Beyond the Shears

Burnout is real — and it’s hitting pet groomers hard. In this episode of Beyond the Shears, Crystal Lee sits down with author, speaker, and grooming professional Azairreah Hill to talk about her new book Burnt the Fur Out. This honest, empowering conversation tackles what burnout looks like in the grooming industry, how to spot the signs early, and how groomers can protect their peace while still loving their work. Azairreah shares insights from the book including setting boundaries that actually work, releasing guilt around rest, and imagining what life can look like beyond overwhelm. Whether you’re at your breaking point or simply trying to find better balance, this episode offers validation, clarity, and tools to help you stay in the grooming game without burning out. Get your copy here: https://a.co/d/eAwQoPW 👍 If you found this helpful, LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for more insights on running a successful grooming business! 💬 Drop a comment below—what topic should we cover next? ___________________________________________________________ 🌐 Visit Our Website: www.petbizadvisors.com 🎙 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts: Spotify | Apple Podcasts ✔ Follow Us on TikTok - @‌petbizadvisors 📸 Follow Us on Instagram: @‌petbizadvisors Join the Groom Haus Family! https://thegroomhaus.com/?campaign=youtube&ref=125

***UPDATE - Pet Groomer's are now listed on the Treasury's website as of 09/05/25*** Link to PDF Form: https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/136/Tipped-Occupations-Detailed-8-27-2025.pdf The Big Beautiful Bill just passed with a major benefit for service workers — no federal tax on tips. But guess what? Pet groomers weren’t specifically listed among the 68 occupations included. In this solo episode of Beyond the Shears, Crystal Lee, The Groomer’s Accountant, breaks down what this could mean for your grooming business and why a coalition of industry professionals is urging lawmakers to include groomers in the final language of the bill. Crystal also shares key points from a formal letter sent to Congress and explains how you — as a grooming professional — can raise your voice and get involved. If you accept tips and want to make sure you’re treated fairly under this new law, this episode is a must-listen. 📎 Read the letter here: https://www.franchise.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Pet-Grooming-45B-Letter-7.23.25.pdf 📣 Want to take action? Share the letter and contact your representatives. For continued updates and discussion, join us inside The Pet Biz Collective on Facebook — where groomers are learning, supporting, and growing together. 👍 If you found this helpful, LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for more insights on running a successful grooming business! 💬 Drop a comment below—what topic should we cover next? ___________________________________________________________ 🌐 Visit Our Website: www.petbizadvisors.com 🎙 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts: Spotify | Apple Podcasts ✔ Follow Us on TikTok - @‌petbizadvisors 📸 Follow Us on Instagram: @‌petbizadvisors Become a Founder in our Online Community Coming 2025 https://www.petbizadvisors.com/community Join the Groom Haus Family! https://thegroomhaus.com/?campaign=youtube&ref=125

Karli Steeves, owner of Pup Culture Grooming in San Antonio, Texas, joins Crystal Lee on Beyond the Shears to share her journey from bather at a corporate grooming salon to independent house call groomer. With over a decade of grooming experience and just one year into running her own business, Karli talks candidly about how she found herself in entrepreneurship almost by accident — and how she's made it work on her terms. In this episode, Karli breaks down what house call grooming actually looks like, how she sets boundaries, and the lessons she's learned running a solo business. If you’ve ever been curious about nontraditional grooming models, or you’re just getting started in the industry, this episode offers practical insight and relatable takeaways for any groomer looking to carve their own path.

If something happened to you tomorrow, could your business still function? In this episode of Beyond the Shears, Crystal Lee, The Groomer’s Accountant, breaks down why every solo business owner needs a trusted backup — especially when it comes to banking, digital access, and client communication. From adding someone with signature authority on your business account to making sure someone can access your scheduling tools, website, and social media, this episode helps you think through the “what-ifs” and how to protect your business from total shutdown in case of emergency. If you're the only one with the keys to your business, it's time to rethink that. Tune in for a practical conversation on business continuity, trust, and peace of mind for solo pet professionals. 💬 Drop a comment below—what topic should we cover next? ___________________________________________________________ 🌐 Visit Our Website: www.petbizadvisors.com 🎙 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts: Spotify | Apple Podcasts ✔ Follow Us on TikTok - @‌petbizadvisors 📸 Follow Us on Instagram: @‌petbizadvisors Become a Founder in our Online Community Coming 2025 https://www.petbizadvisors.com/community Join the Groom Haus Family! https://thegroomhaus.com/?campaign=youtube&ref=125

