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

Hi Kristin, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
Dog Grooming is more than just knowing how to cut hair. It requires a lot of patience with animals and their human parents. We deal with upset and scared dogs often and spending the time to get them comfortable is even more important than making sure their fur/hair looks neat. Proper washing technique, nail trimming and even knowing how different shampoos will react with different types of fur/hair and skin, are all very important parts of the grooming process.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Starting out at the very bottom of the barrel, working part time and making minimum wage, moving up to be a fill time dog groomer, then manager. Having my son and realizing I needed to scale it back, moving myself to part time groomer. All of this done in the corporate world. I’m ready to make my debut as a business owner. I learned a lot from my time in the corporate grooming world, and I know it’s not for me. Some people thrive in the corporate world, and while I was absolutely able to do it I believe running my own business is where I thrive!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Albany Institute of History and Art. New York State Museum. USS Slater. University Art Museum. Saratoga Race Track. Saratoga shopping.

Cafe Madison. Tanpopo Ramen. The Hollow Bar & Kitchen. The Stuffed Rooster.

I’m not great at making an itinerary but these are the best options for things to do and places to eat in the area! There are also a lot of parks to walk in, and in the winter skiing and sledding!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My mom, Eila, and her wife Holly. They have been absolutely paramount to my growth as a mom and in creating my own business.

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutMiami is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.