May 2026

WHAT

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WHAT

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Being a girls girl is not the same thing as being a girlie girl. Some of us just happen to like being pretty on the outside as well as the inside. It’s purely coincidence, I promise.

Hell, you don’t even actually have to be a girl to be a part of this club, because a true girls girl is a way of life and state of mind.

There’s no membership fees except paying it forward...although as I’m writing this like how cute would little Girls Girl Membership cards be?

I’ve been wanting to talk on this topic for awhile, and that intensity has only amplified since giving birth to my own daughters. So I’m going to tell you the same thing that I tell them.

b u l c l r i g s l r gi

It's hard enough existing in a world where everything seems to be designed to pit us against each other. Let me be very clear.

Being a girls girl isn’t about being nice for the sake of being liked. It’s not about forced positivity and fake compliments to gain social favor. It’s not about masking your discomfort or pretending to be unbothered for the sake of avoiding conflict or drama.

This is about how you show up in a room

full of women, especially in an industry like grooming where emotions run high, there’s no accountability, and everybody has an opinion. Being a girls girl is not a personality trait as much as it is a learned skill. It’s a decision you make over and over again in real time.

A girl’s girl is not fueled by gossip. She’s not building connections or clout by tearing someone else down. If she has something to say, she knows where it belongs and who it belongs to. She handles things directly when they matter and does not create unnecessary noise when they do not. There is a level of discernment in not just how she chooses to communicate, but what she gives her attention to.

A girls girl is a woman who moves through the world with integrity when it comes to other women. Not performative kindness, not forced loyalty, but real integrity. It means she’s not wasting her time looking for opportunities to compete when there doesn’t need to be any competition. She understands that someone else doing well does not take anything away from her, so she is able to support, celebrate, and acknowledge other women without it feeling like a threat to her own identity.

She’s also not a people pleaser, and this is where so many people get her wrong. Being a girls girl doesn’t mean agreeing with everybody and everything all the time or avoiding hard conversations. It means you hold someone accountable without humiliating them. You can address issues without turning them into entertainment

or a public spectacle.

A girls girl chooses honesty with compassion not because she is weak, but because she is respectful. There is an emotional maturity to it, where she recognizes that every woman is navigating their own set of pressures, insecurities, and expectations, so she leads with empathy instead of immediate judgement. That does not mean she tolerates poor behavior, but that she responds with intention instead of reaction.

At her core, a girls girl is safe to be around, not because she never speaks up but because you know where you stand with her. She is consistent, she is kind, she is not switching up who she is or what she’s about depending on who is in the room. She is not collecting information to use later.

She is not performing friendship for proximity or benefit.

A girls girl understands that womanhood Is not a performance and friendship is not supposed to feel like strategy. She is not showing up wondering who she can impress, who she can outdo, or who she can quietly position herself above. She shows up for herself, with enough self awareness to know that the strongest women in a room are usually not the ones trying the hardest to prove it. They are the ones who make other women feel seen, respected, and comfortable enough to be fully themselves as well.

A girls girl knows the difference between private processing and a public mess. She

knows that not every irritation deserves attention. Not every uncomfortable moment is evidence that someone is evil, fake, jealous, or out to get her. Sometimes people are just human and sometimes communication is clumsy. A girls girl leaves room for that reality before she starts building a story in her head that turns a misunderstanding into character assassination.

So many women have been conditioned to interpret discomfort as danger and insecurity as intuition. Those are not always the same thing. A girls girl has the emotional discipline to pause and ask herself what is actually happening before she reacts in a way that creates unnecessary damage. This does not mean she doesn’t protect or defend, but she doesn’t allow a bruised ego convince her that destruction is discernment.

A girls girl does not confuse cyniscism with intelligence. Being negative does not make you more aware, and being cruel does not make you more honest. Being the first person to point out a flaw does not make you deep. There is nothing impressive about being able to find what is wrong with everyone around you. What is impressive, is being able to recognize imperfections without needing to weaponize them.

A girl’s girl can celebrate another woman without making it weird. She can compliment another woman without attaching comparisons to it. She can say

without feeling like she has lost something in the process. That level of security changes everything because it creates space for genuine community instead of silent resentment.

She celebrates everyone’s wins.

A girls girl is not interested in humiliating another woman for sport. She does not need to embarrass, expose, or undercut someone to feel powerful. She understands that power built through the degradation of others is unstable, temporary, weak power that is rooted in unhealed wounds. True power, is empowerment by being so

anchored within yourself that you do not need to create casualties to feel significant.