What does it really look like to run a business with an ADHD brain? In this episode of Beyond the Shears, Crystal Lee sits down with Suzi Payton — a UK-based speaker, coach, and comedian — to talk honestly about the challenges and strengths that come with being a neurodivergent entrepreneur. From late diagnosis to struggles with focus, structure, and self-trust, Suzi shares personal insights and practical tools for grooming professionals and solo business owners trying to make it all work. Together, they explore how ADHD shows up in daily business life, why traditional productivity advice often falls flat, and how to create systems that actually support how your brain works. Whether you’ve been diagnosed with ADHD or you’ve just always felt “different” in how you run your business, this episode offers real validation — and a few helpful mindset shifts — to remind you that you're not broken. You’re just wired for a different path. Episode Links: Suzi Payton Website: https://suzipayton.com/ Suzi's Book - "Lost and Now Found" https://a.co/d/bW2xhcx ADHD Love Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@ADHD_love/shorts 👍 If you found this helpful, LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for more insights on running a successful business! 💬 Drop a comment below—what topic should we cover next?

The Big Beautiful Bill was signed into law on July 4, 2025, bringing sweeping changes to the tax code — and small business owners are paying attention. In this episode, Crystal Lee, The Groomer's Accountant and founder of Pet Biz Advisors, breaks down the provisions that matter most to grooming and service-based business owners. Key highlights include lower income tax rates for many filers, a significant increase in the standard deduction, and important updates to the Qualified Business Income (QBI) deduction that may allow more small business owners to retain more of their hard-earned revenue. Crystal also discusses additional provisions tucked into the bill that are designed to reduce the tax burden and simplify filings for self-employed professionals. Whether you operate as a sole proprietor, LLC, or S Corp, this episode helps you understand how these changes could affect your 2025 tax planning and why now is the time to revisit your business structure and strategy. If you want to stay informed and ready for tax season, don’t miss this clear and practical breakdown from The Groomer's Accountant. 🌐 Visit Our Website: www.petbizadvisors.com 🎙 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts: Spotify | Apple Podcasts ✔ Follow Us on TikTok - @‌petbizadvisors 📸 Follow Us on Instagram: @‌petbizadvisors Become a Founder in our Online Community Coming 2025 https://www.petbizadvisors.com/community Join the Groom Haus Family! https://thegroomhaus.com/?campaign=youtube&ref=125

In this episode of Beyond the Shears, Crystal Lee sits down with Laura Burnett Shoemaker, Vice President of Cash Management at Community State Bank in Wisconsin, to explore the vital—but often overlooked—role banking plays in the success of small businesses. This isn’t a conversation about loans or credit lines. Instead, Laura shares practical insights on building strong banking relationships, improving daily cash flow operations, and protecting your business from fraud. We discuss how tools like merchant services, ACH controls, online banking alerts, and secure deposit practices can support grooming business owners behind the scenes. Laura explains why community banks offer a unique advantage for small business owners and how personalized service can help prevent costly mistakes before they happen. If you’ve ever wondered whether your business banking setup is helping or hurting your growth, this episode will give you the clarity—and confidence—you need to make smart changes. To learn more about Laura or Community State Bank, visit www.csbank.com.

In this episode of Beyond the Shears, we’re joined by Elizabeth Fiore of Fiore Accounting & Tax Services to break down everything grooming business owners need to know about S Corporation elections. Whether you’re currently operating as a sole proprietor or LLC, this conversation will help you decide if it’s the right time — and the right move — for your business. We cover the fundamentals of what an S Corp is, when to consider making the election, and the pros and cons that come with it. From tax savings and reasonable salaries to compliance responsibilities and potential drawbacks, Elizabeth shares practical advice tailored specifically for solo grooming business owners looking to grow wisely and legally. Elizabeth Fiore is an experienced accountant and tax strategist who works with small businesses across industries, helping them navigate critical decisions like S Corp elections with clarity and confidence. Tune in to learn how to protect your business, reduce your tax burden, and set yourself up for long-term success.

We’re excited to introduce a brand-new series on the Beyond the Shears podcast: The Spotlight Series. In this series, we feature grooming business owners and dive deep into their personal journeys in the pet grooming industry — the highs, the challenges, and the winding road that led them to opening their own shops. These conversations are honest, heartfelt, and sometimes filled with surprising moments that offer both inspiration and real-world insights. In this first Spotlight episode, we sit down with Sara Medina of Complete Canine Pet Spa. Sara shares her story with incredible honesty, reflecting on the experiences that shaped her career and the lessons she’s learned along the way. From laughs to tears (and even a little tea spilled), this episode is packed with wisdom for grooming business owners and anyone curious about the behind-the-scenes world of pet grooming. Thank you to Sara for joining us and sharing her powerful journey.

