The Groomer's Speakeasy Retreat
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The Groomer's Speakeasy Retreat
October 17-19, 2026
The Groomer's Speakeasy Institute • Kennebunk, Maine
More Than a Grooming Seminar!
Step away from the salon and join us for an unforgettable weekend designed to help you grow—not only as a groomer, but as a leader, business owner, and person.
The Groomer's Speakeasy Retreat is an intimate, one-of-a-kind experience that blends world-class grooming education, business strategy, nervous system regulation, and authentic community in a relaxed, retreat-style setting.
With attendance limited to just 20 participants, you'll enjoy meaningful conversations, personal interaction with our speakers, and the opportunity to build lasting friendships with fellow professionals.
Tickets👉 https://www.tickettailor.com/events/thegroomersspeakeasyinstitution/2285504
EVENT OVERVIEW
Location:
The Groomer’s Speakeasy Institute - Home of Pawfections Pet Salon
141 High St. Kennebunk, Maine
Attendance is limited to create an intimate and highly interactive rain or shine experience retreat experience.
Lodging Options:
Guests may choose to tent camp on-site or book a room with one of our nearby hotel partners. Tent camping is included with your retreat experience on our beautiful brookside property.
Camping Amenities:
• Tent camping sites along a beautiful brook on 3 acre property
• 24 hr Speakeasy themed Bathroom/Shower
• Campfire
• Speakeasy indoor/outdoor gathering space
• Networking opportunities
• Meals included throughout the weekend
*For guests who would rather stay in a hotel instead of camping, we have partnered with nearby hotels to offer convenient lodging options close to The Groomer’s Speakeasy Retreat.
Hotel Option 1:
Port Inn & Suites Kennebunk, an Ascend Collection Hotel
55 York Street
Kennebunk, ME 04043
Approximate distance from The Groomer’s Speakeasy: 1 mile
Attendees can receive 20% off by booking through our special partner hotel link: https://www.choicehotels.com/maine/kennebunk/ascend-hotels/me028/rates?pu=no&ratePlanCode=LPAW
Hotel Option 2:
The Lodge at Kennebunk
95 Alewive Road, Route 35
Kennebunk, ME 04043
Approximate distance from The Groomer’s Speakeasy: 2 miles
Discounted event rate: $89 per night
Suites are only $20 more per night
Breakfast included
To reserve your room, call: 207-985-9010 Please tell the hotel you are attending The Groomer’s Speakeasy event to receive the discounted rate.
Website: www.lodgeatkennebunk.com
MEET YOUR SPEAKERS:
JOEY & CHRISTINE VILLANI
Joey Villani’s life in pet care and grooming began (1974) when he was only nine years old, during a visit to the Super Dog Salon in New Jersey. Invited to lend a hand by salon owner and family friend, John Nash, Joey brushed a sheepdog named Cecilia and so began an unbelievable career.
In 1998, he purchased the Nash Academy in New Jersey, considered an ivy league grooming school which he owned and operated until 2008.
Now a well-known pet industry speaker and judge, Joey has been nominated 14 times for the Cardinal Crystal and Barkleigh honors awards. He has been enthusiastically involved with Intergroom International for 33 years and has been instrumental in expanding the organization’s reach into Belgium, Italy, and France. He is one of the original members of the International Judges Association.
His outgoing nature and unforgettable charisma have made Joey a natural television personality, with appearances on The Today Show, Good Morning America, Good Day NY, and Animal Planet’s Dogs 101 and Groomer Has it and Pooch Perfect.
Today, Joey continues to innovate and explore new dimensions in the pet care and grooming industry. In early 2009, Joey became part of the Animal Radio on-air staff where he is known as "The Dogfather.
Other notable accomplishments:
2001 invitational tournament of champions Milan, Italy
2014 Pet grooming ambassador to Conair Pet
2015 President and Co-Owner of Intergroom
2015 Industry man of the year
2016 Co- Owner of The World Dog Expo
2018 Barkleigh honors Outstanding contributions to the industry award winner
2018 the American kennel club leadership award
2020 EQyss pet product ambassador
2022 President of Pet Care Class
2022 PETicures international President
2024 Nash GOAT award
Joey has taught 2462 pet groomers worldwide up-to-date
ANGELA ORR
"The Pill-less Pharmacist"
Overall Theme:
The quality of your nervous system determines the quality of your work, your relationships, your health, and the experience every dog has in your care.
