From Graphic Design to Grooming

How Teddy Found Purpose Through Pets

When Teddy first arrived at Joybound’s Engelstad Grooming Academy, he wasn’t holding clippers or shears. He was holding a broom. Unsure what to do but eager to help, he jumped in and began a journey that would lead him to an entirely new career path. 

Teddy’s path to pet grooming wasn’t a straight line. After earning a degree in fine arts and graphic design, he worked in design, commercial estimating, and sales. While he enjoyed building relationships, he wanted a career that felt more meaningful and aligned with his passion for helping others. Drawn to counseling and human behavior, he began exploring new possibilities. That search led him to Joybound. 

Through a job development counselor, Teddy learned about an internship opportunity with Joybound’s Engelstad Grooming Academy. Although working with animals hadn’t been part of his original plan, he loved pets and decided to give it a try. He joined the program in June 2026 and quickly immersed himself in learning the craft.  

The experience transformed how he viewed dogs. Before enrolling, Teddy saw them primarily as beloved pets. Through Joybound’s Fear Free approach, he learned to recognize signs of fear, anxiety, and stress and gained a deeper appreciation for canine behavior and communication. He was surprised by how much those lessons mirrored his interest in understanding people. 

“On the first day, I was going through the course on it,” Teddy recalled. “I was talking to Mr. Nick (Academy instructor) and said, ‘Gosh, this is really similar to how people act.’ And he’s like, ‘Yep.’” 

In Phase One of the academy, students master foundational grooming skills such as bathing, brushing, drying, nail trimming, and safe handling. Many of these tasks felt intimidating at first, but Teddy’s confidence grew with practice and support from his instructors. “Every week has been like I’ve leveled up a little bit,” he said. His progress was so strong that he advanced to Phase Two ahead of schedule, where he began learning haircutting and styling techniques. 

What Teddy enjoys most, however, is the connection between pets and the people who love them. Helping a nervous dog feel safe and watching an owner light up when reunited with their freshly groomed companion has become one of the most rewarding parts of the job. “Working with dogs all the time is very rewarding,” Teddy said. “Especially when you have a dog that’s not doing well, and you’re able to calm them down and get them through the process.”  

He also credits Joybound’s instructors and culture for making the experience so meaningful. Learning from professionals with different styles has helped him become more adaptable, while the welcoming and inclusive environment has made him feel supported every step of the way. 

Teddy is quick to point out that grooming is not just playing with puppies. It requires patience, grit, attention to detail, and a willingness to tackle messy situations. Yet those challenges are exactly what make the work so rewarding. 

As he prepares for certification and explores future job opportunities, Teddy remains open to where the path may lead. Whether he ultimately builds a career in grooming, counseling, or both, he has found something meaningful through Joybound: a way to combine empathy, creativity, and service to strengthen the bond between people and their pets. “Honestly, it’s just fun,” Teddy said. “I have nothing but good things to say about it.”