MY FIRST CUSTOMER
It’s official, i’ve got the cash and the truck, now it’s time to get down to business. I have to develop my plan to organize my business so that I can maximize my potential and take the industry by storm. First order of business – get customers. What would be more fitting than to have my first client be my very own furry ’Bumpy Johnson’ A 3yr old male Shih-Tzu who I love very much. So bumpy it is. I go pick up my truck from the show and drive to my home, pull right in front of my home and call for bumpy. He eagerly responds, runs out the house and jumps in the passenger seat. I told him that he had the right idea, but he was in the wrong spot (At least for now). I put bumpy on the grooming table and begin to brush out his coat with a pen brush. When the brushing was complete, I put bumpy “Mr. Johnson” in the tub and proceeded to give him a bath. I can’t help but think, ”OOH how good it feels to be grooming my dog in my very own grooming truck”. In fact I said it out loud, after all it’s my truck and I can say what I want 
and as loud as I want FREEDOM!!!!!!!!!!!! After washing the bumpster, I give him a good drying. Then I follow up with a trough brushing, being careful not to break the hair on his legs, ears, and tail. After the brushing the final touch is a light trim with thinning sheers, trimming on the face, ears, legs, and tail. I look at the final product. Feeling satisfied I give Bumpy a kiss (Yes I kiss my dog!) and tell him thank you. Yes!!! I’m official. 100% self employed. 
Congratulations on your win! We cheered for you every step of the way. The new web site looks good, too. We would like to be among your first customers. Mika, our male maltipoo is four months old and in need of a good first trim. We live in San Francisco, but we are down in LA on a regular basis. How do we reach you to set up an appointment?
Ahmet, Zeng Zeng & Mika
Hi Artist! Congratulations on the win! I enjoyed watching you every week and was rooting for you. I am a professional groomer myself with almost 14 years experience going. I was really impressed by your first hand stripping. What I really loved was/is the heart you bring to this profession. It can always use more of that. I think you’d be a great person to work with, always light and positive. I just went mobile myself last March here in upstate NY. I’m also thinking of applying for next season of Groomer Has It. Your speech at the end of the show, after your win, really touched me. We all have our own struggles and I was getting overly consumed with mine. Thank you for reminding me that hope is always there is you know where to look.
Artist: Congratulations on your win. Nice to see that good guys don’t always finish last (although I don’t believe that Jonathan or Kathleen were any bit as bad as the editors made them look). I have been in touch with both Kathleen and Jorge and he really is as funny and crazy as he was protrayed on the show. All of you who finished in the top 4 were a credit to your industry and should be very proud of what you did on the show. Out here where I live there is a shortage of groomers, most of them only work part time due to the fact that they have kids and need benefits (I’m sure you can relate to that), so if you ever get tired of the LA smog, there’s plenty of room over here in St. Augustine for you and yes, we’re everybit as civilized out here as LA just with a lower crime rate and like I said no smog. We do have pirates, however, and next year there will be a pirate ship in port permanently staging raids on the City daily. Lots of fun. By the way, that little boy of yours is adorable (and probalby quite a handfull as all little boys are) and your dog is toooo cute. Best wishes for the future. Liza
In one week i’ll be up and running . Then I’ll post my business # on the web site and you can call to make apt. Hope to hear from you soon.
Artist, I’m so excited for you! I can’t wait until you’re up and running and can come over and groom my dog.
Congratulations!! Our family was cheering for you…too bad we live way out in Pennsylvania b/c our family would love to have you groom our goldendoodle
Artist,
It was a pleasure talking with you today. I hope we can be friends as well as fellow groomers. I will be speaking with you soon.
Shaffia
hey Artist,,
had to stop by and say a big hey there, and hope things are going well for you out there. I can tell you how proud I was of you on the show. you did yourself proud, and hope for nothing but the best to come. oh and I think we should make a demo cd of our spanish singing!! it turned out really popular.
