Nicole Beckman, owner of Lansing Grooming Spa in Ithaca, NY, is a passionate and competitive groomer with over a decade of experience in the industry. Certified as an Opawz Creative Grooming Master, Nicole thrives on pushing her skills through competition, using it as a platform to bring her creative visions to life—whether they’re beautiful, whimsical, or downright silly. She believes grooming is an art form, and she finds joy in making dogs look adorable, whether in the salon or on the competition stage. When she’s not grooming, Nicole enjoys exploring nature with her husband and their dogs. She shares her life with three standard poodles—Sprocket, Darla, and Venus—who are also her competition partners, along with her mom’s goldendoodle and standard poodle, Clyde and Bryce.
Amy Hendren, owner of Glitz and Glamour Paws in Steinhatchee, Florida, is a passionate competition groomer with 17 years of experience and certifications including NCG and CPAe. Representing her sponsors fuels her drive in the ring, along with a desire to perfect her skills and inspire others to step into the spotlight. Amy is deeply committed to continual learning and encouraging growth within the grooming community. Outside of grooming, she enjoys dog shows, canine sports, and outdoor adventures like paddle boarding—always with her dogs by her side. Her home is shared with five beloved dogs, three pigs, and a lively flock of chickens.
Jessica Clark, based in Brooklyn, MS, is the heart behind Clark’s Precision Sharpening. Though she no longer grooms full-time, Jessica’s 15-year career in grooming reflects deep passion and resilience. After facing serious medical challenges that led to her stepping away from the grooming table, she found a renewed purpose as a sharpener and retailer, dedicated to helping groomers preserve their health through the right tools. While she dreams of competing one day just for fun, her true joy lies in mentoring others and sharing her knowledge. Outside of work, Jessica serves her community through church, cooking weekly meals, and supporting causes like the Pet Stylist Relief Fund and her mission project, Caminar Con Amor, which provides shoes to children in Peru. She shares her life with 2 sons, husband and her beloved pets: Petey the Jack/Rat Terrier, and two horses, Toot Toot and Cecil.
Holly Baker, based in Big Lake, MN, is the proud owner of Groom My Friend and a seasoned competition groomer with over 21 years of experience. She began entering creative grooming competitions as a way to reignite her passion and set a strong example for her team, embracing feedback as a tool for growth. Deeply committed to the grooming industry’s future, Holly advocates for groomer wellness, education, and professional recognition. She is highly credentialed, working toward her NDGAA and AKC Master certification, and holds numerous industry certifications. Holly cares for a lively household of pets—including dogs, cats, fish, chickens, and even an axolotl. Her contributions to the industry and community have earned her accolades both locally and internationally, including recognition as the “Face of Big Lake.”
Bethany, a passionate competition groomer from Hazlet, NJ, runs her salon Dawn of DeShed with a blend of creativity, humor, and heart. For her, grooming competitions are more than just contests—they’re a creative outlet, a mini vacation, and a way to connect with her dog show friends. She’s all about breaking the mold, proving that you can be both professional and playful. When she’s not grooming, she’s still deep in the dog world, enjoying dog sports and quality time with her two poodles and Brussels Griffon, who—according to her—run the show while she just drives the van.
Ashley Hanvey, owner of That Scrumptious Pooch in Easley, South Carolina, is a passionate mobile groomer known for her dedication to pet behavior and handling. With a strong desire to help other groomers succeed, Ashley teaches classes on mobile grooming, skin and coat care, and her true passion—behavior and handling techniques. When she’s not grooming or educating, she enjoys reading fantasy and sci-fi, playing video games, and spending time with her toddler. Ashley shares her home with two dogs—a Bedlington named Sylphrena and a Cockapoo named Remi—and a black domestic shorthair rescue cat named Annika. She is proudly sponsored by All for Groomers and Evolution Shears, and also partners with Hanvey Engineering & Design.
Samantha Palya, based in New Lenox, IL, is the owner of Absolutely Pawfect Pet Styling, Absolutely Pawfect Orland Park, and The Enrichment Stylist Pet Business Consulting and Education. Although not a competition groomer, Samantha is deeply passionate about teaching others how to groom, improving the grooming experience for both pets and people through enrichment, and empowering business owners with tools for success. Outside of the grooming world, she enjoys horseback riding, spending time with her family, and reading. Samantha shares her life with two dogs, Charger and Anna, and her horse, Eli. She is also proudly sponsored by Cosmos Bathing Systems, Groomer’s Best, Pet-X Solutions, and The Dog Gurus.
Melissa Jepson, owner of Pupscale Pet Salon in Ontario, California, has been grooming for 25 years and is passionate about fostering sustainable practices within the industry to help stylists stay energized and committed long-term. Though not a competition groomer or formally certified, Melissa embraces her nontraditional path, valuing deep experience, creative thinking, and a unique perspective on grooming. Outside of work, she enjoys music, art, reading, lifelong learning, and meaningful connections with people and places. She shares her life with three beloved dogs: Lieutenant, a Shih Tzu mix; Troll, a Pom/Yorkie mix; and Lint, a young Mini Poodle.
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