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.
Jamie Shue –
This is an amazing lesson. I have my first Bedlington soon. So this is so helpful. I do have a question: why don’t you use conditioner on the Bedlington terriers?
anastasia.freimarck –
Great to watch and help polish with competition groom..will there be an insert for European style?
Karolina Pielichowska –
Another amazing seminar from Pina. Loved it, thank you!
Alexis Cruz –
This was amazing
Lu Lia –
As usual, Pina is the best. Very detailed and comprehensive. Thank you so much.
Karolina Grembecka –
This was so much fun!! I love the Bedlington and was always curious how to groom them step by step! It is a very difficult trim but Pina made it as simple as possible! She’s an amazing teacher: knowledgeable, entertaining and kind to the dogs she’s doing demos on💗 lovely webinar!!
Lindsee Lee –
Amazing and detailed information. This is the first time I’ve seen anyone explain the Bedlington breed standard in a way that I could actually understand. Great camera angles, great explanations. Thank you!