From growing up in a dog-loving family to representing England on the world stage, Joanne Silk-Smith’s grooming journey is built on kindness, determination and a constant desire to improve. Owner of K9Transfurmations near Chester, she shares how passion, mentorship and self-belief have shaped her career.
Becoming a dog groomer wasn’t part of a carefully mapped-out plan for Joanne Silk-Smith. In fact, as she openly admits, “it wasn’t something I set out to do as a lifelong dream — I actually fell into it by chance.” A helping hand at Mike Wildman’s salon in Chester quickly turned into something far more meaningful. “It didn’t take long for me to realise how much I loved it,” she says — and the rest, as they say, is history.
Dogs, however, have always been central to Joanne’s life. With a mum who is a dog groomer and exhibitor, and a nan who bred and showed miniature long-haired Dachshunds, she was immersed in the canine world from an early age. “I grew up surrounded by a wide variety of breeds, from German Shepherds to Cockers and many in between,” she explains. “You could say dogs are very much part of my DNA.”
Like many successful groomers, Joanne credits strong mentorship as a key influence in her development. “My biggest stand-out mentor has to be Kirsty Hunt,” she says. A moment during a Mastergroom class remains vivid in her memory. While struggling with a Bichon, she looked up to see one of Kirsty’s Poodles mid-groom. “It genuinely stopped me in my tracks; I was completely in awe.” Since getting her own Poodle, Kirsty’s encouragement and support have been invaluable. “Having a mentor who pushes you beyond your comfort zone while giving you the confidence to try is worth their weight in gold.”
At the heart of Joanne’s business, K9Transfurmations near Chester, is a strong ethos of compassion and respect. “I focus on being kind and compassionate to both my clients and their dogs,” she says, “and I never forget that it’s a privilege to be trusted with making them look and feel their best.” She works on a quality-over-quantity basis, allowing time for each dog to receive the care they deserve. While firm about appointment policies, Joanne believes this creates mutual respect and long-term loyalty. “At the end of the day, our clients are the foundation of everything we do.”
Balancing salon life with competitive grooming hasn’t always been easy. “There are weeks where I’ll work six or seven days, particularly when a competition is coming up,” she admits. Alongside the physical and mental demands, there’s also family life to consider. Joanne is quick to acknowledge the support of her partner James and son Jackson, even while recognising the guilt that can come with time away. “Their encouragement, combined with my passion for the craft and my determination to be the best I can be, is what keeps pushing me forward.”
What keeps Joanne inspired day-to-day is variety and growth. She loves meeting new dogs, especially unfamiliar breeds, and still has a wish list. “Something a bit different like a Kerry Blue Terrier or a Chinese Crested” is high on it. Ultimately, though, it’s self-improvement that drives her. “The only person I want to be better than is myself.”
Her advice to fellow groomers is grounded and heartfelt: “Be kind first and foremost — to yourself as well as others. Stay humble.” She encourages making connections in what can be a surprisingly lonely profession, listening carefully to feedback, and never limiting yourself with self-doubt. “Growth begins the moment you challenge those doubts and allow yourself the space to try.”
Joanne’s own journey is a testament to that mindset. She is the Spaniel and Setter Team Member for Groom Team England for both the 2023/24 and current 2025/26 cycles, selected through a rigorous two-year qualification period. “Being selected twice is something I’m very grateful for,” she says. At the last World Championships, the team placed 6th out of 23 countries — “an amazing experience and a privilege.”
Looking ahead, Joanne sees the industry continuing to raise its standards and hopes clients increasingly value welfare and quality over price. Personally, she plans to keep learning, competing, and tackling new challenges — including becoming a more confident speaker. “Speaking in front of people has always terrified me,” she admits, “but it’s something I’m determined to improve.” With her drive and humility, there’s little doubt she will.