Being a girls girl does not mean you will never get hurt, never be annoyed, never need to vent, or that you’ll live a life free of jealousy or struggle. It means you do not hand your worst impulses and feelings a microphone and then call it authenticity. It means you learn how to feel things without letting them run your mouth, sabotage your relationships, or shape the kind of woman you are becoming.

A lot of people confuse kindness with weakness because they only recognize strength when it is loud, sharp, or confrontational. But being a girls girl is not about being passive, spineless, or agreeable. It’s about knowing how to use your strength responsibly. It is about having enough self control, confidence and judgement to advocate for yourself and for other women without becoming reckless, cruel, or performative.

A girls girl advocates for others. She speaks up when someone is being mistreated. She gives credit where it is due and she protects women who are not in the room to defend themselves. She notices exclusion, disrespect, and unfairness and doesn’t just sit there pretending to not see it. But the difference is that her advocacy is rooted in integrity, not theatrics. She is not using the languge of empowerment as an excuse to bully, dominate, or control.

She understands that advocacy without

BE THE WOMAN WHO

FIXES ANOTHER WOMAN’S CROWN Without telling the world it was crooked.

discretion is its own kind of harm.

Strength is not just confrontation, but restraint. It’s knowing when to speak, how to speak, and what outcome you are actually trying to create. Are you being solution driven? Or drama driven? Are you venting to process or venting to recruit?

Are you addressing an issue because you want resolution or because you want validation? So much unnecessary damage could be avoided if we just paused long enough to ask ourselves our own intentions before opening our mouths. Strength is about being able to confront someone without dehumanizing them in the process.

A girls grl does not move through life asking “how do I stay liked?” She asks, how do I stay true to who I am? This means learning to be honest without being messy, supportive without being fake, and direct without being cruel.

Learn how to be secure enough to celebrate other women. Learn how to compliment them, recommend them, and give credit to them. Be generous with your support and stop acting like admiration costs you something. It doesn’t. Another woman can be talented, beautiful, funny, smart, successful, or well liked and not erase your value. If her light makes you panic that is not intuition it’s insecurity.

Womanhood is a responsibility. The way we treat each other shapes friendships, workplaces, industries, and the little girls watching it all.

This guide isn’t about learning how to be

nice, it’s about learning how to be trustworthy and a safe space. It’s about becoming the kind of woman who does not need dysfunction to feel connected, and doesn’t feel the need to diminish others to feel substantial.

Leave women better than you found them, whenever you can.

code of ethics I will prioritize the wellbeing, safety, and overall health of the cats in my care.

I will strive to always conduct myself with honesty, integrity, and transparency.

I will treat all cats with compassion, patience, kindness, and respect.

I will continue to seek knowledge and resources that will contribute to my skills and abilities, so that I may safely and better serve the cats in my care.

I wrote this 7 years ago and I still practice this today. Some days are harder than others. My mindset has helped me overcome obstacles and helped me to achieve peace, and contentment and I’d like to share my story with you.

Our thoughts have power. We truly do become what we think. As Henry Ford once said,

"Whether you believe you can do a thing or not, you are right."

Success in anything begins with mindset. It starts with a decision—to be positive, to be open—and then it becomes a daily practice.

Because that’s what it is... a practice.

If you’ve spent years surrounded by negativity, or were raised in an environment where doubt came easily, those thought patterns can quietly become your reality. They can turn into self-fulfilling prophecies. And being around negative people can pull you right into that same space if you’re not careful.

One phrase I’ve never liked is, “I can’t.”

Most of the time, it’s not that you can’t—it’s that you’ve decided it isn’t important enough, or worth the effort right now. And that’s okay...

but it’s important to be honest about it.

Most things we truly desire are attainable when the desire is strong enough. And if it’s not? Sometimes that’s your sign. A quiet nudge that maybe this path isn’t meant for you. That maybe something else is.

You just have to listen to the whispers.

Once you make a decision—really make it— you’re already moving in the right direction.

Set the intention. You don’t need all the answers to the “how.” Those come later.

What matters is that you start.

We are all energy. And the energy you carry— your mindset, your emotional state—affects everything around you. When you feel low, stuck, or defeated, you’re operating from that place. And it tends to bring more of the same.