Keep in contact.. Will
Artist: You are definitely an inspiration! I loved seeing you on the show and was voting for either you or Jasper to win the whole time. You two were def my favorites! Your story inspired me and your personality won me over. My sisters and I (triplets) we glued to the tv (and net) whenever a new show came out and rooted for you the whole way! Thank you so much for what you did for Teddy in the Shelter round. If it was up to me, I would’ve adopted him IMMEDIATELY! I’m looking to get my own little Shih Tzu sometime soon and will def be asking for tips on how to groom him properly and what I can do at home. I’m definitely going to keep track with you so that when I come visit my brother in Berkley I can drive over to LA and make an appt with you to groom my puppy! Give Mr.Bumpy Johnson my loves and a big hug! He’s adorable! Thanks for being so awesome! KEEP SMILING! And give your son a big hug for me too! haha!
-Christina, NC
I LOVE YOU ARTIST KNOX!!!!!!! I am so happy to be able to call you friend. You are still the same honest hilarious and loving person you were back in high school!! I knew you would win from the very first episode that you would win. I can’t wait to see you and I know that you are going to do all the great things you set out to!
~~~Scherrie aka your #1 fan for life
Congratulations, Artist. I enjoyed seeing you on the show. And your website looks fantastic, fun and professional. Best of luck always.
Congratulations, Artist! I was so happy to see you win I almost cried. You were always so upbeat and positive on the show, you didn’t let a lot of the negativity of some others get you down. Your speech at the finale about never giving up hope no matter where you are from or what your life is like really touched me, and the great skill you showed in this competition just confirm that you deserve the title. I wish you the best of luck and greatest success in the years to come. If I can ever make it to L.A. you’ll have another customer with a very *challenging* dog!
Hey there, Artist!
You so deserved to win! Yuo’re definitely the best groomer ever. :3
I love the name Mr. Bumpy Johnson.
That dog is just so cute!
I’d really like you to groom my dog; too bad you’re all the way down in LA (I’m in NH). =P
Have a geat life & God bless,
Juli
Hi Artist
I just wanted to say way to go I was praying you would win,and you did. I would Like to say thank you,I am pretty new to grooming myself about three years now.you and I think a lot a like its more about how you treat a dog then the money.you showed me it doesn’t matter how long you have been grooming that well get the customers its more in how you treat the dog. I am from Texas and I live in a small town.and I have to compete with other groomers that have many years under there belts then what I have.so thank you very much and have fun with the van I know I would.
Artist I know that all of these episodes were pre recorded and i could do nothing but i must tell you i watched in tears asTeddy was not adopted. I watch all of the Animal Planet ASPCA shows and have heard descriptions of the agony suffered by matted dogs and was so afraid you would be sent home for being the first to choose the worst. So thankful it was all about the dogs. Hope Oprah has you on her show real soon you would be a great guest and maybe she would give you some money from the angel thing she does to start your school. There are many young and talented groomers out there waiting to be developed and perhaps some will go on to be vets or animal care and control officers. You are so very very awesome I have been searching for your web site everyday glad you got it finished. Best to you and your whole family. Mrs.Campbell
Artist,
Just wanted to say a big thank you for your caring and warm heart you brought out in every episode of the show.. I’ve been a groomer for about 25 years now, and still working, loving my job. I’m so happy for you and your family. Enjoy your new van and I know you will put a smile on all your new customers and canine friends!!!!!!
Best of luck in the future. Love the new website. Keep us all in touch with your new adventures.
Lynn
Hello my name is Paula Sturla and my daughter’s name is Tori. Tori is going to be 10 years old on Monday July 14th. My daughter is an animal lover to it’s fullest. She has the biggest heart and is full of love. We had a Boxer named Tyson for 12 years and he passed way last year. It’s been very hard on Tori. We have been taken our time waiting to get another puppy. Our next dog is going to be something small like a Maltese, Yorkie, or mixed poodle etc..
Anyway your probably wondering why I am e mailing you. Well Tori is a huge fan of groomer has it. Never missed an episode and really enjoyed the show.
I wanted to get my daughter something special for her 10th birthday and although my first choice is to drive her to meet you, however we live in NJ. I am sure your very busy. Especially after the show I am sure you are swamped with work. But perhaps you can find a way to either write a note, sign a picture and send me something from you from her. She would appreciate and treasure that forever.
