Women Petpreneurs

Kristen began grooming over 15 years ago, gaining experience from corporate and private grooming salons and veterinary medicine practice. She rose through the ranks of competitive grooming quickly, nominated for Barkleigh’s Up and Coming Groomer of the year for 2012, and was honored to be a part of GroomTeam USA. Currently, she is a part of an amazing mobile grooming team in Cary, NC. Her passions not only include competing, and continuing education, but also focuses on groomer health. Over the past 3 years, she has successfully lost over 200lbs with a focus on a low carb, whole real food lifestyle. She would love to be a health coach in the future, sharing information to groomers about how to support their bodies and gain longevity in the grooming industry.

Malissa Conti-Diener is the owner of GetGroomified.com and TheOilyGroomer.com. Both focus on Holistic Pet Grooming, through education for both the groomer and the client. As a compassionate groomer and Master Lightworker, Malissas’ goal has always been to see the grooming experience from the pets perspective. Her main goal has always been to create an energetic connection with the animals she works with. Specializing in a natural approach to both Cats and Dogs, has helped her grow her business spanning over 20-years. Malissa also is a master holistic feline groomer, cultivating a safe space for felines to experience grooming. Being an in demand Holistic Pet Business coach and consultant, as well as a respected educator has led her to share her talents. As a Master Animal Aromatherapist and Master Animal Massage Therapist. Her goal is to blend all things Holistic and pet grooming, into her unique style of alchemy. She is a founding (board) member and Treasurer for the Association of Holistic Pet Professional

Lara has been grooming for over 20 years and has owned her own salon for 8, adding a second location 1.5 years ago. She is an open division competition and NCMG. Lara is also a Pet Tech CPR & First Aid instructor who teaches that class as well as others all over the country. She also teaches a sustainable salon business class to help other salon owners sort out how to manage to take time away from their businesses.

As a lifelong dog lover, it only made sense to Leslie to choose a career where she could follow her passion and work with dogs. She graduated from grooming Academy in 1977 and become the 45th groomer in CA to become a National Certified Master Groomer (NCMG.) After owning a successful grooming boutique in Marin County, CA for almost 20 years, moved to Sonoma County and started a mobile grooming business in 2003. In 2019, Leslie followed her dreams, sold everything, and moved to the south of Portugal. Not quite ready for retirement, she opened a small dog hotel with grooming and daycare. Loving her life, living her dream.

Melinda Hull began grooming 21 years ago, and has owned shops and house call grooming business over the years. Melinda has taught at a nationally known grooming school and dabbled in grooming contests and is now a Criminal Justice major and have plans to work with reentering citizens. She recently relocated from the Midwest to the PNW and splits her time between 3 salons and her own small house call operation. Melinda hope to merge her two worlds and help people, who are rebuilding their lives, find fulfillment and empowerment in the pet industry.

Carly D’Aoust is the owner of Continental Pet Company and Dogs Do Smile. Though she comes from an island of the west coast of Canada, she can be be seen often at grooming shows all around the US.

Mary interviews Jill Pipino. Jill has been a pet stylist for 23 years and currently owns a salon in upstate NY. She also works at Barkleigh’s trade shows as the Contest Ring Coordinator. When not working Jill enjoys spending time with her dogs outside.

In this special episode, Mary and Corina, who is gene positive for Huntingtons Disease, discuss how Corina will navigate this progressive disease.

Mary interviews Starr Lake, recently paroled from a Washington State Prison and graduate of their grooming program. She is transitioning into a viable member of our community.

From prison to celebrating the 6th anniversary of owning an award winning grooming shop. Listen to Mary Kniskerns amazing journey.

Meet Cindy of Scout And Zoes. AKA The Queen Of Novel Proteins.

Sarah is a National Certified Master Groomer. You probably have seen her in the contest ring where she has many trophies other name. Sarah values continuing education as evidenced by her support of Groom Haus and numerous Barkleigh Honors nominations. In Sarah's words" Safety, Quality & Knowledge are what sets her apart from others.

Mary interviews Barbara Prueckel; ‘International Groomer of the Year’ multiple times, Captain of Groom Team Canada for ten years, and recently received the prestigious title Barkleigh Honours ‘Judge of the Year 2015’. Barbara is the producer of Canada's premier tradeshow Mastergroom Canada.

Mary interviews Lulu Rodriguez, fellow crystal enthusiasts and Operations Manager at Artero USA and Administrative Assistant at K9s By Design.

Mary interviews Irina Pinkusevich NCMG, an award winning pet stylist, global educator, international grooming contest judge, and entrepreneur. Irina has gone from Soviet Union refugee, months in camps all over Europe. Not a word of English to all those titles, is an amazingly humbling life experience, and professional journey to be told...

Mary interviews the incomparable Leel Michelle. A shorter list may be what she hasn't done. The grooming industry knows her best for Retro Stylist Wear, the cutest smocks around. She what she's up to now.

Mary interviews Tammy Siert, Small Animal Educator at Andis Grooming.

Mary Interviews Dr. Becky Krull, a veterinarian and entrepreneur on a mission to save one veterinarian at a time, showing them how to regain their love for their profession, while following their passion and purpose work.

Mary interviews industry icon Teri DiMarino. Always a fun interview.

Mary interviews Nathalie Thurman of Livestock Guardians, breeder of livestock guarding dogs. Nathalie talks about her love of these wonderful dogs and the role they play in protecting farms and ranch livestock.