In this episode, we’re joined by Tim Seymour of Profit First UK to explore how small business owners can take control of their finances using the Profit First method. We break down what Profit First really means, how to get started, and practical ways to build a more profitable and sustainable business. If you’ve ever struggled with cash flow or paying yourself, this episode is for you. Profit First UK - https://profitfirstuk.co.uk/ Profit First USA - https://profitfirstprofessionals.com/hire-pfp/ Relay Bank - https://relayfi.com/ 🌐 Visit Our Website: www.petbizadvisors.com 🎙 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts: Spotify | Apple Podcasts ✔ Follow Us on TikTok - @‌petbizadvisors 📸 Follow Us on Instagram: @‌petbizadvisors Become a Founder in our Online Community Coming Summer 2025 https://www.petbizadvisors.com/community Join the Groom Haus Family! https://thegroomhaus.com/?campaign=youtube&ref=125 Join Upbeat for Royalty Free Music! Free Music For YouTube Videos & Creators https://share.uppbeat.io/4s2fwqlrx8w0

In this episode of Beyond the Shears, Crystal Lee is joined by Adam Kavalauskas from The Gratzi as they discuss the critical role an online presence plays in the success of small businesses, especially in the pet grooming industry. They dive into the importance of having a professional, user-friendly website that reflects your brand and services. Adam explains how SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and Google ranking can directly impact your visibility to potential customers, and how optimizing your website can help you stand out in a competitive market. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your digital strategy, this episode provides essential tips on leveraging the web to grow your grooming business and attract more clients.

In this episode of Beyond the Shears, Crystal Lee is joined by Denise Heroux of The Ambitious Groomer for a powerful conversation on leadership and employee management within the grooming industry. Together, they dive into what it truly means to lead a team, how to recognize and address a toxic work environment, and why setting healthy boundaries is essential for long-term success. Whether you’re a solo groomer hiring your first employee or managing a full team, this episode offers valuable insight into building a supportive, productive, and professional workplace. Don’t miss this one—it’s all about leading with intention and protecting your grooming business from the inside out. Check Out Denise at the Ambitious Groomer - https://www.theambitiousgroomer.com/

In this episode of Beyond the Shears, we sit down with employment law experts Michael Gentry & Christopher Schuele from Reinhart Law Firm (www.reinhartlaw.com) to discuss the critical legal aspects of managing employees in the pet grooming industry. We break down essential topics every business owner needs to understand, including: ✅ Employment contracts—what should be included and why they matter ✅ Employee handbooks—how they protect both you and your team ✅ Employee vs. independent contractor misclassification—how to avoid costly mistakes ✅ Non-compete agreements—do they actually hold up in court? Whether you have one employee or an entire team, this episode will help you navigate the legal complexities of employment law and protect your business from potential risks. Tune in now and set your business up for success!

In this episode of Beyond the Shears, we're joined by Laurren Segraves of Transfurmational Solutions to dive into the costly money mistakes pet grooming business owners often make. From failing to budget properly and underpricing services to the dangers of mixing business and personal expenses, Laurren shares valuable insights to help you avoid these common pitfalls. We also discuss the importance of accurate bookkeeping and when it might be time to outsource your financial tasks to a pro. If you're ready to strengthen your business's financial foundation, this episode is for you! Contact Laurren with Transfurmational Solutions Today! https://www.transfurmationalbookkeeping.com/ Become a Founder in our Online Community Coming Summer 2025 https://www.petbizadvisors.com/community Join the Groom Haus Family! https://thegroomhaus.com/?campaign=YouTube&ref=125

Join Crystal as she chats with Robert, a former IRS Criminal Investigator of 20 years, discussing the employee versus independent contractor debate. This is an ongoing issue for small business owners in general but is significant in the grooming industry. Feel free to share with others. The only way we can make this industry truly equal is to get compliance back into practice.

Hi! Crystal , The Groomer's Accountant, brings you an inside look at our new podcast, Beyond the Shears: Where Groomer's Get Business Savvy. BTS takes you behind the scenes of what it is like to run a grooming business and answers many of the boring or down-right scary topics facing business owners. Over the course of the podcast, Crystal will speak to many business professionals such as lawyers, business coaches, marketing specialist, software providers and even an IRS agent. A new episode will air every other Thursday.