When you begin to shift that—when you raise your energy, your focus, your intention—you start to move differently. Opportunities feel different. Things begin to align. Some people call this the law of attraction. Some think it’s a little “out there.” But whether you believe in it or not, your mindset absolutely shapes your experience.

So how do you know if you’re heading in the right direction?

It feels good.

It feels right.

There was a time when I believed my dream was to build a large boarding and grooming business while raising show dogs. I went all in. Full force. Like a freight train.

But along the way, there were signs—those quiet whispers—that maybe this wasn’t the right path for me. One after another I pushed them aside.

At that point in my life, my ego was leading. I ignored the doubts. I pushed through the discomfort. I kept going... until I couldn’t anymore.

Eventually, I hit a wall. And I had to close that chapter.

It felt like failure. Depression set in,and for a while, I sat in that.

Low energy, low mindset... attracting more of the same.

Until a dear friend said something that shifted everything for me: “Take what you’ve learned from all this and rise from it. Be a Phoenix.”

Right then and there that’s what I chose to do. I rose from the ashes I made a decision in that moment to change my mindset. To stay open. To look for what was next instead of what was lost.

And as my mindset shifted... so did my life.

Looking back now, I can see it clearly. I ignored the whispers, so life stepped in and redirected me whether I liked it or not.

It didn’t happen overnight. But as I began to follow what brought me joy—what felt aligned—that heavy, dark chapter started to lift. Life didn’t suddenly become perfect.

There were still challenges. Still hard days.

But I had trained myself to look for the good... and to keep moving forward anyway.

So what does this mean for you?

If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just off... start by paying attention. Pay attention to how things feel.

If something drains you, weighs on you, or makes you feel small—acknowledge it. And then gently begin to move toward something that feels better. Even if it seems small. Even if it doesn’t make complete sense yet On the other hand, if something excites you-even just a little--follow that. Be curious.

Explore it.

That’s where change begins.

I see so many groomers reach burnout.

They’re overworked, overwhelmed, underpaid, and uninspired. Some leave the industry. Others stay—but unhappy.

If that’s where you are, something needs to shift.

And yes... I know it’s easier said than done.

But the first step is always mindset.

And if you don’t know what to do next?

Do nothing.

Be still.

Sit quietly. Take a walk without distractions.

Sit outside. Watch the water. Breathe. Just give yourself space to listen.

Your answers are there—but most of us are too busy to hear them.

When something comes through, start small.

Maybe it’s your finances—so you create a budget or raise your prices. Maybe it’s your confidence—so you invest in learning and growth.

One small step leads to another. And before you know it, momentum builds.

Be mindful of how you feel. In your work, in your environment, in your life. Keep your focus on growth. On possibility. On building something that feels aligned and abundant.

And when something isn’t right—give yourself permission to change it.

What are you feeling?

Where are you stuck?

What “whispers” have you been hearing? On days that I’m feeling down and unmotivated,

I take a moment and remember when I was in that dark place and how the peace and light seemed almost impossible. I look around and here I am living a content , peaceful life, with opportunities I never thought I would ever have. I made it! One foot in front of the other, staying committed to my journey. I made it!

If you’re a mobile groomer, you’ve had this feeling before. Your unit is messier than you’d like it to be. You feel like you’re wasting precious time because you’re still looking for the comb you just set down a minute ago. Now the clock is ticking on the cat you should be finishing up on. Not to mention, the weather is warming up and your schedule has filled up

with all those new spring grooming appointments. And then it hits you. Spring is here, it’s time to create a clean, fresh space and become way more organized if you want to be a successful mobile groomer.

My grooming trailer isn’t just my workspace, I like to call it my home away from home.

I can be more focused on the task at hand when my surroundings are calm and organized. Over the past few years, I learned that spring cleaning isn’t only about detailing my trailer, it’s about minimizing and creating a space that feels a lot less chaotic, and more intentional.

When I first started mobile grooming, I thought I was being smart by bringing along all kinds of extra tools, back-ups, and products rarely used. My storage closet was jam packed. While clutter accumulated, pet hair found its way into every possible opening. My clutter didn’t just take up precious space, I truly felt like it started affecting my workflow.

I wasted a lot of time looking for things, taking my attention away from the pet I had in my care.

the screen door Replace filters Disinfect all surfaces Wipe down the ceiling, walls, storage closet, plus all storage boxes Vacuum and remove hair build-up in hard to reach areas and corners Sweep and mop the floor, use a rag for the edges and corners Washing the outside of my unit, or paying a detailer. (This is done frequently)

Now every Spring, I do a complete reset.

