Meet Kenna Murphy of Boulder county

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kenna Murphy.

Hi Kenna, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I started grooming at a corporate salon in 2005 as a high school job. After high school I quickly realized college wasn’t the path for me and I continued my career grooming. I climbed the corporate ladder, as a manager, and then on to an instructor teaching new groomers. 10 years later I decided to leave the corporate world and go out on my own. I left my home town of Arizona and moved to Colorado, where I started my mobile business Kenna’s Divine K-9. October will be my 20 year mark of grooming and I wouldn’t trade It for the world.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It’s definitely been a journey with its fair share of bumps along the road. When I went into the business as a mobile dog groomer, one of the biggest challenges was building trust — not just with pets, but with their owners. You’re coming into someone’s space and handling a member of their family, so there’s a lot of responsibility there. In the beginning, there were days when appointments would cancel last-minute, equipment would act up, or I’d be navigating new neighborhoods with spotty GPS. It was tough. But those challenges taught me patience, adaptability, and the importance of clear communication. I also learned how critical it is to stay calm under pressure — especially when working with anxious dogs or owners that are nervous about their pups. Looking back, it hasn’t been easy, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Every challenge has helped me grow, and seeing a nervous dog relax or a client light up after a groom makes all the hard work worth it.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a mobile dog groomer, which means I bring professional grooming services directly to my clients’ doorsteps. Instead of pet owners having to make a trip to a salon, I show up with a fully equipped grooming van and provide everything from baths and haircuts to nail trims and de-shedding treatments — all right outside their home. It’s all about convenience, comfort, and creating a low-stress experience for both pets and their humans. What makes it special is that I get to build real relationships with the dogs I work with. I learn their personalities, their quirks, what helps them relax — and that trust makes each appointment smoother and more enjoyable. For a lot of my clients, it’s more than just grooming — it’s personalized care that fits their lifestyle and puts their dog’s well-being first.”

We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
One of my fondest memories growing up was spending time with my childhood dog Duke, I got him when I was 6, and he was my best friend. I was always the one brushing him, giving him baths in the yard, and trying (sometimes unsuccessfully) to give him little ‘makeovers’ with costumes and my doll clothes. I didn’t realize it at the time, but those moments sparked a deep love and respect for animals that would shape my future. I also remember how calming it was to be around animals — they didn’t care about anything but love and attention, and that simplicity really stuck with me. Looking back, those childhood memories weren’t just sweet—they were the foundation for what I do now.”

Image Credits
Credit to some long time clients Brady, Potter, and Chuy