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.
Kat Blandon –
Wow so good! Really learned a lot and will be using these techniques when working on Yorkies. Saving to my favorites
Isabella Flores –
Super informative! Super helpful that you showed two different yorkie hair types!
Linda Ruckle –
Pina always does the best courses. I am still struggling with the feet on the drop coated Yorkie even with blenders. I am thinking she just doesnt have enough lower leg hair as the one in the video. She is new to my grooming, so Ill see if it grows in over time.
raquel lynn.bayona –
She is so gifted with talent. Awesome tutorial.
Maria Ribot –
2 different wonderfull ways to trim a Yorkie, love it. More easy and the best is that she don’t use trimmers or clippers. Thank’s for all the information you shared.
Lara Miloslavic –
This was really helpful. I always struggle with these fine yorki coats. I was always wondering how to get a beautiful result when clippers or attachment combs dont work for this type of coat
skye_rickey –
Amazing work as always from Pina! Very informative
calldredge12 –
She is always so informative and does amazing at clear communication! Always a joy to learn from her!
Christina Meuse –
Loved the varieties in the same video, and getting to see the difference that the techniques can bring out in each coat. Now I’m actually really excited for my next Yorkie client
allison_walentiny –
Amazing learning. On a very Overall difficult attitude breed! Is there a quick way to figure out just the brushes that you used in this video? I was looking for the affiliate link but could not find it. Maybe I overlooked it. Thanks in advance, PIna and crew ♥️💯
michelle_diaz –
A much needed it video for me! Thank you for all the details on how to scissor over comb, I’ve never tried it before because I didn’t have clue on how to position the comb but now I do, kinda, I will jump in anyhow! Thank you ❤️
amanda.lavelle –
I loved it!
deniz_koparan –
Thank you very much for the great session. It was really necessary to see the drop codes in action, especially with the second dog. I have many clients like that, but they always want shorter cuts, not too long. I always use the clippers with comb attachments, and it’s always a bit of a struggle for me. It would be helpful to see how you can get a dog like the second one to look neat and tidy while keeping the cut shorter, and without having to do it all by hand. I don’t have much experience with scissor work, so that part is a bit of a challenge for me.
valleyfairytails –
Loved the comparison with both coats, very cool to show people the difference when deciding how they want their dog groomed for life!
elena_tepes-greurus –
Absolutely loved it. Learned lots of new things, it was very complete and covered everything.
Krisan Webb –
Perfect!! Loved all the techniques!