I remove everything from my trailer, and assess every item. By doing this, it gives me a clear view of what I actually use regularly, or whether I’m hanging onto things “just in case”.

If I haven’t used a tool or product in months, I ask myself if it truly adds a purpose, or if it’s creating clutter. This is also where I can check all my tools and equipment, and see if anything needs to be repaired or replaced.

Clean all fans, including the vent over my tub Clean windows, plus screens, plus the

This is where my love for minimalism comes into play. Over time, I’ve narrowed down my grooming tools and products to only the essentials. These include: My most reliable clippers and blades A small selection of brushes and combs that serve multiple purposes A few high quality shampoos Only the tools I use daily, or at the very least, weekly Instead of having different versions of the same thing, I focus on quality over quantity.

Fewer tools mean fewer decisions, and that helps make my workflow faster and much more efficient.

Once I decide what stays, everything gets a designated place. I organize these things based on how often I use them. Things I use daily, or on every groom, are placed within closest reach. These things include my clippers, blades, combs, brushes, nail clippers, cotton, and ear cleaner. Occasional use items such as wipes, fragrance spray, PPE, Air muzzles, E-collars, cleaning rags, first aid kit, bows, bandanas, etc. go further back, but still easily accessible. My shampoo gallons, back up tools, chargers, samples, etc. I keep it all in a storage bin covered with a lid underneath my tub. Clear storage containers and consistent placement always help me find exactly what I’m looking for.

At the end of the day, my trailer isn’t just where I work. It’s where I create a calm experience for every pet in my care. It’s also a representation of me and my work ethic.

Making it sparkle, and keeping it simple and uncluttered is always the reset I look forward to.

Spring is nature’s reset button, and in a grooming environment, we can take a cue from Mother Nature to refresh and reinvigorate our space. For those of us working with cats, this time of year is the perfect opportunity to create an environment that supports not only ourselves, but also the purrfect felines in our care.

As we know, cats are incredibly sensitive to scent, sound, and other stimuli in their environment. Keeping your salon clean, quiet, and decluttered helps cats feel calm and safe during their time with you, leading to smoother, safer grooms.

Spring is a great time to go beyond daily or weekly cleaning and focus on areas that tend to hide buildup or are often overlooked. It is also the perfect opportunity to perform routine maintenance on your tools and larger equipment. Learn from my mistakes and keep extra repair parts like brushes and blade drives on hand so you can replace them regularly before they break in the middle of a groom.

Now let’s get ready to clean! Open your windows and doors to let fresh air in while you care for your space.

Move your table, tub, toolboxes, and other furniture to clean underneath where hair, dander, and dust accumulate Remove outlet covers and safely vacuum hair buildup Replace filters (HVAC, air purifiers, HV dryers, vacuums, etc.)

Deep clean your tub drain (I like to use baking soda and vinegar followed by hot water) Deep clean your washing machine (cleaning packets work great) and clear out your dryer vent Wipe down walls, baseboards, and doors to remove grime and hair Wipe down light fixtures for improved brightness Clean windows, windowsills, and screens to improve airflow and natural light (when the weather is nice, I like to keep a

window cracked in the salon for fresh air, but only about an inch or two for safety reasons, no escapees!)

Discard old, ripped, or stained towels

Replace brushes in motorized dryers and vacuum systems Flush your hot water heater Replace blade drives Send shears and blades out for sharpening Replace damaged hoses, nozzles, or blades

I love a good declutter. This is the perfect time to open every drawer in your salon and pull everything out. Vacuum and wipe down the interiors, and throw away, gift, or donate any grooming items you no longer use. My personal rule is that if I have not touched something in at least three months, it is time for it to find a new home. Your local humane society can be a great place to donate products and tools, as well as gifting to newer fellow groomers.

Before putting everything back, take a moment to clean each item. I find that clear acrylic bins are incredibly helpful for keeping drawers and closets organized. Go through your product stash and discard any expired or questionable shampoos or supplies.

As you prepare to welcome cats back into your salon, be mindful to avoid heavily scented or toxic cleaning products. Cats are especially sensitive, and a fresh, neutral environment will help them feel more at ease.

