit, about business, about what happens when you believe in something so much you refuse to quit.

Since then, I’ve continued to push myself, earning certifications I’m deeply proud of:

  • 🐾 Nationally Certified Master Groomer (NDGAA)

  • 🐾 Master Therapeutic Pet Esthetician

  • 🐾 Master Professional Creative Groomer

  • 🐾 Master Pet Nutritionist

  • 🐾 Canine & Feline Anatomy Specialist

  • 🐾 Pet CPR & First Aid Certified

These aren’t just titles—they represent a deep understanding of how to care for pets from the inside out.

Because grooming isn’t just about making dogs look cute (though we’re definitely guilty of that too 🐶✨). It’s about comfort. Health. Confidence. And sometimes even saving lives.

Dogs with matted coats or overgrown nails aren’t just “a little overdue”—they’re in pain. Mats can lead to skin infections and restricted blood flow. Long nails can cause joint damage, poor posture, and mobility issues. Grooming is healthcare. And it’s never one-size-fits-all.

Every dog is different. Some need more time. Some need special tools. Some need patience. That’s why our prices reflect the care each pet truly needs—not just a cut and go.

Some days are hard. Some dogs are scared. But every single appointment is a chance to make a dog feel better—and that’s everything.

I created Dino Suds N Scissors because pets deserve more. More knowledge. More care. More heart.

And honestly?
This place has saved me just as much as it’s helped others.

Thanks for being part of our story. 💛
– Sydney

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

DON'T Shave the Fluff!!!!

Image
  Don’t Shave the Fluff: Why Shaving Double-Coated Dogs Can Do More Harm Than Good Every year when temperatures rise, we hear it again: “Can you shave my Husky so she stays cooler?” “My Aussie is shedding like crazy—just shave it all off!” “Won’t it help him cool down faster if he has no fur?” We get it. The idea  seems  logical—less hair = less heat, right? But when it comes to double-coated breeds, shaving them is one of the worst things you can do. Here’s why—and what you should do instead. What  Is  a Double-Coated Dog? Double-coated dogs have  two distinct layers of fur : A soft, dense undercoat  that acts like insulation—keeping them warm in winter  and  cool in summer A coarse outer coat (guard hairs)  that repels dirt, moisture, and harmful sun rays Think of it like a built-in climate control system. Breeds like Huskies, Golden Retrievers, Australian Shepherds, Border Collies, German Shepherds, Pomeranians, Great Pyrenees, and ev...
Read more

Why Is Dog Grooming So Expensive? Here’s the Truth No One Talks About”

Why Dino Suds N Scissors May Cost More — and Why That’s a Good Thing 🦖✨ If you’ve ever wondered why DinoSudsNScissors may seem more expensive than some other grooming options, you’re not alone — and we’re happy to explain. The short answer? Because we don’t cut corners , and when it comes to your pet, we never will. But let’s dig a little deeper. Grooming Isn’t Just a Haircut For many places, grooming is treated like a quick service: in, out, done. At Dino Suds N Scissors, grooming is hands-on care , skill , and responsibility rolled into one. Every pet that walks through our doors is a living, breathing family member — not a number on a schedule. That mindset changes everything about how we work. Education, Training & Experience Matter Our team is made up of highly trained professionals who invest countless hours into education, certification, and continued learning. Grooming safely requires knowledge of: Coat types and breed standards Skin and coat health ...
Read more