A 24-year-old dog groomer based in Runcorn has been named as the best in Cheshire for the second year in a row, after being told by her former boss that she ‘would never accomplish anything’.

Opal Williams-Hulse, who lives in Winsford, started her dog grooming business during Covid, turning her love of dogs into a career.

Now, at just 24, she has gone on to win two regional awards for her business, called Cheshire Canine Salon, which is based in Early Paws kennel in Sutton Weaver.

Last year Opal won Best Pet Grooming Business in Cheshire for the first time, and last Sunday she was invited to Manchester for the 2024 England Business Awards ceremony, where she won once again.

“Honestly, I’m just shocked,” she said.

“I didn’t think it was going to get anywhere.

“I remember one of my old bosses told me when I left to start my dog grooming business that I would never accomplish anything in my life.”

Opal received the award for the second time on SundayOpal received the award for the second time on Sunday (Image: Supplied)

Opal grooms around 40 dogs a week, caring for beloved family pets and those who have been rescued.

“It’s not just cuddling with dogs all day,” said Opal.

“It’s not an easy job at all. You get dogs that come in matted, dogs that don’t like being groomed.

“There was one Poodle who hadn’t been groomed in a year.

“It’s quite rewarding to see that you can make them so much more comfortable.”

Opal grooms around 40 dogs a week in RuncornOpal grooms around 40 dogs a week in Runcorn (Image: Supplied)

Now, Opal has been nominated as one of the best dog groomers in the UK, the ceremony for which will be in November.

“Even if I don’t win, I’m just so happy to get this far,” she said.

“Even to be nominated is just incredible.”