As you return your equipment to its place, take time to neatly organize and secure cords for both safety and appearance. Small touches can make a big difference. If you have a garden, consider adding fresh-cut flowers to your front desk. It is peony season, my personal favorite, and a pretty arrangement

can bring a sense of calm and beauty into you and your clients’ day.

My home-based salon is one of my favorite places to be, and I try to prioritize regular care and attention for my space. When I think about the life that cat grooming has provided me, it makes it easy to invest the extra time each spring to bring my workspace back to life after a long winter. Happy cleaning!

Summer is coming and that means change and challenges for us all.

Mobile groomers are bracing themselves as they get ready to switch to earlier appointments, hoping to take advantage of the cooler mornings and avoid the overbearing heat on their units. Salon owners adjust their aprons in anxious anticipation of the impending electric bills as they work hard to keep their shops cool and comfortable.

We all say a silent prayer to the Universe before we go to bed, please gods, please do not let my AC go out.

Something happens here, in the desert during the summer. As I make my drive down the 202 and pass the beautiful stretch of Estrella Mountains, I imagine the people who lived here before us and ask myself how they not only survived but thrived in the treacherous sun. I then crank up the AC and promise myself to one day make enough money where I too can Snowbird away from this literal hellmouth of heat. I don’t want to be dramatic but last year when we hit our seventieth day at the 110°+ mark, I actually googled the mortality rates of living in tornado country.

Continuing to live in the desert is a choice, and even in the harshest of days I find immediate relief indoors. It’s worth remembering that while we can retreat into air conditioning and shade, countless animals--especially cats have no voice, no shelter, and no way to ask for help.

When someone sees a stray dog, it’s not uncommon to see a flood of Facebook posts, Nextdoor pings, and local neighbors pulled to the side of the road, trying to coax the dog into safety. Strangers work together to bring that one little animal to safety. It’s beautiful, it gives me hope for humanity.

When someone sees a stray cat, however, it often goes unnoticed. Just another shadow in the heat.

In Arizona, there are laws that state that dogs need to be leashed and monitored, a direct reflection of how seriously we take their safety. Cats are given far less consideration.

While there are laws that protect them from outright harm, there’s little else in place to ensure their comfort, safety, or survival-especially in the brutal desert summer.

What’s even more heartbreaking is how this disparity shows up in every day life. I constantly see ads pushing cooling vest, pawprotecting boots, and hydration gear for canines, but nothing geared towards cats. I’m not just talking about stray cats either, but our indoor and outdoor friends as well.

It's as if their pain is quieter, less visible, so therefore more acceptable. But it’s not.

So let’s talk about what we can do individually and collectively as a community to help! I want to start off by saying that this isn’t the place to have the conversation about whether or not you should let your cat roam freely outside. I’m not advocating one way or the

other but offering insight to small, measurable, and obtainable things that you can do to make a difference.

Rescues and resources such as The Humane Society or Animal Control are usually able to only intervene for stray cats if there is a medical concern. Be sure to save your numbers to your phone, so you can give them a quick call. Be sure to pay attention to the address or cross streets, coat pattern and color, and be clear when communicating the signs of heat distress. You can’t just call them and say, “Hey, it’s 120° outside and I see this cat wandering.”

Signs of heat distress you may witness at a distance include: Rapid and shallow breathing Drooling Stumbling or staggering gait Lethargy or weakness, the unconscious or unresponsive

cat

is

If you have closer proximity to the cat, you may even notice signs such as: Bloody diarrhea Vomitting Seizures Excessive panting 104° or higher Increased heart rate

I always err on the side of caution with advising individuals to intervene with feral cats. If you’re not knowledgeable or experienced, it can be dangerous and tricky business. If you see a cat exhibiting these symptoms, offer water and seek veterinary or rescue support as quickly as possible. Even stray cats deserve the same urgency and empathy, we share this environment with them, and their wellbeing is a shared responsibility.

Most people know to not leave your pet in a locked car, but here in Arizona garages without temperature control can easily climb up to 140° or higher. A lot of people who support feral colonies or have indoor/outdoor cats allow access to garages as an escape from the direct heat. Without proper insulation or ventilation, this can be a very quick and dangerous recipe for disaster.

Just as cats may seek out shelter under cars for warmth in the winter, they will absolutely do that for cars in the summer sun. Always look before you take off, especially if it's the first time driving that day.

I never thought I’d say this but you have my full permission to throw some shade.

Shade is a lifesaver, literally.

