Colin Taylor

Colin may just be the most forward thinking and dynamic force in the dog grooming world today.

He started out moving from the UK to Hong Kong as a young groomer. After honing his skills in Asia, he moved to the United States and spent the next 20 years becoming one of the most decorated grooming contestants in history.

He boasts titles such as ‘Intergrooms International Groomer of the Year’, Winner of the ‘World Cup Grooming Games’, countless Best in Show and Best All Around groomer titles at every major contest in the US, as well a multiple year member of Groom Team USA. He graced the cover of Groomer to Groomer magazine five times, and was featured in many television interviews.

Since moving back to the UK, Colin has expanded his horizons once again. He wrote the famous book ‘What would Colin do? 101 situations and solutions for the everyday dog groomer’. He founded the ‘Colin Taylor Academy’ that has helped hundreds of groomers better their skills, and find more compassion with all aspects of their career.

He established and manages the largest and most prestigious grooming events in England, Mastergroom UK.

His passion for this industry is apparent in everything he does. The excitement and progression that he has already brought forth is astounding.

Colin was featured on television as a prominent judge on both Pooch Perfect Australia, as well as Pooch Perfect UK. Both shows were broadcasted on cable networks and beloved by groomers worldwide, with much thanks to Colin’s incredible personality, his love for the groomers and for his ability to be a fair and capable judge.

Colin Taylor Products are available worldwide, as well as creating the FAME line of grooming products and tools in the US. He continues to travel, giving seminars and judging at large grooming conferences all over the globe. His high standards match his sense of humour, and his love for all his fellow groomers.

Melanie Newman

Melanie Newman is a passionate leader in the dog grooming industry and the founder of Melanie Newman Salon Essentials.

With over 25 years of experience, she’s known for blending creativity, skill, and heart to elevate the grooming profession.

As the co-founder of Mastergroom Australia, she’s committed to inspiring others to push boundaries and achieve greatness in their craft.

Starting her journey as a dog bather in 1999, Melanie quickly rose to become a renowned business owner and international competitor. She made history as the first and only Australian to win a prestigious European Best in Show title and has represented her country at major events worldwide. In 2008, she earned her Master Groomer certification, a reflection of her dedication and expertise, and launched her plant-based grooming line, Melanie Newman Salon Essentials, which now supports groomers across the globe.

Through her work, Melanie is on a mission to empower and inspire the next generation of groomers, helping them master their craft and raise industry standards. Her YouTube channel, with over 50,000 subscribers and over 2 million views, is just one way she shares her knowledge and encourages others to grow.

Beyond grooming, Melanie values time with her family—her husband, dogs, and mum—and believes in living a life true to your passions. She’s a firm believer that with hard work, dedication, and a heart full of purpose, anything is possible. Life is short, so why not follow your dreams and make them a reality?

Michell Evans

Michell Evans – The Grooming Tutor has been educating groomers since 2000. She is a Multi Best in Show and Best All Around Stylist winner. Michell is a respected grooming competition judge and demonstrator at trade shows all over the world. She has been on the cover of Groomer to Groomer Magazine 4 times.

Michell is a Certified Master Dog and Cat Groomer and has professionally groomed and handled many different breeds of dogs for American, Australia and Canadian Kennel Club dog shows.

Michell is the proud recipient of the Barkleigh Honors Competitive Groomer of the Year, the Up And Coming Judge of the Year, the Contribution to the Industry award and has been the winner of the Barkleigh Honors award for Journalist of the Year multiple times for her “Ask The Grooming Tutor” column. Her podcast, The Grooming Tutor, has listeners from all over the world.

As a GroomTeam USA member 2009-2013, she was the hand stripping member of the Silver Medal winning team for 2011 and the Gold Medal winning team for 2013. Michell retired from grooming competitions after the gold medal.

Canine Perfection, Michell’s salon, is one of the most lucrative, successful and respected grooming salons in the Portland Metro area of Oregon. With a permanent wait list, loyal employees and a good reputation, it is a high functioning business.

Michell’s website groomingtutor.com is where you can find her educational videos, content, links to the podcast and information about business consultations. You can also find her educational content on Learn2GroomDogs.com and Groom Haus.

