A sustainable Surrey Quays dog groomer which recycles fur to tackle oil spills is enticing punters, including celebs, from across London.
Spotlight Groomers has gained a sparkling reputation among the stars – pampering VIP pooches including those belonging to rapper Professor Green and his former partner Millie Mackintosh.
The shop’s sustainable vision, which sees discarded fur recycled, saw it named the winner of the Sustainability Award for London by the Federation of Small Businesses.
Vikki Samples who owns the business alongside Gordana Susak said: “Business is going well! We’ve got customers coming from all over!”
The groomer offers a luxury service, using top-of-the-range scissors and shampoo, for procedures including dog facials and in-fashion ‘Asian-fusion’ trims.
“We only invest in the best equipment, tools and products,” Vikki said. “One, from a sustainability point of view and, two, your tools help you get a better finish.”
The entrance on Plough Way has been a revolving door for celebs in recent years.
Their clients have included X-Factor’s Anton Stephans, Paisley Billings from Tattoo Fixers and BBC presenter Zoe Pocock.
The rise of pet influencers has also been a boost to business, with dogs including Reggie the Schnoodle, who has 15,000 Instagram followers, getting his cut-and-dry at Spotlight before hitting social media.
Many are attracted by their sustainable credentials with discarded fur recycled via Green Groomers Collective.
It collects fur and re-uses it for things including composting, wool alternatives, building materials, rope-making and even absorbing oil spills in waterways.
Vikki said: “The planet and being sustainable is important to us. We believe that the smaller business is just as important with carbon footprints and doing your part.”
Not limited to just celebrities, Vikki and Gordana cater to everyone, attracting customers from across London since founding the business in 2021.
The pair have been grooming for more than 40 years, are formally qualified, and trained at Absolutely Animals in Lee.
Gordana was running a groomer called Paws and Bowels on the same site for nine years while Vikki ran Blackheath Dogs Bar before Spotlight Groomers was established.
But Vikki says the industry has room to improve with many groomers currently unregulated meaning they’re not qualified to protect dogs’ welfare.
She said: “At times we get dogs coming in with matted fur which can cause a pet pain, discomfort, and skin issues.”
The City & Guilds-qualified groomer added: “We are here to help pet owners and their dogs, not to judge!”
Spotlight Groomers also received ‘Highly Commended’ for sustainability in the Southwark Business Awards.