A Nottingham dog groomer who has been in business for just one year is celebrating a prestigious award. Helena Winter, owner of Fluff and Buff in Victoria Road, Netherfield, provides her services to hundreds of clients and says its important clients and their dogs leave happy.
Helena never closes her appointment book as she provides services including pampering, de-shedding, bathing and even microchiping. Despite working many jobs over the years, Helena is now in her dream job.
She said: “I have dogs booked in all day, the dogs come in, I meet and greet customers and meet some great people. If it’s a new customer, I ask them if their dog requires any special treatments due to illness or allergies.
"Getting dogs on the table can be hard, especially if it’s a big dog but I manage!”
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Helena continued: “I definitely have my regulars but new faces come through all the time too and they’re always welcome. The best part of the job is meeting new dogs, building a bond and they’re happy to see you too.
“When you’ve finished the desired haircut, the dog looks and feels better and the owner’s really happy.”
Fluff and Buff has won the England Business award which was presented to them in Leicester for the new best business in the East Midlands. The company was nominated by a customer. In November, Helena could win best new business in the country.
Of course hundreds of dogs come in and out of Fluff and Buff all the time. From the top of her head, one of the most memorable dogs for Helena is an English Bulldog called Chase.
Helena said: “Chase is unbelievably happy. He runs in and dives on me, he’s great.” Although some dogs can be challenging, Helena continued: “All dogs are different, they have different personalities and you never know if a dog will react differently - it all depends on the day because like us, they have feelings.
"There are some dogs that are barred from other groomers but I’m always willing to book out more time for dogs if they’re challenging. You just have to be patient, stop for breaks, whatever they need, it’s all about reading what the dog is telling you.”
Helena has three dogs herself. She has a qualification in iPet Level 3 and got this qualification from the Dog-a-holic Grooming Academy in Hucknall.
Helena added: “This is something I’ve always wanted to do, I had children at a young age so I concentrated on them. I’ve worked for Tesco, Nottingham City Council, I’ve been a nursery nurse and worked for a cake decorating company now, I’m living my dream.
“To other businesses, don’t doubt yourself. After a year, to go on and win an award and get through to a grand final is amazing.”
