17/04/2026
🎉25 Years of CK9 🎉
Today marks 25 years since I opened the doors to my little salon on Norfolk Street… and I honestly can’t believe how quickly the time has passed.
I was just 24 years old when my very first client walked through the door. I had already spent eight years training and working as a dog groomer with the late Carol Flatt of Pets Paradise.
I was incredibly lucky to receive support from The Prince’s Trust — a small low-interest loan and a wonderful mentor, Phil Davies, who helped me turn a dream into reality.
With a tiny budget and an empty shop to transform, I called my DIY-loving dad. He and his wife Rita arrived with an ex-display bath, handmade dog pens, and plenty of wood and MDF. After a week of hard graft, my very own little salon was born.
There was no social media back then — just word of mouth, small adverts in the Lynn News, and the odd business cad in other shops.
After 18 months of trading, I was honoured to be nominated for The Prince’s Trust Small Business Awards. But the real success wasn’t awards — it was the amazing clients who supported me from the very beginning… many of whom I still see today, 25 years later.
Over the years, I’ve been lucky to work with many lovely people. Some joined part-time while at college, simply because they loved animals. Then along came Josie. She started with work experience, but I quickly saw something special — her work ethic, kindness, and genuine love for the dogs. Before her placement ended, I offered her a job… and thankfully she said yes.
Josie has helped shape CK9 into what it is today. She’s not just a colleague — she’s an essential part of the business and an amazing friend.
Our move to our bigger salon last year meant there was room for more like minded dog groomers. And we are so happy Kate and Lisa who share our same passion are now renting with us. Whilst independent businesses, we still make a great team!
And finally, this brings me to you — our clients.
You and your four-legged friends have become so much more than customers. Some of you I’ve known for almost 33 years, since the very start of my grooming career. I’ve watched your children grow up… and now some have children of their own. We’ve shared tears when beloved dogs have passed, and smiles when new puppies join your families.
We see many of you more often than we see our own relatives!
It’s because of YOU, your trust, and your loyalty that CK9 is still here 25 years on, doing what we love every single day.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart ❤️
I haven’t had time to plan a big celebration, but a couple of our wonderful clients have kindly made some beautiful bandannas. From today, we’ll be gifting these to those booked in — while they last.
Here’s to 25 years… and to all the wagging tails still to come 🦮🐕🦺🐩🎉