Kitty Dekeersgieter

Kitty’s career is nothing short of remarkable. From a young age, Kitty’s remarkable passion for dogs ignited her journey in the grooming industry.

As a skilled handler, she showed dogs at various prestigious dog shows worldwide. Her expertise and unwavering dedication have led to the successful preparation and presentation of numerous champion dogs in conformation shows across the globe. Since then she has since become a world-renowned professional groomer.

Her expertise and experience have been recognized with multiple awards, including the prestigious title of “World Champion Poodle Groomer” and the Cardinal Crystal Achievement Award for “International Groomer Of The Year.”

Kitty’s dedication to the grooming industry doesn’t stop there. She is an international grooming contest judge, board member of the European Grooming Association, grooming speaker and demonstrator, and has led seminars all around the world to educate groomers and promote the industry. She even has her own YouTube channel, where she shares her extensive professional knowledge with dog lovers worldwide.

Together with her husband Darren Cooke, Kitty co-founded Transgroom, a global wholesale and mail-order company specializing in specialist, professional grooming products. Kitty plays a key role as the product designer, utilizing her extensive experience and expertise to develop new and innovative grooming products for Transgroom’s own brands. With 13 brands representing a wide range of 2,500 products, Kitty’s designs have made a significant impact in the industry.

Finally, Kitty is the founder and co-organizer of the world-famous exclusive Groomania grooming event held annually in Belgium. This event brings together dog Groomers and professionals from all over the world to learn and connect with like-minded individuals.

Kitty’s passion for dogs, extensive knowledge, and dedication to the grooming industry make her an invaluable asset to anyone interested in this field. With her genuine love for dogs, Kitty creates a nurturing environment where pets feel safe and at ease. Her expertise and innovative products will undoubtedly help you improve your grooming skills and take your business to the next level. So don’t miss out on the opportunity to learn from one of the best in the industry – connect with Kitty today!

Career Overview

Normal ( I hope) : Kitty Cooke is a world-renowned professional dog groomer with a passion for excellence that has defined her career. Starting as a skilled dog handler, she prepared and presented numerous champion dogs at prestigious conformation shows worldwide. Her expertise has earned her multiple awards, including “World Champion Poodle Groomer” and the Cardinal Crystal Achievement Award for “International Groomer Of The Year.”

Kitty Ponnet

Kitty began her journey with a clear mission: “Aiming for perfection.” She firmly believes that no one ever knows enough about their profession, which has driven her to continuously pursue excellence throughout her career.

After 25 successful years running her grooming shop Kitana, Kitty transitioned to her current role as Grooming Consultant at the renowned company Transgroom. Here, she supports and guides professional groomers in their daily activities, focusing on the development and use of innovative grooming products and materials—a passion she has cultivated over decades.

Kitty has an illustrious competition history, earning multiple bronze, silver, and gold medals across Europe and the USA, as well as the prestigious “Best in Show” titles. Following her retirement from competitive grooming, she became an EGA-certified judge, bringing her expertise to the next generation of talent.

A dedicated mentor and educator, Kitty coaches both aspiring and experienced groomers, delivering inspiring seminars and demonstrations that help professionals achieve top-tier performance. She also co-organizes Groomania, Europe’s largest educational event for professional groomers, further cementing her role as a leader in the grooming industry.

Jonathan David

Jonathan David has had a very diverse career in the world of dogs. From a young age, he began in the show ring breeding and exhibiting multiple breeds.

As a graduate of the Nash Academy, Jonathan had a very successful grooming competition career and has been the recipient of multiple scissoring awards, multiple Best All Around Groomer awards and Best In Show earning him a position on Groomteam USA in 2008 and 2009.

Jonathan was also a contestant on Animal Planets “Groomer Has It” Season 1 and has been featured as a grooming expert on multiple Animal Planet television shows as well as ABC’s “The View”.

Before moving to Florida he owned and operated a very successful mobile grooming business in NYC boasting a long list of celebrity clientele. Currently, Jonathan lives in south Florida where he divides his time between running his mobile pet grooming business, being a brand specialist for Kenchii Grooming, and traveling internationally as an award winning Speaker and Judge.

