We had the good fortune of connecting with Deanna Hanson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Deanna, why did you pursue a creative career?
Sitting behind a desk never seemed thrilling to me. I never wanted to be like my parents and other adults I knew. It always felt like their jobs just drained them emotionally, and never gave them any energy for other things. They would just wake up, go to work, come home unhappy, go to sleep, and start the process all over again. There was no mental stimulation or creative freedom in the jobs they possessed. Seeing them lose interest in not only their jobs, but everyday life, was unbearable to witness. Just to be able to provide for those they loved, they sacrificed their happiness? No, there HAD to be another way to live comfortably and enjoy what you do. I knew my heart was set to do something in the creative field, but my destiny had yet to show itself to me. Ever since I was young, animals have always held a special place in my heart. I grew up with a mixture of animals: rabbits, hamsters, snakes, fish, geckos, and cats. I always wanted a dog, but my parents would never let us get one. So I made it a mission to befriend and love every dog I saw. What can I say, I was deprived! 🤣 That’s when I started to work at Petsmart. I learned how to professionally bathe and, eventually, became a professional pet stylist. Everything I missed out on with dogs, I got the chance to experience while working with them! While I enjoyed working with such a creative team, I knew my passion was to take a chance on myself, and go my own way. Being able to style dogs, and create new looks for them brings me so much joy. Having the ability to add pops of color, creating their bows and bow-ties, and seeing their owners faces after the pamper session, is so rewarding! I love making my clients happy, and transforming their babies “ruff” days to “fluff” days. Thank you for taking the time to get to know me, and I can’t wait to meet you and your family members!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Starting my journey almost 7 years ago, I’d have to say I’m most proud of how far I’ve come. It’s never easy following your dream, and chasing the things you love. Obstacles always arise, and you have to have the strength to push past everything to achieve your goals! Overcoming challenges are, well, challenging to say the least. It helps to have a support system and faith in yourself. I’ve learned that patience is key, failing is inevitable, and support comes and goes. However, where there’s a will, there’s a way! Never giving up is the toughest, yet enriching challenge you’ll ever encounter. There’s a satisfaction in knowing that you have the strength to push past all the negative and allow room for the positive. I love what I do, my clients, and the people I get the chance to meet. My mission is simple: create bonds with not only my clients, but their pet parents. Connecting with those I get the chance to work with make everything I do, worth it.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well, if my best friend came to visit, she would most likely show ME places to go! We’ve both lived in the area our entire lives, so we already know this area pretty well! I’ve never gotten the chance to travel very much, or experience the world like she has. If I had the opportunity, I would love to visit the states, visit the countries, and finally get the chance to go on a cruise! I would love the chance to experience all cultures and learn their ways. I find it amazing to see how different we all are, yet how we are all connected. I want to be able to see exotic places, try authentic foods, and go on adventures around the world.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d love to dedicate this shout out to my father. He encouraged me to never lose hope and give my all into whatever my heart wants. I hope I’m making you proud. I’d also like to take the time to thank all of my friends and family who have shown me never-ending support and love! You guys have given me the strength I needed to continue on this journey. It was never easy, and never will be, but you guys have always believed in me. For that, I thank you all and I love you guys so much!

Instagram: @rufftofluff_

Other: My email is bookings.rtf@gmail.com.

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