My email is paulasturla@optonline.net.
Anything you can do would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Paula
(Tori’s Mom)
Artist,
Hey well I just want to say congradtulations all the way never missed an episode and I knew all the good you did would repay you in the end. good luck and hopefully my career will go as good as your it should ive been around it my whole life . I just cant wait to get going. so are you gonna stay in touch with all your fans and where are you going from you should email me some time I know your very busy right now but I just have a few questions and by the way your first customer looks wonderful and very happy.
Artist,
I just sobbed and sobbed when you won Groomer of the Year! You are an inspiration to all. If you ever find yourself in NJ, I just happen to have a Westie who would benefit from your talents. Best of luck with your new business.
Hello everyone! Starting Monday July 14th I’ll be ready for your business. Now that my duck are lined up I’m ready to get quackin! To contact me for an appointment call me @ Artist’s Premium Grooming 213-327-9805. I hope to hear from you soon.
Artist you are an inspiration and wonderful role model to all! My 7 and 10 year old daughters rooted for you from the first episode. You are a superior talent in your profession as well as an amazing human being. Your wonderful soul showed through in all of the challenges, what a genuine person you are. We only wish we lived nearby and had a dog to bring to you for grooming!
We look forward to your continued success. Your son is adorable!
Hey Artist-
Are there any plans for your business name and phone number to be added to the graphics on your new mobile Pet Grooming Truck? It’s great advertizing for Wagin Tails but it could also be great advertizing for you as well. I wish I lived closer to LA but I live in Northern Oregon, 24 hours is a long drive for my dog Maggie to be groomed but I would love you to be her groomer! Best of luck to you! By the way your dog is too cute and your son is ultra adorable! Karley
Artist, I would like to know how I can schedule an appointment for my little maltipoo to get groomed by you. I watched you and prayed for you each week. I was so impressed by your heart and soul.
Hi Artist!
I never got around to making a comment when the show was airing but I just feel compelled to let you know how one middle aged white women feels. For a while I had no real choice of who I thought should win, but as the show progressed I started hoping it would be you.
I congratulate you but regardless of the outcome, you showed more class, more compasssion, more soul, than anyone hands down. It did my heart good to see that doing the “right thing” paid off in the end. I actually cried when you won. You are an inspiration.
What you did for the little Shih Tzu speaks volumns about the type of caring person you are. You not only have a talent, you are a beautiful spirit with tons of love to spread around. I won’t wish you good luck because there is no such thing. There is only hard work and making the best of what you have. In this way, you have already made your own luck.
I just wish you could come to Florida and groom my little Shih Tzu, he has never been groomed as nicely as little Teddy!
One more thing, I know there are people out there who still see color, but please know that there are plenty who do not and are raising their children to see the person, not the shell. I pray the world your son grows up in learns to celebrate everyones uniqueness instead of fearing it.
I do wish you a wonderful life and know that you will continue to be an exceptional role model for your son and others.
God bless
Artist:
I wanted you to be Groomer of The Year from the first time I saw the show. You truly did a wonderful job, and your heart showed right through all the challenges. I cried when I thought you might go home on the rescue challenge. I would be very upset at the judges if they had sent you home because YOU did the right thing when you groomed that little dog that was so distressed, without caring about winning the challenge. God bless you!
I danced with you when you danced and cried when you cried. I shouted for joy when you won!! I feel like you’re part of my family!
You know the Lord has blessed you and turned all the bad situations in your life around now. I hope (and do believe) that you recognize His blessings in this and give Him honor what what He has done for you.
I wish you the best success in your business and pursuits in life. I’d love to meet you someday. You are a genuinely loving person with a good heart
Hugs, Sweet-P
Congrats on your win. My wife and I watched from the beginning and were glad you prevailed. You were humble. You’re a good young man so go forward and go with God. We’ll keep checking on you.
Hello Artist!