“I believe pharmacists and groomers have more in common than people realize: both work in high-pressure environments where mistakes matter, emotions run high, and they spend all day caring for others while often neglecting themselves.”
Angela Orr is a transformation mentor/coach. As the pill-less pharmacist she utilizes her knowledge about the science of transformation to help women make permanent change to live their fullest life.
As a serial entrepreneur Angela has had many businesses, including owning and operating two independent pharmacies that generated multiple 8 figures in business for 15 years in Maine.
She decided to go on a healing journey after a breast cancer diagnosis and realizing stress was killing her. On this journey she explored modalities around physical and mental health. Angela found several that she believes helped to save her life.
RETREAT SCHEDULE:
SATURDAY OCTOBER, 17th
EARLY ARRIVAL MEET & MINGLE
5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• Tent camping arrival
• Check-in
• Set up camp
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Welcome Campfire
• Light snacks
• Meet & mingle
• Networking
• Relax by the fire and connect before the retreat begins
9:00 PM to 11:00 PM
“Groomer Has It” TV series, Re-runs
Outdoor/Indoor movie theater
11:00 PM
Quiet Time
SUNDAY OCTOBER, 18TH
ARTISTRY, CONFIDENCE & CONNECTION
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Coffee & light Breakfast
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
ANGELA ORR
Session 1: Grounded Groomer
Theme: You can't regulate a dog from a dysregulated nervous system.
This session creates awareness.
The biggest mindset shift: The most important tool you bring into the salon isn't your scissors. It's your nervous system.
Why grooming is one of the highest stress professions
The science of the autonomic nervous system
Why dogs constantly read our physiology
How stress transfers between human and dog
Recognizing early warning signs of dysregulation
Simple resets during the workday
End with a calming regulation exercise
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
JOEY & CHRISTINE VILLANI
Scissoring, Style & Confidence
Live pet grooming demonstrations: Poodles, Doodles & Drop Coats
• Cute faces
• Expression
• Balance
• Finish work
• Client appeal
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Lunch break - Pizza & Snacks
2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
JOEY & CHRISTINE VILLANI
Scissoring, Style & Confidence Continued
Live pet grooming demonstrations: Poodles, Doodles and Drop Coats
• Advanced finishing & scissor technique
• Building confidence behind the table
• Client communication
• The mindset behind exceptional work
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
ANGELA ORR
Session 2: The Groomer's Missing Skill
The missing skill isn't grooming.
It isn't customer service.
It isn't time management.
It's self-regulation.
"Nobody teaches groomers how to manage the one thing they use every single day... their nervous system."
Topics:
Burnout isn't a character flaw.
Chronic stress changes your brain and body.
Confidence comes from regulation.
Emotional resilience is trainable.
Energy management beats time management.
Why success without well-being eventually becomes expensive.
Technique to teach coherence breathing
left-eye reset
orienting
micro recoveries
6:00 PM
Dinner - Speakeasy BBQ Night
7:30 PM
Campfire Conversations
No lecture!
Just discussion, connection, and community & fun
9:00 PM to 11:00 PM
“Groomer Has It” TV series, Re-runs
Outdoor/Indoor movie theater
11:00 PM
Quiet Time
MONDAY OCTOBER, 19TH
BUSINESS, LEADERSHIP & PERSONAL GROWTH
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Coffee & Continental Breakfast
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
ANGELA ORR
Session 3: Reset • Reflect • Refocus
This is where transformation happens.
...people will leave with a plan.
Questions like:
Who do I want to become?
What kind of groomer do I want dogs to experience?
How do I want clients to remember me?
What habits actually support that version of me?
Then we'll build:
Morning ritual
During-shift reset
After-work decompression
Weekend recovery
Personal growth commitment
One next courageous step
Finish with a guided visualization of walking into work completely grounded, calm, confident, and connected.
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
JOEY & CHRISTINE VILLANI
Building a Business That Supports Your Life
• Pricing
• Boundaries
• Team building
• Leadership
• Confidence
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Lunch Break - Sandwiches & Snacks
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
JOEY & CHRISTINE VILLANI
Legacy, Character & Success
• Professional growth
• Character development
• Long-term success
• Building a meaningful career
• Leaving a positive impact on the industry
4:00 PM
Retreat Closing & Farewell
Questions?
