From Work Placement to Business Owner: Amy’s Grooming Journey
For Class of 2022 graduate Amy Cuccovia, a two-week work placement during her time at Santa Maria College helped turn a lifelong love of animals into a career, and, just a few years later, her own business.
Today, Amy is the owner of Fluffy Cheeks Dog Grooming in Attadale, where she combines her professional grooming skills with a genuine love of working with dogs. While becoming a small business owner at a young age has brought plenty of challenges, it has also given Amy the opportunity to build a career doing something she loves.
Finding Her Path
Animals have always been an important part of Amy’s life, and she knew from a young age that she wanted them to feature in her future career.
It was during her time at Santa Maria that the possibilities became clearer. As part of her Careers & Enterprise studies, Amy completed three separate two-week work placements, including one at a dog grooming salon.
“That experience was what really inspired me to pursue grooming as a career. I loved being around the dogs, learning how to care for them and seeing the transformation after a groom. It made me realise that dog grooming was something I could genuinely see myself doing long-term.”
After graduating, Amy enrolled at South Metropolitan TAFE, completing a Certificate II in Animal Studies before securing her first job at a grooming salon. Starting with bathing and blow-drying, she gradually developed her skills and learnt how to complete an entire groom from start to finish.
As her confidence grew, so did her commitment to the industry. Amy returned to TAFE to complete a Certificate III in Animal Care Services (Pet Grooming).
Taking the Leap into Business
When the salon where Amy worked closed, an unexpected change became an opportunity.
With the chance to take on some of the salon’s equipment and clients, Amy decided it was time to pursue another ambition – working for herself.
Fluffy Cheeks Dog Grooming was born.
The transition from employee to business owner involved much more than grooming dogs. Amy had to navigate council approvals, lease a premises, fit out the salon, purchase equipment and learn the many administrative and financial aspects of running a business.
“There have definitely been stressful moments, but seeing everything come together and now having my own salon makes it all worthwhile.”
The experience has also taught her the value of being willing to ask for help and learn along the way.
“Most importantly, I’ve learnt not to be afraid of things I don’t know. I’ve had to learn as I go, ask questions, seek advice and figure things out along the way. It has made me much more confident and independent.”
Building Trust, One Dog at a Time
Amy operates her salon on a one-on-one basis, allowing her to spend time getting to know each dog and understand its individual personality and needs.
While she loves seeing an owner’s reaction when they collect their freshly groomed dog, some of her most rewarding moments come from working with dogs that are anxious or nervous.
“Sometimes a dog might come in scared or uncomfortable with grooming, but with patience, reassurance and positive experiences, they can slowly learn to enjoy coming to the salon. Being able to build that trust with a dog is one of my favourite parts of the job.”
And there certainly isn’t a typical day.
“Every dog has its own personality, temperament and needs, so I’ve had experiences with all different types of breeds and personalities. That’s one of the things I love most about grooming. Every day is different, and I’m constantly learning something new from the dogs I work with.”
Amy particularly enjoys deshedding breeds such as Border Collies, Labradors and Australian Shepherds, while West Highland Terriers have earned a reputation for keeping her on her toes.
“They’re full of energy and personality, and a lot of them aren’t particularly fond of being groomed. They can certainly make you work for it, but I actually enjoy that challenge.”
Skills That Started at Santa Maria
Looking back, Amy believes her Santa Maria experience gave her practical skills and confidence that have become increasingly valuable as a business owner.
Her Careers & Enterprise studies introduced her to professionalism, communication, responsibility and how workplaces operate, while work placement allowed her to explore a potential career before leaving school.
“I think having those opportunities while I was still at school gave me the confidence to pursue something I was passionate about and, eventually, take the step towards starting my own business.”
It is a great example of how exploring an interest can open the door to an unexpected career path, and how quickly that first opportunity can grow into something much bigger.
Life Beyond the Salon
Amy’s love of animals doesn’t end when she finishes work. At home, she has a 12-year-old Cavoodle named Chilli, who she describes as her “best little companion”.
When she isn’t grooming, Amy enjoys taking Chilli for beach walks and café visits – complete with the occasional pup-cup – as well as spending time with friends and family and going to the gym.
Her animal family also includes three chickens, Lulu, Pebbles and Miggy, whom Amy incubated from eggs and watched hatch and grow.
Just four years after graduating from Santa Maria, Amy has transformed an interest discovered through work placement into qualifications, a career and a business of her own.
“It has been a huge learning experience, but I’m really proud of how far I’ve come and that I’ve been able to turn something I love into my own business.”
- alumni pathways, career education, Careers & Enterprise, Class of 2022, dog grooming career, Featured, Fluffy Cheeks Dog Grooming, graduate success story, Santa Maria College alumni, work placement career pathway, young business owner
Author: Santa Maria College
Santa Maria College is a vibrant girls school with a growing local presence and reputation. Our Mission is to educate young Mercy women who act with courage and compassion to enrich our world. Santa Maria College is located in Attadale in Western Australia, 16 km from the Perth CBD. We offer a Catholic education for girls in Years 5 – 12 and have 1300 students, including 152 boarders.
From the President – September 2026
The September President’s Report reflects on a busy August for our alumni community, from the Pleiades Gathering to preparations for upcoming events. Catch up on the latest news from the Old Girls’ Association and the connections continuing to grow across our community.
Fiona’s Career Supporting WA’s Rescue Helicopter Service
From a vocational pathway at Santa Maria to supporting WA’s life-saving rescue helicopter service, Fiona’s career shows where opportunity can lead. Discover how the Class of 2002 graduate built a 20-year career with DFES and her advice for young women considering emergency services.
Coming Home – Alumni Celebrate the Cultural Centre
Santa Maria College alumni gathered to celebrate the opening of the College’s new Cultural Centre, reconnecting with classmates and celebrating the role of the arts in the community. The evening featured performances by current students and a 42-member Alumni Choir, highlighting the lifelong connections and shared experiences that continue to bring Old Girls back to the College.
Weekly Wrap Up – Week 7, Term 3
Celebrating the Role of Fathers and Father Figures – Year 7 Fathers Day
