In this episode, Bill sits down with Shayla Knipe and Chris Phillips from Stylish Canine in Australia https://www.stylishcanine.com.au/ for an honest and inspiring conversation about pricing, perception of value, burnout, customer experience, and what it really takes to build a premium grooming business.
Shayla shares her incredible 20+ year journey through the animal industry — starting as a veterinary nurse before becoming one of Australia’s most recognised and awarded canine stylists. Her passion for learning led her into canine psychology, nutrition, handling, grooming competitions, and eventually onto the world stage representing Australia in Belgium at the World Grooming Championships as the Australian Groom Team Terrier Specialist.
Listeners may also recognise Shayla from Channel 7’s Pooch Perfect with Rebel Wilson, where she showcased the skill, pressure, and artistry required to compete at the highest level of dog grooming.
Alongside Chris — whose background in customer service and business helped shape the Stylish Canine brand — the conversation dives deep into the realities of running grooming salons, managing teams, overcoming burnout, and learning how to charge properly for the value you provide.
Together they discuss:
- Why groomers undervalue themselves
- The mindset shift behind premium pricing
- Understanding customer perception of value
- Creating luxury experiences without unnecessary expense
- Building salon culture and customer loyalty
- Managing burnout and overbooking
- Learning from business mistakes and financial challenges
- Mentorship, mindset, and continual growth
- Why community matters more than trophies
Shayla also opens up about stepping away from the traditional high-volume salon model in 2026 to return to her roots — creating a private studio focused on quiet artistry, education, mentorship, and raising the next generation of leaders within the grooming industry.
This episode is packed with practical business insight, real-life experience, and powerful mindset shifts for groomers who want to grow sustainably while creating a business they truly love.
For more information and contact links for Shayla & Chris please visit the website https://www.shaylaknipe.com.au/
As always, I'd like to thank the podcast sponsor, Lopay, the low-cost payment platform that helps you keep more of the money you earn.
You can find out more and sign up for Lopay here:
https://merchant.lopay.app/ref/PETPASSION2500
Listeners of this podcast get £2500 of fee-free transactions.
And if you’d like support building a stronger, more profitable grooming business, visit:
https://petpassiontoprofit.com/
If this episode inspired you to take control of your pricing and finances, make sure you subscribe and share it with another groomer who’s ready to level up. 🐾