About the Instructor

Hollus Gessler owns Wigglyville Inc. and is a graduate of the University of Illinois, where she earned her degree in Advertising. She began working at one of the largest international advertising agencies, managing top accounts. However, during college, Hollus faced an undiagnosed illness affecting her nervous system. After years of struggle and uncertainty, she was diagnosed with a severe Lyme infection. This infection likely predated her college years. Following several years of antibiotic treatment, Hollus decided to pursue her passion for animals and returned to school, planning to attend vet school, eventually leading her to work at a veterinary hospital.

In her role as a Veterinary Technician and Emergency Hospital Administrator, Hollus coordinated and worked closely with renowned professionals such as Dr. John Ciribassi, a board-certified veterinary behaviorist and author of Decoding Your Dog; Dr. Jerry Klein, the current Chief Veterinarian for the American Kennel Club (AKC); and Dr. Cecilia Friberg, a respected veterinary dermatologist. During this time, she met her husband, which led to a shift in her goals and ultimately steered her toward her current career path. Reflecting on her journey, Hollus notes that had she not met him, she would likely have pursued a career as a veterinarian.

In 2005, Hollus opened her first pet retail location, followed by a second in 2011. Recognizing the growing demand for pet grooming services, she expanded her business model to include grooming. After completing a comprehensive grooming academy program and apprenticing under a renowned Standard Poodle breeder, Hollus became the lead groomer at her salon, where her expertise continues to shine.

Recently, Hollus co-founded Groomerverse with Lisa Herbold, a state-of-the-art facility that merges pet grooming services with a retail showroom and dedicated workshop space. In collaboration with the Whole Pet Grooming Academy (WPGA), Groomerverse offers certificate courses and seminars, with Hollus also serving as an online business educator. She specializes in retail, marketing, and advertising, drawing from her extensive experience to teach and mentor others in the pet industry.

Beyond her business ventures, Hollus has been an active member of her community. She served as the president of her 55-unit vintage midrise condo association for four years, showcasing her leadership skills in a different capacity. She has also been involved with the local Chamber of Commerce and, since 2019, has been a vital part of the Illinois Professional Pet Groomers Association, where she currently serves as Board President, championing the interests of pet grooming professionals across the state.

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