I was so impressed with your heart and soul, not only concerning animals but with your friendship with Jasper. Also, with helping Jorge’s dog get adopted. It showed that although this competition was important, you cared more about the animals! That is a quality that deserves the title, “Groomer of the Year”! I don’t have any dogs, but, I have 2 cats that were rescued from the side of the road. I know how important it is to change an animal’s life forever. You now have the opportunity to change many animal’s lives forever as well as your own and everyone around you and all your new friends around the world. You are an inspiration! I wish you luck and will be anxious to watch your career blossom!
So happy for you and your family, Artist. Wish you the very best, and I look forward to reading more about you and your burgeoning career.
So happy for you and your family, Artist. Wish you the very best, and I look forward to reading more about you and your burgeoning career.
So happy for you and your family, Artist. Wish you the very best, and I look forward to reading more about you and your burgeoning career.
Just so you all know. The graphics for the van are being shipped to me. The name and number of the my business will be plastered all over it. You’ll be able to spot me out of the crowed. When you see me driving down the street, it will seem as though the circus is in town! So be on the look out cause I’ll be grooming in a town near you.
Artist,
Wanted to add my hearty congratulations on your win!!! I must admit that I think every person should have to watch Groomer has it from start to finish. I believe there would be a new hero for kids to respect and emulate, and that would be you. Yes, it’s a lot of responsibility but I know your family will be the reality check in case ya even think of getting big britches….lol Your grace, dignity, compassion, sense of humor, humility and determination are what this county should be all about. I wish the biggest success, esp with your dreams of a grooming school and hope to have a chance to meet you in person one day on your travels. You always have a friend in Pennsylvania, Artist. Blessings and best wishes….
Hi Artist,
Finally, I have a moment to write to you… I watched Groomer Has It religiously from beginning to end, I loved the show! Congratulations on your win! I admit that at the very beginning I was partial to Jonathan because I’m a native New Yorker and I also have poodles (FIVE toy poodles, what a zoo!) I am a self-taught groomer of my own dogs and an occasional friend’s dog. But after every episode, you really stood out in my mind. You are not only a very talented groomer, but it was your personality that had me rooting for you and hoping and praying you would win. I was literally in tears when you won, and I’m not the crying type! You possess a great inner strength, sense of humor, compassion and humility that set the example for everyone. Of all the contestants on the show, you were always the one who kept it real. You made me laugh so many times! I also can relate to your background, my husband is a black Puerto Rican from the Bronx and I am a girl from Chinatown, NYC. Fifteen years ago, with what little money we had saved and no idea what the heck we were doing, we opened a small gym, because working out was our passion. Here we were, two minority “kids” (he was 23 and I was 25), opening a business in Manhattan where the monthly rent was more cash than we had ever seen in one place at one time! Most people didn’t think we would make it, but we did, and we’re still in business fifteen years later. Most of our wonderful clientele are caucasian, but I don’t think they see the color of our skin once they get to know us. We also have a program that lets underprivileged kids like we once were to use the gym for free, that’s our way of giving back. I know you will be successful too, you have the right personality, heart, and attitude. Like any service business, a lot of it depends not only on how good you are at what you do, but also if you can establish a rapport and genuine friendship with your clients. You are an outstanding young man, and I wish you every success that life has to offer. You deserve it all! I would love to send you a photo of my dogs for your Pet of the Month. Maybe you can tell me what you think about my grooming and how I can improve upon it, I would appreciate any tips you could offer me! Thank you for being such an inspiration! Love and respect from NYC!
Artist
When are you gonna go to sac to visit your OMA. I work with her and the whole show I was cheering for you and I amgald you won over that guy you earned. I bugged your OMA for sooo long to tell me who won, but she wouldnt.
So come visit sac we need a good grommer too.
When are you going to come to Chicago?
I don’t have any dogs, but I have 3 cats!!!=D
Sorry…but I am really happy that you won and really can’t wait till you get to Chicago!!
<3
Rachel Robertson
Just wanted to wish you all the luck in the world! You truly deserved the win. I only wish I had a dog for you to groom. Please know your an inspiration to many – there should be more people in the world like you! Take care and keep on grooming!