Our Interview with Artist Knox: Animal Planet’s Groomer of the Year 2008
by Christine Yee on July 20, 2009
I really love D.O.G. Because of them I learned about the rescued puppies of the Riverside Puppy Mill
They connect a lot of dog lovers in Los Angeles through cool events like their Yappy Hour
where I met Artist Knox, the winner of Animal Planet’s grooming competition, Groomer Has It.
Artist’s hands may be “made for grooming,” as he likes to put it. But I also think his bright and endearing personality is meant to be on television. He is one of the most genuinely spirited individuals I have ever met.
In addition to winning the Groomer Has It competition, Artist has also started his own dog grooming business. He now stars his own series on Animal Planet, Beverly Hills Groomer.
Running a business is not easy, even after being on television and winning a major competition. Check out some more clips here.
Artist has come a long way from growing up in South Central Los Angeles. He credits grooming for changing his life. In addition to his new television series, he also opened his own business in Hollywood.
We were so honored and delighted to interview Artist Knox.
Before you started grooming dogs, what did you think you’d be doing with your life?
In high school, I wanted to be a doctor- an OB/GYN. I wasn’t too sure about anything definite thought. I was just testing the waters in a lot of things.
How did you meet your dog, Bumpy Johnson? Tell us more about him. What is he like?
I was working at a pet shop and one of my customers came in with this dirty looking dog and she asked me if I could adopt him because she was moving- I told her absolutely not; I can’t afford a dog I’m about to have a baby. But I kept saying no, so I told her I would clean him for free and I’ll call one of my customers who loves Shih Tzu’s. But after the groom I took a second look and decided he was a good looking dog. I asked him if he wanted to go home with me and he barked a quick yes. The rest is history. Bumpy is really laid back, loving and affectionate but once he hears any threatening noise- he takes off running. He loves children so much; when my son was born he slept under his crib for a year, and when he would cry he would run and get his pacifier or bottle.
Despite all the setbacks you’ve experienced, how have you been able to stay so optimistic?
I have to keep pushing. I couldn’t afford to stop, had to tell myself every day I have to keep going.
What is it about your grooming style that enabled you to win the Groomer Has It competition?
I guess I just I just brought a little something different to the table. I think they looked at both my personality and ability.
I read somewhere that you once groomed a baby yak. How do you get this opportunity?
There is a company called Phil’s animals and they rent animals out for television and movies. You can’t take a yak to a groomer so they gave me a call.
I once had a cocker spaniel who hated going to the groomer’s. So I was wondering how you deal with animals who don’t want to be groomed?
Even though they are being difficult, you have to make them comfortable. Dogs are like children and you have to make them comfortable and let them know you are their friend.
Tell us about your new salon in Hollywood. What services do you offer? How is it unique?
Services like nail painting, doggie nail designs, doggie earrings, as well as all typical grooming services. My waiting area is also unique because it is the only salon with a 50 inch plasma screen television so it is a relaxing environment for people and dogs.
Dogasaur is dedicated to improving the lives of dogs. What does this mean to you?
Improving the lives of dogs’ means caring for them as members of your family, treating them the way an animal not only deserves to, but needs to be treated. Improving the life of a dog is more than bathing and feeding. It’s also about changing their situation from destitution to a life of happiness and appreciation is the real meaning of improving a dog’s life.
Thanks Artist. You are truly a remarkable human being and an inspiration to us! We look forward to visiting your salon on Saturday!
Anyone who wants to see more of Artist Knox can visit his website or catch episodes of Beverly Hills Groomer on the Animal Planet, Saturdays at 10PM.
Excellent interview. I”ll be there Saturdays at 10, or my DVR will be!
Comment by josh — July 20, 2009 @ 6:21 pm
[...] has been mentioned in a few of our other posts, like our interview with Artist Knox and the one we did about the dogs from the Riverside Puppy [...]
Pingback by Dogasaur » Blog Archive » How Do You Pronounce D.O.G.? — July 23, 2009 @ 3:48 pm
[...] animal communicator, Gabriela Castilo read for guests. Animal Planet’s Groomer of the Year, Artist Knox also came. The folks at D.O.G. were nice enough to let dog parents try new little outfits on [...]
Pingback by Dogasaur » Blog Archive » Yappy Hour at D.O.G. — July 24, 2009 @ 2:56 pm
[...] week we posted our interview with Animal Planet’s Groomer of the Year 2008, Artist Knox. Over the weekend, we paid him a [...]
Pingback by Dogasaur » Blog Archive » Dogasaur Visits Artist Knox — July 27, 2009 @ 11:12 am
This is so interesting! I hope the new series is a success.
Comment by doglover — July 28, 2009 @ 7:21 pm
[...] Christine Yee wrote an interesting post today onDogasaur » Blog Archive » Our Interview with Artist Knox: Animal <b>…</b>Here’s a quick excerpt [...]
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