Teasel
The story of Teasel & Tails begins with one very special Border Terrier named Teasel. He was my childhood dog and the inspiration behind both the name of my salon and everything it stands for. Teasel was the first dog I ever groomed. I learned how to hand-strip his coat correctly, carefully removing the dead hair to keep his coat healthy and true to his breed. Being young, however, I wasn't quite trusted with the scissors yet - a decision my parents were probably very wise to make! He occasionally ended up looking a little quirky, but every grooming session taught me something new and sparked a passion that would stay with me for life.
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When Teasel passed away unexpectedly at just eight years old, the loss was heartbreaking and is still felt today. Although I would give anything for five more minutes with him, let alone the years I thought I was promised to have with him, his legacy lives on through Teasel & Tails and the love and care I strive to give every dog that visits.
Rooted in Family. Inspired by Tails.
The Farm
I was born and raised on my family-run farm on the outskirts of Oxford, where animals and farm life have always been a huge part of who I am. From caring for orphaned lambs and calves to helping with the day-to-day running of the farm, I developed a deep understanding of animals from a young age and a genuine passion for their wellbeing.
Growing up surrounded by animals taught me that trust isn't given overnight. It is built through patience, consistency, and understanding, and these lessons have stayed with me throughout my journey. They continue to shape the way I approach every dog that comes into the salon, ensuring they are treated with the same care, kindness, and respect I have always shown the animals in my life.
I still work alongside my family on the farm, as well as in our family-run seasonal shop, Appleton Christmas Barn. I also help my partner on his local farm, whether that's putting in shifts in the lambing shed in the spring, helping with routine TB testing, or simply lending a hand wherever needed.
Although life can be busy, I wouldn't have it any other way. Being surrounded by animals, working alongside my family, and spending time in the countryside are a huge part of what keeps me grounded. It's a way of life that has shaped me and ultimately led me to create Teasel & Tails — a salon built around the same values of patience, trust, care, and genuine love for animals.
Training
After deciding to explore doing dog grooming professionally, I trained with experienced groomers and developed my skills across college training salons, corporate salons, and independent grooming businesses. Each environment offered invaluable experience, allowing me to refine my techniques while working with dogs of every breed, temperament, and personality. Eventually, I realised my dream was to create a salon where quality always comes before quantity, a place where I can give every appointment the time, care, and attention it deserves. I have a City and Guilds Level 2 qualification, and am currently in the process of earning my Level 3. I am always eager to continue learning and adapting my skills.
My understanding of dogs extends beyond the grooming table. The two dogs featured in my logo are my own family's companions: Fyn, our Border Collie, and Buzz, our Border Terrier x Patterdale. Both can be reactive, each with its own triggers and issues, so I can understand first-hand the dedication, patience, and, at times, frustration that can come with supporting a dog who finds certain situations challenging. Living with reactive dogs has taught me the importance of reading body language, respecting boundaries, and building trust at each dog's individual pace.Â
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That experience is one of the reasons I am so passionate about creating a calm, positive grooming environment. Whether your dog is confident and sociable, nervous, elderly, excitabled or simply needs a little extra time, my aim is always the same: to make the grooming experience as relaxed and enjoyable as possible for every set of paws that walks through my doors.Â
Behaviour
Where It All Comes Together
The Teasel & Tails logo brings my story together. The name honours the little Border Terrier who started it all, with the teasel plants reflecting the flower he was named after, Fyn and Buzz standing by its side. It is a reminder of my roots, mine and my family's love of animals, and the journey that has led to the salon I am so proud to share today.Â
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When you choose Teasel & Tails, you're choosing more than a grooming appointment. You're choosing a salon built on family values, professional care, and a genuine understanding of the special bond between dogs and the people who love them.