Call or text your host: (207)-251-0443
October 17-19, 2026
The Groomer's Speakeasy Institute • Kennebunk, Maine
More Than a Grooming Seminar!
Step away from the salon and join us for an unforgettable weekend designed to help you grow—not only as a groomer, but as a leader, business owner, and person.
The Groomer's Speakeasy Retreat is an intimate, one-of-a-kind experience that blends world-class grooming education, business strategy, nervous system regulation, and authentic community in a relaxed, retreat-style setting.
With attendance limited to just 20 participants, you'll enjoy meaningful conversations, personal interaction with our speakers, and the opportunity to build lasting friendships with fellow professionals.
Tickets👉 https://www.tickettailor.com/events/thegroomersspeakeasyinstitution/2285504
EVENT OVERVIEW
Location:
The Groomer’s Speakeasy Institute - Home of Pawfections Pet Salon
141 High St. Kennebunk, Maine
Attendance is limited to create an intimate and highly interactive rain or shine experience retreat experience.
Lodging Options:
Guests may choose to tent camp on-site or book a room with one of our nearby hotel partners. Tent camping is included with your retreat experience on our beautiful brookside property.
Camping Amenities:
• Tent camping sites along a beautiful brook on 3 acre property
• 24 hr Speakeasy themed Bathroom/Shower
• Campfire
• Speakeasy indoor/outdoor gathering space
• Networking opportunities
• Meals included throughout the weekend
*For guests who would rather stay in a hotel instead of camping, we have partnered with nearby hotels to offer convenient lodging options close to The Groomer’s Speakeasy Retreat.
Hotel Option 1:
Port Inn & Suites Kennebunk, an Ascend Collection Hotel
55 York Street
Kennebunk, ME 04043
Approximate distance from The Groomer’s Speakeasy: 1 mile
Attendees can receive 20% off by booking through our special partner hotel link: https://www.choicehotels.com/maine/kennebunk/ascend-hotels/me028/rates?pu=no&ratePlanCode=LPAW
Hotel Option 2:
The Lodge at Kennebunk
95 Alewive Road, Route 35
Kennebunk, ME 04043
Approximate distance from The Groomer’s Speakeasy: 2 miles
Discounted event rate: $89 per night
Suites are only $20 more per night
Breakfast included
To reserve your room, call: 207-985-9010 Please tell the hotel you are attending The Groomer’s Speakeasy event to receive the discounted rate.
Website: www.lodgeatkennebunk.com
MEET YOUR SPEAKERS:
JOEY & CHRISTINE VILLANI
Joey Villani’s life in pet care and grooming began (1974) when he was only nine years old, during a visit to the Super Dog Salon in New Jersey. Invited to lend a hand by salon owner and family friend, John Nash, Joey brushed a sheepdog named Cecilia and so began an unbelievable career.
In 1998, he purchased the Nash Academy in New Jersey, considered an ivy league grooming school which he owned and operated until 2008.
Now a well-known pet industry speaker and judge, Joey has been nominated 14 times for the Cardinal Crystal and Barkleigh honors awards. He has been enthusiastically involved with Intergroom International for 33 years and has been instrumental in expanding the organization’s reach into Belgium, Italy, and France. He is one of the original members of the International Judges Association.
His outgoing nature and unforgettable charisma have made Joey a natural television personality, with appearances on The Today Show, Good Morning America, Good Day NY, and Animal Planet’s Dogs 101 and Groomer Has it and Pooch Perfect.
Today, Joey continues to innovate and explore new dimensions in the pet care and grooming industry. In early 2009, Joey became part of the Animal Radio on-air staff where he is known as "The Dogfather.
Other notable accomplishments:
2001 invitational tournament of champions Milan, Italy
2014 Pet grooming ambassador to Conair Pet
2015 President and Co-Owner of Intergroom
2015 Industry man of the year
2016 Co- Owner of The World Dog Expo
2018 Barkleigh honors Outstanding contributions to the industry award winner
2018 the American kennel club leadership award
2020 EQyss pet product ambassador
2022 President of Pet Care Class
2022 PETicures international President
2024 Nash GOAT award
Joey has taught 2462 pet groomers worldwide up-to-date
ANGELA ORR
"The Pill-less Pharmacist"
Overall Theme:
The quality of your nervous system determines the quality of your work, your relationships, your health, and the experience every dog has in your care.
“I believe pharmacists and groomers have more in common than people realize: both work in high-pressure environments where mistakes matter, emotions run high, and they spend all day caring for others while often neglecting themselves.”
