The Grooming Tutor

She was training in the Russian Army but now she is one of America's best imports. Dog Groomer extraordinaire, Olga Zabelinskaya has found her way to the top of the industry with a long list of titles, including 2 "Winners Circle Champion" awards. However, where she really shines is in educating others. Her "Modern Styles Around the World" magazine/DVD's has been helping groomers for years and her Zolitta brand grooming tools are some of the best around. Whether you are new or old to this business, crank up the volume because all Olga wants to do is share her love and knowledge of grooming with you.  

Michelle Breen started grooming her own Golden Retriever at age 10 and fortunately for her, the neighbors started to notice. She was able to pay her way through college by grooming and has never stopped. Michelle's story is so innocent but so inspiring for anyone interested in getting into this field. She shares her lessons learned and it will help to get you started on the right foot. Her Salon, Best in Show Grooming in Cincinnati, no relation to the Movie, keeps her busy when she is not competing. But she is getting ready for her third appearance at the World Championships. What a career. What a Groomer!

This legend in the world of Dog Grooming has done it all and was most recently named the 2021 Barkley Honors Groomer of the year. MacKensie Murphy is in a class by herself but she wants to be in a class with you. In this episode she talks about her path to the top and how now she wants to educate other groomers world wide. One way she has started to do that is through Iowa Lakes Community College where you can take FREE classes on how to become a Dog Groomer. This may be the most important podcast you ever listen to.

Work Hard, Play Hard. That's the motto that Amber Lewin lives by. She and her husband have multiple Mobile Pet Salons and in 2009 they opened their Luxury Pet Hotel and Spa. 9 Years later, it was time for Amberspet.com where you can find every thing in dog grooming and pet supplies. But just because she works 27 hours a day doesn't mean she can't look great while doing it. She has perfected the art of making herself and dogs look magnificent. She shares the secrets in this episode.  

With nearly 45 years of experience in the business, Sue Zecco has learned this about herself: she's not a good boss. That is if you consider a good boss to be a B-I-T-C-H. Sue has done it her way over the years and with that been able to love her employees and love what she does. It is also why she is one of the most respected and awarded groomers in the business. This episode is an honest look at how she has done it her way.

Jackie Boulton is one of the greatest Dog Groomers Canada has ever produced, eh. She got things started with her sister in the 80's and hasn't looked back. Since 1992, she has medalled over 60 times in competition and won the title of Best International Groomer an unprecedented 8 times. Prior to Covid, she was the #1 ranked Groomer in Canada four years in a row and hopes to return with TeamCanada to competition this year.

Lisa Leady didn't want to follow in the family footsteps but it was expected, because both her mother and grandmother were in the business. "I don't ever want to groom a dog as long as I live!" Forced to work at her families shop as a young girl, she eventually moved away and got married, only to find herself missing the dogs. Grandmas always seem to know don't they? Now the owner of Primp my Pooch salon, Lisa has been a Groom Team USA member  traveled the world and actually played a large role in Michell's development. She spends much of her time now speaking, teaching and judging grooming shows and enjoys the simple life with her husband and business partner Eric. 

If you have been in this business for more than a month, you know of our guest, Scott Wasserman. Why? Because he is the author of "The Art of Hand Stripping". If you don't have it, listen to the podcast first then go get it. Scott has won Best Pet Stylist in Show at the US Pet Pro twice. He has also grabbed the coveted Intergroom International Groomer of the year award, all the while maintaining a approach that everyone can love, even Michell. 

Dog Groomers have a passion for their work unlike most others and Dawn Omboy is no exception. The past two years have been a struggle, overcoming Breast Cancer and Chemo plus Open Heart Surgery in 2021. Still she was back in the shop two months after being operated on and grooming 5 dogs. She has had an amazing career up to this point, and now it is the Dawning of a new Day for her. Nobody and nothing can seem to slow down the Queen of Color who still is the Icon of the Industry when it comes to being a creative. In Shop Talk, Michell talks about scheduling out for an entire year, the pluses and minuses.

If Dog Grooming is so hard, then why is Dog Grooming Simplified one of the best selling dog grooming books available? Because Jodi Murphy is the one who wrote it. This world renowned dog groomer who has won World Championships in Spain and Italy is one of the most down to earth people you will meet. As busy as her life is with dog grooming, she keeps it simple. Learn about the journey that started with the simple act of getting her foot in the door and hasn't ended yet. Jodi is a joy to talk with and she shares the simple approach to being a great groomer.