Irina “Pina” Pinkusevich found her calling as a dog groomer after immigrating from Ukraine in 1989 and working part-time as a bather. She honed her skills at some of New York’s finest grooming salons before stepping into the competitive grooming scene in 2006. Pina quickly made a name for herself, winning prestigious titles like Best In Show, Best All Around Groomer, the Lynne Carver Award (twice), and the Liz Paul Memorial Award. She also triumphed at the Winner’s Circle Jackpot in 2011 and earned the World Dog Show’s World Champion Award. From 2008 to 2013, Pina was a proud member of GroomTeam USA, competing internationally and helping her team win a Silver and two Gold medals.
Beyond her achievements in grooming, Pina is celebrated as a judge, instructor, and speaker. In 2014, she was honored with the Cardinal Crystal Award for Judge of the Year and the Barkleigh Honors Award for Up & Coming Speaker of the Year. As a National Certified Master Groomer (NCMG) with the National Dog Groomers of America, she also served as a Certifier for many years.
Pina’s passion for education brings her around the world for conferences, seminars, and workshops, including the PM Mastery Series with Ann Martin. In 2021, she launched Niira to provide top-notch, affordable grooming tools. Her journey with Groom Haüs began at its inception, and in 2024, she officially joined as Education Director and co-owner.
Pina is also deeply involved with Kiyara Poodles, Kerryfield Kennels, and Krizma Kennels, where she has bred and co-owned numerous champion Poodles and Kerry Blue Terriers. Her dedication to excellence and education has made her a beloved, well-known, and respected figure in the grooming community for good reason.
Shannon Day LaClair –
So many useful tips! Thank you
brazdeikytee –
Thanks for great tips!
skye_rickey –
Lots of great tips! I loved how she did the nails, as a fellow short groomer, I could never comfortably hold dogs the way I was taught. I use similar techniques, so it was nice to see someone else doing it that way. Definitely learned I need to be more conscious about my posture and table height.
malone.katella –
Lots of useful information!
valleyfairytails –
I need new shoes bad! I have orthopaedic inserts but definitely want better shoes for myself as well as the hair resistant aspect. Definitely going to try out some of the affordable options mentioned in this video!
Emma Richardson –
It’s always nice to get a visual on positions and angles. I learned a bunch and I hope to continue taking care of my body while at work!
Maria Ribot –
Very good information to be safe and pain free in the work area. Great tips.
maria_kamradt –
A lot of great tips that I will use.
wojtasshiori –
This is a very enjoyable while I learned a lot from the movie, practicing more mindfulness of my posture and how I handle my tools.
Jessica Uzzetta –
Irina is always so fun to watch and learn from!
leslie.martinez –
Great webinar on proper form and preventing injuries!
gaia giulia.rossi –
Thank you for this video!
Liss Langstrand –
lots of tips, thank you
jinx.jasmin –
I really liked how Pina emphasizes the importance of customizing the ergonomics to your specific body —for example, setting the table at navel height doesn’t work comfortably for each individual groomer. Not lifting my arm above my shoulder and not flicking my wrist are a couple things she reminded me to work on!!
vanessa.panagiotou –
Amazing tips. It is great to hear how someone who has been grooming has been taking care of themselves for so many years and has avoided so many injuries.
jeanette.james –
Can’t wait for the proper stretch course
toilettagesassypaws –
Amazing tips I been holding my clipper wrong for the past year now and table has always been way to high. My ex employer thought me all the wrong ways and my body has been paying for it. This webinar was extremely helpful. I am currently saving up for a electric table for now i have a hydraulic table that doesn’t go has ny hips and I am super tall so it’s difficult especially on the toy breeds.
Sam J Russell –
Great tips. I always forget halfway through that my table is hydraulic and I can adjust the height, haha! Gotta be more conscious about it.
Karolina Pielichowska –
Great webinar, learned lots of new things, very usefull. Thank you
Lindsay Greene –
Always love hearing Pina’s wisdom on all things grooming! Looking forward to the yoga webinar 🙏🏻
Marciearnold123 –
Lots and lots of useful tips. The level of the grooming table has always been a mystery to me. I am short as well and have always had to put it lower. And move it up and down. Thanks for adding that as I always thought I was the weirdo. Thank you again for all the education. I also am giving a thumbs up for the yoga thingy. It’ll be awesome to learn
Elena lopez –
Great webinar! lots of helpful tips, love Pina Thank you so much. Wonderful idea for the yoga stretch course, so excited for it!!!
Erika Ocasio –
Very informative video
Caitlin Gring –
I loved this webinar! Useful tips I am going to use from now on. Also thank you so much for the Alpha brush giveaway!❤️
Kathy Awalt –
Great tips.
I’ll be more conscious regarding table height and hold on brush
Stephanie Pellitteri –
Lots of useful tips as always! I knew having the table at navel level wasn’t for everyone it always felt unnatural to me. I can’t wait for the yoga stretch coarse that’s going to be amazing!!!