FURST CLASS LOUNGE
OUR STORY
In 2009, we were lucky to adopt Betsy, our Boston Terrier, from Chesterfield RSPCA, shortly followed by Pippa, our re-homed Miniature Schnauzer.
We took care of their needs with passion. But when it came to finding a grooming salon for them, we didn’t feel quite so lucky.
We were searching for an inviting, clean, modern salon where the groomers were qualified to a high standard and where we felt very comfortable leaving our dogs. We were looking for a first-class grooming salon where the welfare of dogs was a priority, but we soon gathered that even second-class was proving difficult to find.
The 1st FURST CLASS LOUNGE
We became aware in our search that there was a genuine need for something special, so we decided to create just that ourselves. Through dedication and outstanding training with Look North Grooming and Training Centre, the home of Groom Team England, we opened our home-based salon, where we continued to develop our knowledge and skills, learning everything we could about the grooming industry.
Our salon was the runner-up in the prestigious Grooming Salon of the Year Awards in 2012, competing against some of the UK’s most esteemed businesses. This recognition fueled our determination for the next stage of our plan.
In May 2013, we found the premises we needed to build our dream salon, and the work began.
Furst Class Lounge brings the wow factor into grooming
GROOMING Magazine
Our opening day party in November 2013 was a memorable occasion. Grooming legend Diana North cut the ribbon to officially declare FURST CLASS LOUNGE open.
We proudly celebrated this milestone while surrounded by family and friends.
After earning our teacher training qualifications in 2014, we proudly launched our Professional Dog Grooming Training Center, dedicated to nurturing passion and expertise in the art of dog grooming.
In early 2016, we became one of the few elite grooming salons at that time to be awarded the Grooming Gold Standard by SAI Global Independent Auditors.
As Seen on TV
The Gadget Show | Chanel 5
In August of that year, we received an invitation from a producer at Chanel 5 to participate in a show featuring presenters Ortis and Amy in a challenge format. The experience was incredibly enjoyable, and we had the opportunity to meet many remarkable individuals. The episode showcasing our participation was broadcast on October 28, 2016.
From one First Class to another
Our company, FURST CLASS LOUNGE, takes its name from our previous careers as pursers for British Airways, where we dedicated nearly 50 years between us to providing exceptional customer service. The photo was taken in April 2010 on the final day Concorde flew. We were fortunate to travel and explore the world together during that time and pursue training in dog grooming. While we didn’t expect our passion for dogs and dog grooming to ground us permanently, we are delighted it did. In recent years, we’ve been known as FCL.
Betsy & Pippa
After many happy years together and lots of adventures, we lost Betsy in April 2019 and Pippa in December 2019. Without Besty and Pippa, FCL wouldn’t have been created, and we wouldn’t be privileged to do what we love.
We treasure every single memory and the endless joy and love they gave us. We were blessed to be able to take our girls to the salon with us every day because, when you’re doing what you love with those you love, you never work a day in your life.
Truffle
In July 2022, the time was right once again, and another dog found her way into our lives and our hearts. Meet Truffle, our adorable rehomed Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
FCL proudly delivers professional grooming and training services to customers across the UK.
We look forward to welcoming you to our world of professional dog grooming soon.
Welcome to today’s Furst Class Lounge
Lee & Martin
We serve thousands of clients throughout the UK and believe that integrity, trust, and honesty are essential for building strong customer relationships. Therefore, we are committed to upholding these values in all our actions and decisions.
Our salon is dedicated to the well-being of dogs and the promotion of responsible pet ownership, guided by a strict code of ethics. This code helps us uphold the highest industry standards, make informed decisions, build and maintain trust with our customers, and continuously enhance our services. By adhering to our code of ethics, we fulfill our responsibilities as professionals and contribute to the welfare of dogs.
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