The Story Behind Pezzy Paws

by Danielle (aka Pez)

Introducing me!

Hi, I’m Danielle — though nobody really calls me that. I’m better known as Pez, Pezzle, or Pezzy, and I’m the founder of Pezzy Paws: a grooming salon built on love, creativity, and the kind of passion that only dogs can bring out of you.

I wanted to write this blog post because so often we see the polished “after” — the lovely branding, the cute salon, the fluffy pups — but not the messy, honest “before.” And if you’re someone who’s feeling stuck, lost, or unfulfilled… I’ve been there. This is the story of how I got out of that place and into the happiest version of my life so far.

The Life I Thought I Wanted

For over a decade, I worked as a fashion designer — a career I’d worked hard to build, and one that many people dream of. I climbed the ladder, worked my way up, and eventually became Head of Design. On paper, I had “made it.” But the reality felt very different.

As the years went on, the industry became more toxic, and so did my mental health. I started waking up with dread, going through the motions, and wondering how I ended up in a life that looked successful but felt hollow. I felt disconnected from everything — from myself, from joy, from purpose. I was lonely, burned out, and quietly miserable.

The Dream I Buried

When I was younger, I always dreamed of working with animals. I was the kind of child who’d run up to dogs in the street, watch nature programmes continuously

and cry over whales (spoiler: still do). But when I failed a science exam in school and felt like I wasn’t “academic enough,” I pushed that dream down. I convinced myself I wasn’t good enough, and I buried that part of me deep.

Instead, I focused on something I could do — art, design, fashion — and while I don’t regret those years (they taught me so much), they never filled the space in my heart that animals had once occupied.

Then Came Honey… and the Lightbulb Moment

Fast forward to a October last year, I was trying to book our lovely dog Honey in for a groom and couldn’t get an appointment anywhere for weeks. As I searched, frustrated, something strange happened. I found myself diving into the world of grooming videos online — and suddenly I was obsessed.

I saw the creativity in it, the care, the transformation — the connection between the groomer and the dog. And then I thought… what if I did this? What if I could reinvent the grooming space into something fun, stylish, safe, and full of joy?

It was like a switch had flipped. I felt alive for the first time in ages.

Creating Something Different

As I explored the grooming world, I realised there was space for something new. A salon that didn’t just groom — but celebrated, comforted, and uplifted. Something fresh, modern, and designed with intention.

Pezzy Paws became my vision for a space that reflects how so many of us see our dogs: not just pets, but family. Babies. Companions. Emotional support. Best friends.

I designed the salon like a tiny boutique — fun and playful, with pink tiles, checkered floors, green accents, and a big, welcoming heart at its centre.

More Than a Salon — A Community

But Pezzy Paws is more than just a grooming salon. From the very beginning, I wanted it to be a community — a place that brought likeminded dog lovers together.

Whether you’re dropping off your pup, swapping stories, or just chatting at the gate, Pezzy Paws is about connection. It’s about building trust with dogs and their people — and creating a space where everyone feels safe, welcome, and understood.

My goal isn’t just to give a dog a glow-up — it’s to make them (and you!) feel like you’re part of something special.

From Career Crisis to Complete Leap

I came home from work one day and told my partner my wild idea. “I want to become a dog groomer,” I said, fully expecting him to think I’d lost it. But he didn’t. He just said, “Go for it.”

Within a week I’d booked onto a trial day at a grooming school — and I loved it. I threw myself into the course. We used our savings to cover the cost, and I quit my job. Yep — I left behind everything I’d worked so hard for, to chase a dream I’d only just rediscovered.

We converted our garage into a little salon, bit by bit, painting it ourselves, laying the tiles, building it from scratch. It was risky. It was scary. And it was 100% right.

Pezzy Paws Was Born

On June 23rd, Pezzy Paws officially opened its doors — and I still can’t believe it.

I get to spend my days surrounded by dogs of all shapes, sizes, and quirks. I’ve met anxious pups, excitable ones, gentle giants and bouncy babies. I’ve laughed, cried, cuddled, and fallen in love with every single one of them. And every day I feel more connected to myself — and to the life I always wanted but didn’t think I could have.

Some Things You Should Know About Me

Anyone who knows me knows how much I love dogs and whales. (Seriously, if I could groom whales, I would.)

I’ve looked after all kinds of dogs over the years, and I’m the person who stops to say hi to dogs in the street, waves at them from the car, and awkwardly asks, “Can I stroke them?” on a walk. Pezzy Paws isn’t just a job for me — it’s a little extension of who I am.

Why I’m Telling You All This

I’m sharing this because I know I’m not the only one who’s felt stuck in a life that didn’t feel right. I know how scary it is to make a change. But I also know this: one bold decision — just one — can completely change your world.

I used to think success meant a salary or a job title. Now I know it means waking up excited, doing something that fills your heart, and surrounding yourself with things that bring joy. For me, that’s dogs. For you, it might be something totally different — but whatever it is, it’s worth chasing.

Money doesn’t buy happiness. Being true to yourself does.

Thank You for Being Part of This

If you’ve supported Pezzy Paws in any way — whether you’ve brought your pup in, shared a post, or just followed along quietly — thank you. Truly.

And if you’re new here — welcome! I can’t wait to meet you and your dog soon. 🐾

With love,

Pez x