In the extreme heat, even brief exposure to direct sunlight can lead to overheating and dehydration. One of the simple yet most impactful things that you can do is provided shaded areas for wildlife as well as strays.

This can be anything from patio covers, popup canopies, sails, or even DIY shelters. In fact, many places actually sell feral cat houses that can be used to assist with Trap-NeuterReturn (TNR) programs in addition to establish a safe space!

Proper ventilation and placement is essential in making sure that safe space doesn’t turn into an Easy Bake.

My number one recommendation for every home owner would be to plant additional trees on your property as well as high thick bushes that will not only offer the best shade and shelter for wildlife but also assist with soil health, biodiversity, and improve both the aesthetic and value of your property!

Some city ordinances prevent the feeding of strays, but there are no laws that stop you from having fresh clean water sources available.

If you choose to put out fresh water for cats, be sure to use stainless steel containers rather than plastic or other porous surfaces, as they not only heat up quickly, leach chemicals, but also hold onto bacteria that cats may spread to one another through saliva. Keeping water out for cats means making a commitment to wash it out every day or switch out bowls.

For community cats, this small act can mean the difference between dehydration and survival.

Remember-shade means a space out of direct sunlight.

Cats will naturally avoid the hottest parts of the day so adjusting feeding times to early morning or after sunset will protect their food from spoiling in the heat but also encourage safer foraging habits. Do your best to monitor which times they’re coming around to eat and make sure it’s not left out too long so you don’t attract any unwanted wildlife.

As always, be sure to check with your local ordinances to make sure you’re not breaking any rules!

Whenever stray cats are brought up, it’s usually done in exasperation or frustration with cats being the problem. Their plight is often overlooked in conversation about urban planning or with community resources. I always tell my HOA, if there’s can be a budget for weeds there’s a budget for TNR. The more we normalize kindness towards animals in public discourse, the more likely it is that public policies will reflect these values.

Don’t be afraid to lobby for animal welfare ordinances or encourage pet-safe development in your neighborhood! Rescues and animal advocacy programs are always accepting donations and volunteers. If there’s room for one more? Adoption is wonderful.

Desert summers here are unforgiving, but our compassion doesn’t have to wilt under the sun. Small, thoughtful actions ripple outward and will create a safer and kinder community for every creature who calls our cities home.

You didn’t choose this work because it was easy.

You chose working with live animals as challenging as cats because you have passion, brilliance, and refuse to settle for “good enough” when it comes to the way we interact with them.

That level of dedication deserves special distinction, on a global level.

The Association of Holistic Feline Specialists is compromised of individuals who are actively changing the narrative on feline care across the globe. This isn’t just about joining a club and printing out a piece of paper. It’s about committing to excellence and telling the world that you choose to be held accountable in an unregulated industry. And that they should too.

We are where passion meets credibility.

Memberships include: Certificate of Recognition, documenting official association as an AFHS Member and the professional pledge and code of ethics you’ve chosen to conduct yourself AHFS Directory Listing as Holistic Feline Professional so individuals can find you and the services you provide First access to educational summits and exclusive invitation to annual symposiums Discounted Classes/Seminars The Association of Holistic Feline Specialists is a non profit organization. 100% of Membership dues sustains our organization, including Pussy Talk the Podcast and our monthly free educational magazine “What’s The Mews”.

Cats don’t have a voice in the standards we set, but they live with the results of them. This work is bigger than any one professional, and the cats who depend on us deserve more than individual effort, they deserve a unified standard, a collective commitment, and professionals who choose to stand together to do better.

Are you ready to give it to them??

Springtime is here. This time of year brings winter to a close, along with the first quarter of our grooming businesses. Spring means longer days, the buzz of end-of-school season, graduations, and the start of vacation planning. For us as business owners, it marks the beginning of busy season — pets shedding, springtime shave downs, parasite season, and all those new additions that joined families over the holidays. Either way, it is all about change.

Historically, we set our goals after the holidays and spend the first few months of

the year working toward them. Big changes are easier when there is a slowdown, or at least the fresh energy of a new year behind us. We go hard — and then before we know it, our momentum fades. Energy gets scattered into other projects, or if you are anything like me, procrastination sneaks in and pulls focus toward things that feel productive but do not actually move the needle. When the first hints of spring arrive, it is the perfect moment to assess where you stand and set yourself up for a thriving season ahead.