Angela Orr is a transformation mentor/coach. As the pill-less pharmacist she utilizes her knowledge about the science of transformation to help women make permanent change to live their fullest life.
As a serial entrepreneur Angela has had many businesses, including owning and operating two independent pharmacies that generated multiple 8 figures in business for 15 years in Maine.
She decided to go on a healing journey after a breast cancer diagnosis and realizing stress was killing her. On this journey she explored modalities around physical and mental health. Angela found several that she believes helped to save her life.
RETREAT SCHEDULE:
SATURDAY OCTOBER, 17th
EARLY ARRIVAL MEET & MINGLE
5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• Tent camping arrival
• Check-in
• Set up camp
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Welcome Campfire
• Light snacks
• Meet & mingle
• Networking
• Relax by the fire and connect before the retreat begins
9:00 PM to 11:00 PM
“Groomer Has It” TV series, Re-runs
Outdoor/Indoor movie theater
11:00 PM
Quiet Time
SUNDAY OCTOBER, 18TH
ARTISTRY, CONFIDENCE & CONNECTION
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Coffee & light Breakfast
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
ANGELA ORR
Session 1: Grounded Groomer
Theme: You can't regulate a dog from a dysregulated nervous system.
This session creates awareness.
The biggest mindset shift: The most important tool you bring into the salon isn't your scissors. It's your nervous system.
Why grooming is one of the highest stress professions
The science of the autonomic nervous system
Why dogs constantly read our physiology
How stress transfers between human and dog
Recognizing early warning signs of dysregulation
Simple resets during the workday
End with a calming regulation exercise
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
JOEY & CHRISTINE VILLANI
Scissoring, Style & Confidence
Live pet grooming demonstrations: Poodles, Doodles & Drop Coats
• Cute faces
• Expression
• Balance
• Finish work
• Client appeal
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Lunch break - Pizza & Snacks
2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
JOEY & CHRISTINE VILLANI
Scissoring, Style & Confidence Continued
Live pet grooming demonstrations: Poodles, Doodles and Drop Coats
• Advanced finishing & scissor technique
• Building confidence behind the table
• Client communication
• The mindset behind exceptional work
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
ANGELA ORR
Session 2: The Groomer's Missing Skill
The missing skill isn't grooming.
It isn't customer service.
It isn't time management.
It's self-regulation.
"Nobody teaches groomers how to manage the one thing they use every single day... their nervous system."
Topics:
Burnout isn't a character flaw.
Chronic stress changes your brain and body.
Confidence comes from regulation.
Emotional resilience is trainable.
Energy management beats time management.
Why success without well-being eventually becomes expensive.
Technique to teach coherence breathing
left-eye reset
orienting
micro recoveries
6:00 PM
Dinner - Speakeasy BBQ Night
7:30 PM
Campfire Conversations
No lecture!
Just discussion, connection, and community & fun
9:00 PM to 11:00 PM
“Groomer Has It” TV series, Re-runs
Outdoor/Indoor movie theater
11:00 PM
Quiet Time
MONDAY OCTOBER, 19TH
BUSINESS, LEADERSHIP & PERSONAL GROWTH
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Coffee & Continental Breakfast
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
ANGELA ORR
Session 3: Reset • Reflect • Refocus
This is where transformation happens.
...people will leave with a plan.
Questions like:
Who do I want to become?
What kind of groomer do I want dogs to experience?
How do I want clients to remember me?
What habits actually support that version of me?
Then we'll build:
Morning ritual
During-shift reset
After-work decompression
Weekend recovery
Personal growth commitment
One next courageous step
Finish with a guided visualization of walking into work completely grounded, calm, confident, and connected.
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
JOEY & CHRISTINE VILLANI
Building a Business That Supports Your Life
• Pricing
• Boundaries
• Team building
• Leadership
• Confidence
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Lunch Break - Sandwiches & Snacks
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
JOEY & CHRISTINE VILLANI
Legacy, Character & Success
• Professional growth
• Character development
• Long-term success
• Building a meaningful career
• Leaving a positive impact on the industry
4:00 PM
Retreat Closing & Farewell
Questions?
Call or text your host: (207)-251-0443
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Where is it happening?
Pawfections Pet Salon, 141 High St,Kennebunk,ME,United States
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.
Host or PublisherThe Groomers Speakeasy Institute
