The Schedule And Class Descriptions
Check-in is on Saturday, April 11th anytime after 4 pm. Registration packets will be available at the Spruce Meeting Room.
Sunday, April 12th
7:00am- Singing Bowl Meditation to start the day
7:30am- Breakfast
8am- Noon- Morning Session Mental Health, Burnout, and the Art of Emotional Regulation with Melissa Jepson
Noon- Lunch
1pm-5pm Afternoon Session An Afternoon Of Color with Erin Huland
7Pm- Dinner
8:30Pm- Scary Stories Around the Campfire
Monday, April 13th
7:00am- Singing Bowl Meditation to start the day
7:30am- Breakfast
8am- Noon- Morning Session Holistic Grooming System with Mary Oquendo
Noon- Lunch
1pm-5pm Afternoon Session From Groomer to Owner: Are You Ready for What’s Next? with Denise Heroux
7Pm- Dinner
8PM- Checkout
Mental Health, Burnout, And The Art Of Emotional Regulation with Melissa Jepson
Grooming can be fast-paced, unpredictable, and overwhelming even on a good day. Staying calm amid barking dogs, tight schedules, and high client expectations isn’t always easy. While we’re often told to “leave our problems at the door,” that’s not always realistic. So what happens when emotions follow us into the salon?
In this session, Melissa will guide you through practical, real-time coping strategies to help you regulate your emotions and stay grounded-including and especially when everything around you feels chaotic. You’ll learn how to process stress as it happens and build emotional resilience that supports you not only in your daily grooming routine, but throughout your life.
This class is tailored to the unique challenges groomers face and covers effective coping mechanisms, self-care tips, support for moments when things feel hopeless, and more!
An Afternoon Of Color With Erin Huland
Four Workshops
1. Color Theory And How It Applies To Creative Grooming.
This session will explain what color theory is, why it is important to creative grooming, and how to apply the theory when working with color on your clients pets.
2. How To Price And Market Your Creative Grooms
If you are stumped on how to price and advertise your creative grooming designs, then this is the perfect class for you! Erin will explain how to determine your price to charge based on your time, skill level, and products used and then how you can market yourself and/or your salon!
3. Coat Carving
This class will show attendees what tools and techniques they will need to achieve a coat carving in the salon/mobile/house call situation on most coats.
4.Airbrushing
In this class I will show attendees how to work an airbrush, the types of ink available to use, techniques and tips to achieve a 3D effect, and how to clean your airbrush.
Holistic Pet Grooming System with Mary Oquendo
The Holistic Pet Grooming System Workshop introduces a whole-business approach to grooming that centers on balance, intention, and sustainability. Participants will explore five interconnected layers—pets, clients, staff, environment, and the business itself—supported by the pillars of mind, body, and joy. Through practical examples and systems-based strategies, this workshop empowers pet professionals to reduce stress, prevent burnout, and build a grooming practice that works in harmony with both people and pets.
From Groomer To Owner: Are You Ready For What’s Next? with Denise Heroux
Designed for groomers who are feeling the pull to branch out—and owners questioning their current direction—this intimate experience blends honest reflection with practical guidance. Whether you’re exploring ownership for the first time or reassessing the business you already run, this session is about clarity before commitment.
We’ll walk through the real steps of setting up a grooming business, including:
Evaluating readiness and defining your why
Understanding the foundational requirements of ownership (structure, legal, financial, and operational basics)
Creating boundaries, policies, and systems that support sustainable growth
Developing leadership and communication skills that protect both your team and your peace
Recognizing when it’s time to move forward—and when it’s smarter to pause and realign
This is not about rushing into entrepreneurship. It’s about making informed, intentional decisions and building a business that actually supports the life you want—not just the work you do.