Irina Pinkusevich

Pina Pinkusevich immigrated from The Ukraine in 1989. She entered the world of Competitive Grooming in 2006 & has won multiple BIS & Best All Around Groomer awards.

Throughout her career she has accumulated numerous awards, including the Lynne Carver Award in 2008 & 2010, the Liz Paul Memorial Award in 2010, Winner’s Circle Jackpot 2011 where she won $32,500, Jackpot 2013, The World Dog Show’s World Champion Award in 2017, various Barkleigh Honors Awards & many more.

She was a member of GroomTeam USA from 2008 through 2013. She competed in the World Championships for the United States in 2009, 2011, & 2013.

She is a national & international judge & speaker. She specializes in Poodles & Kerry Blue Terriers & has multiple champions to her
name.

Gabrial Feitosa

Gabriel Feitosa, a name that’s become synonymous with vibrant creativity and boundary-pushing artistry in the world of dog grooming, has emerged as a powerhouse talent on this year’s hit ABC competition show Pooch Perfect. His eye-catching, Pop Art-inspired grooming designs, combined with an entrepreneurial spirit and a deep commitment to giving back, have made him one of the most innovative and recognized figures in the industry today.

Originally from São Paulo, Gabriel’s passion for animals and art intersected early in his life, leading him to pursue a career in dog grooming. His work has since grown into a global phenomenon, earning him prestigious awards from four different countries and bringing his grooming artistry to the pages of magazines, high-profile ad campaigns, and dog shows across the world. Gabriel’s signature style draws inspiration from a broad range of sources, including iconic pop culture references like Pokémon and the colorful works of Keith Haring. Each grooming session becomes a canvas where pets are transformed into living pieces of art.

Operating out of his San Diego-based salon, Gabriel caters to high-end clients, creating unique and memorable grooming experiences for their beloved dogs. His salon is not just a place of grooming, but a space where pet owners are treated to the finest artistry and service. But Gabriel’s impact goes beyond his salon. He is also deeply involved with Fight for a Kid, a Brazilian nonprofit organization dedicated to helping impoverished children in the favelas of Rio de Janeiro. By working with this cause, Gabriel gives back to his community and ensures that the spirit of compassion is embedded in his work.

Gabriel’s presence on Pooch Perfect has catapulted him into the spotlight, introducing his one-of-a-kind style to a broader audience and cementing his status as a leading force in creative dog grooming. However, it is his relentless pursuit of excellence, paired with his deep cultural roots and commitment to social good, that truly sets him apart. As we explore Gabriel’s journey, we uncover how his path has been shaped by his passions, his challenges, and his unyielding desire to bring art, love, and innovation to the world of dog grooming.

Olga Zabelinskaya

Olga is a Nationally and Internationally Certified Master Groomer with multiple “Best in Show” and “Best All-Around Groomer” wins as well as 2 prestigious “Winners Circle Champion” titles.

Olga was a GroomTeam USA member from 2008 to 2014 and received the 2009 and 2010 Cardinal Crystal American Groomer of the Year Award. Olga owns and operates grooming salon in New Jersey “Elite pet Spa & Boutique” which won a Cardinal achievement award in 2010.

Her grooming experience includes styling dogs for the prestigious Westminster and National dog shows and many celebrities. Olga participates in charity events and does grooming seminars for professional groomers and pet owners worldwide. She is American, European and International grooming all breed judge.

Olga produces “Modern Styles Around theOlga Zabelinskaya World” grooming magazines/DVDs, Zolitta grooming tools and shows her AKC registered Toy Poodles under Kalinka kennel name

Logan Rago

Logan Rago started his dog grooming career at 14 years old. He documented his journey and progress on his social media channels @dogsbylogan and amassed almost 6 million followers with his good humor and storytelling.

Logan moved to California to work with Gabriel Feitosa to further his knowledge, and he’s a big advocate for continued education. By mixing his grooming with entertainment, he has reached outside the grooming industry, collaborating with big brands like Marvel, Dyson and Tide.

Logan hopes to encourage and inspire a new generation of groomers worldwide with his charisma and talent.