Experienced Dog Caretaker, Danny The Groomer Opens In Cicero
Daniel Hernandez “Danny The Groomer” poses at his front desk of his business on Oct. 6, 2020. Hernandez opened his grooming business earlier this year. (Photo by April Alonso).
By April Alonso
Daniel Hernandez, 27, also known as Danny the Groomer to his followers on social media, got a young start on the dog grooming business.
“I started when I was only 14, that was back in Mexico. My brother was working as a dog groomer. I dropped out of middle school and then I needed a job and he was like ‘you want to come work here?’ So I went to work for him… and then I just became a vet technician, like after three years,” Hernandez explained.
After working for other dog groomers, Hernandez decided to open up his own place in Cicero near the business his wife owns on 26th Street.
“I went to a couple of groomers here to ask for a job but , after going to several groomers around here, I saw myself in a corner. [The places] were not up to my standards. So I might as well just open my own,” he said.
“When it came down to the time of opening a place. I was like, You know what? People will pay for the service because a lot of people like to have a good service.”
Coco, one of Danny The Groomer’s frequent clients, waits in the back area of the groomers to be blow dried (Photo by April Alonso).
Hernandez and his family have had to adapt to the pandemic. Dog owners, for example, may sometimes run into Hernandez’s daughter at the office who often completes her E-learning while her dad works. She regularly takes breaks from class to play with the dogs. Hernandez also supports individuals who are looking for work during the pandemic.
“Everything that is done here is done by someone who is trying to survive in this pandemic. They are trying to do something with their hands,” Hernandez said. The letters in front of his business as well as his desk, for example, we’re made by local artists.
Hernandez includes a personal touch to his dog grooming business by creating a fun, family environment at the business
“I love playing with dogs. I only book 15 dogs a day because that's what I'm able to do on my own. Being with them and playing with them, I enjoy my work. It's so much fun,” Hernandez commented.
Hernandez wants dog owners to know that longer hair dogs need their hair to keep themselves cool during hot days and that not every dog needs to be shaved down when they are groomed.
“We all deserve a good service, not to settle for less. And that if [customers] have any questions, feel free to send me a message and I have answers for everything. If [they] don't have money or something, don't hesitate to send me a message and we can work it out.”
You can get to know Danny the Groomer more by following his Facebook page where he shares dog grooming clips and updates. Danny the Groomer is located at 5840 W. Cermak Rd and you can reach Danny on Facebook or at 708-943-3552.
April Alonso is a co-founder of Cicero Independiente.
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