Spring cleaning your business is not about starting over — it is about preparing for what is coming. Once you evaluate where you stand and what you need for the season ahead, you position yourself to avoid burnout and actually enjoy the spring and summer months rather than just survive them.

Start by reflecting on Q1. What were the goals and plans you put in place back in January? I like to revisit what I set out to accomplish at the start of the year. For me, that usually means reviewing policies, planning my price increase, and evaluating the year prior — thinking about what I want to see for my clients, my team, and my brand. I check whether I saw a return on any changes I made, whether those changes landed well with clients, and whether they still align with the flow and values I have built. We tend to try to change too much and lose sight of the core mission behind our businesses. When we take time to look back and reflect, we give ourselves the chance to course correct before the busy season begins. Small problems caught now are much easier to manage than big problems in the middle of a rush.

Next, I make sure my salon is stocked and ready. In Ohio, spring means skunk season, fleas, and ticks. These are products we typically have not touched since fall, and if the salon is not prepared, the flow gets interrupted the moment a need arises. Flow is extremely important to me and to the brand I have built. I want my team equipped with everything they need before the season demands it.

Spring also brings matted pets and heavy shedding season, which means I do a full tool check to make sure my equipment is serviced and running at its best. This is the time to get blades and shears sharpened. I also make a point to have my HVAC serviced — far better to address it proactively now than scramble to fix an emergency later when you are in the thick of your busiest weeks.

Finally, I look at the schedule. I used to run on a feast-or-famine cycle — taking on as much as I could, pushing through at the expense of my body, my mental health, and my energy. If you hit a slower stretch in the first part of the year, it is easy to go on autopilot when spring arrives and say yes to everything simply out of habit. Saying no is much harder when you have been conditioned to say yes. I am a strong advocate for protecting your schedule intentionally, and I will admit I have had to work at switching into busy-season mode

after quieter months. Looking at the schedule ahead of time often reassures me that I may not need as much additional business as I assume — and if the books do look lighter than expected, that tells me it is time to add a marketing strategy to my Q2 plan.

Finally, I look at the schedule. I used to run on a feast-or-famine cycle — taking on as much as I could, pushing through at the expense of my body, my mental health, and my energy. If you hit a slower stretch in the first part of the year, it is easy to go on autopilot when spring arrives and say yes to everything simply out of habit. Saying no is much harder when you have been conditioned to say yes.

I am a strong advocate for protecting your schedule intentionally, and I will admit I have had to work at switching into busy-season mode after quieter months. Looking at the schedule ahead of time often reassures me that I may not need as much additional business as I assume — and if the books do look lighter than expected, that tells me it is time to add a marketing strategy to my Q2 plan.

Now it is time to spring forward. Before I started re-evaluating quarterly, I found myself stressed and overworked during my favorite kind of weather — warm. Spring brings gatherings, open windows, and catching up with the people I love most. I was too drained to enjoy any of it. The season I

worked so hard for was the season I was too exhausted to experience.

That changed when I started treating preparation as a gift I give myself. When you have taken the time to reflect on your quarter, stock your salon, check your tools and equipment, and protect your schedule — something shifts. You stop white-knuckling your way through the busy season and start actually living it. You show up for your clients with energy. You show up for your family with presence. You show up for yourself without guilt.

The busy season is coming whether you are ready or not. The difference is how it feels when it arrives. You deserve a spring that is both productive and enjoyable — and that is not luck. That is intention.

After a long, gray Midwest winter, the arrival of spring feels like a breath of fresh air.

Sunshine, blooming flowers, and the promise of outdoor gatherings bring joy and color back into daily life. Whether it’s planting a new garden, arranging fresh bouquets, or hosting a sunny outdoor afternoon with friends. Spring offers endless ways to celebrate the season. For cat lovers, however, it’s important to remember that not everything beautiful or delicious in spring is safe for our feline companions.

Flowers are one of the most wonderful parts of spring, but many common varieties can be

toxic to cats. Knowing which blooms are safe can help create a cat-friendly garden or bouquet for all to enjoy.

Even non-toxic flowers can cause mild stomach upset if chewed or ingested. If a cat nibbles on a plant, mild vomiting or diarrhea may occur. If symptoms persist for more than 24 hours or are accompanied by lethargy, drooling, or behavioral changes, contact a veterinarian immediately.

This guide explores how to enjoy springtime pleasures whether they are indoors, outdoors, or a combination of both.