I have worked in an institutional setting while grooming and now I have my "own" sacred space that I was allowed to set up how I wish.
While nesting in this space I was provided, cleanliness was the first thing that came to mind. I moved in and really wanted every corner and shelf cleaned up and ready for a new beginning.
Thinking about air flow, energy flow and a comfortable environment, I placed my furniture in places that was going to allow dogs and people to "float" through the salon with ease and enjoyment. The furniture I moved into the salon is mostly made of wood and natural materials, with the exception of my tool box. Of course the grooming table and bath tub are not made of wood. ;)
The colors in the environment make a difference for myself and my clients' humans. :) Thinking about the walls, colors on the walls, what the floors are made of and the color of that material are all part of the bigger, sacred salon picture.
I brought in my house plants and put them EVERYWHERE to act as air filters and air fresheners, as well as providing beauty and truly amazing, loving vibes. ;)
Lighting is such a huge factor when thinking about how the dog feels and how I feel throughout my day. The lighting at most salons are fluorescent lights. Check out googles response to my inquiry of "side effects of fluorescent lights."
Google:
There are a number of negative health effects that have been linked to working under fluorescent lights that are theorized to be caused by this disturbance to our circadian rhythms and the accompanying body chemistry mechanisms. These negative health effects may include: Migraines. Eye strain.
That is just the tip of the ice berg. I feel like fluorescents may even cause skin cancer! I DO know they drain the life out of me. Imagine what impact that has on the dogs that come into this environment to be groomed! The grooming processes take hours and lighting has such an effect on the dogs' moods.
Alternative, warm lighting is imperative to a healthy salon. I brought in 4 lamps so far. Light fixtures with warm light bulbs placed in the right spots are also an option.
What about all of the smells of a salon!? When a dog enters a grooming salon, the smells must be overwhelming! Other dog smells, chemical smells, people smells.... cleanliness is also key. Keeping a very clean space so the dogs aren't too overwhelmed with all of the other dog scents. Chemicals play a role in a salon, due to PACFA laws, but they can be kept to a minimum and don't have to be overwhelming.
An essential oil diffuser with the right oils keeps the salon feeling clear, smelling great and provides a calming environment for these fur babies.
Mirrors! I have found mirrors to make a space bigger, brighter and just more lovely. Dogs LOVE mirrors! When I first moved in, some of my mirrors were on the ground, waiting to be hung. Many of my first clients here, to my surprise, would just sit in front of the mirror and visit the mirror often during their stay with me. It's really fun to watch!
Thinking about the senses of a dog and how a dog must feel coming into any environment, helps me to think about what I want the salon to look like, feel like, sound like, smell like and be like. It makes such a HUGE difference for the dog coming into an unfamiliar environment for the first time, and also makes a difference for my returning clients. Feeling safe upon arrival and building trust in that sacred space is the perfect foundation for an enjoyable groom.
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