Today we’d like to introduce you to Sephryn Cercone.
Hi Sephryn, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I didn’t grow up dreaming of becoming a dog groomer, but I did grow up understanding what it feels like to be overlooked. That perspective shaped me more than I realized at the time.
I’ve always had a deep empathy for the misunderstood, whether that’s people or pets. Animals became a safe place for me early on. They respond to patience, consistency, and care. That connection eventually led me into the animal industry.
Before grooming, I worked in veterinary clinics and shelters. That experience gave me a strong foundation in animal health, behavior, and compassionate handling. I saw fearful dogs, neglected coats, seniors needing extra gentleness. I learned that technical skill means nothing without patience and understanding.
When I found grooming, everything clicked. This industry is science and art working together. It requires structure, precision, and knowledge of skin and coat health, but it also demands creativity, intuition, and heart. You’re reading body language, building trust, and sculpting a living canvas all at once.
I started Up to Snuff to create a grooming experience that feels safe, professional, and personalized. I have a special place in my heart for anxious dogs, seniors, and pets who may not have had the best grooming experiences before. For me, grooming isn’t just about how a dog looks when they leave. It’s about how they feel.
I’m currently working toward becoming a Certified Master Groomer and building toward a future in mobile grooming. My long term vision is to expand and create something that blends high level skill with accessibility and care for the community.
At the end of the day, I’m not just grooming dogs. I’m building trust, restoring comfort, and giving pets the dignity and confidence they deserve.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Starting Up to Snuff has been equal parts exciting and challenging. In the beginning, I had a clear one-year plan mapped out. I was focused, organized, and ready to launch step by step. I knew exactly how I wanted things to unfold.
Then I lost my pup.
That changed everything.
For a while, I dropped the plan. I had to process, reflect, and reconnect with why I was doing this in the first place. Losing her reminded me how deep the bond between people and their pets really is. It made the work more personal. More intentional.
When I came back to the business, it wasn’t easier. It was ten times harder. But it was also ten times clearer. I stopped thinking small. I stopped playing it safe. Instead of just launching a grooming service, I started building a vision.
There were still challenges. Learning the business side, setting policies, implementing deposits, balancing income, and building clientele from the ground up required resilience. Trust takes time in this industry because pets are family. I had to grow thicker skin while keeping a soft heart.
But every obstacle sharpened me. Every returning client, every anxious dog who began to relax, every referral confirmed that I was building something meaningful.
Starting Up to Snuff hasn’t been a straight line. It’s been a refining process. Losing my pup pushed me to dream bigger, work harder, and build something that truly honors the love people have for their animals.
I’m not just grooming dogs. I’m building something with purpose.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Up to Snuff is a professional pet grooming business built on the belief that grooming is both an art and a responsibility. We specialize in personalized, low-stress grooming experiences that prioritize a pet’s comfort, health, and emotional well-being just as much as their appearance.
With a background in veterinary clinics and animal shelters, I bring a deeper understanding of coat condition, skin health, behavior, and safe handling into every appointment. That foundation allows me to work confidently with seniors, anxious pets, and pets who may not have had the best grooming experiences in the past.
I am also Barkleigh certified in cat handling and grooming, which is an important part of what sets Up to Snuff apart. Cats have unique physical and emotional needs that are often overlooked in traditional grooming environments. I believe feline clients deserve specialized handling, patience, and respect for their stress thresholds. My approach to cat grooming focuses on safety, efficiency, and minimizing fear, especially for seniors or cats with matting issues.
What truly differentiates Up to Snuff is the balance between technical skill and heart. Clean prep work, coat integrity, and proper technique matter, but so does trust. Grooming is an intimate process, and reading body language is just as critical as knowing how to execute a haircut.
I’m also intentional about professionalism. Clear policies, scheduling systems, deposits, and consistent communication help create a reliable experience for pet owners while allowing me to provide focused, high-quality care.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of building something authentic. Up to Snuff reflects my values: structure, creativity, compassion, and continual growth. I’m currently working toward becoming a Certified Master Groomer and building toward a future in mobile grooming, with the long-term goal of expanding access to low-stress, high-standard grooming services.
At its core, Up to Snuff is about more than how pets look when they leave. It’s about how they feel and how cared for they are throughout the process.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Events in your community. I go to dog shows, expos talk with pet photographers anyone who has a passion for your passion.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.Uptosnuffgrooming.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shearyn_with_sephryn/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/felicia.white.180625
- LinkedIn: Felicia White
