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.
Doreen Schefer –
Great course
Doreen Schefer –
Great easy to follow
Summer Gibbs –
great explanation, will be trying on some shi-mixes I have coming in tomorrow! the top of the head tip is great too!
Jamie Shue –
Love the content. Practiced on my dog and love the result.
Monica Weaver –
I’ve been able to wow clients with my scissor over comb technique! Thank you
Krisan Webb –
Perfect! Great tips, I am learning to apply this Technique!
Leah Garoutte –
Always a pleasure! Thank you!
Maria Ribot –
Hermosa tecnica, gracias
deniz_koparan –
Even its a small webinar . I took so greats tipps ! Thank you
belinda_murone –
This webinar was priceless, l learnt so much. I’m so happy, l will watch this on repeat xx
wojtasshiori –
Well, definitely definitely be using this technique on my dogs
Alexus Marquez –
I struggle with drop coats, so I can’t wait to try this!
leslie.martinez –
I can’t wait to use this technique on drop coats! Clear and concise webinar on how to hold the comb and how to do the scissor over comb technique.
brien1 –
It’s Pina. Nuff said
Lisa Mietzner –
Great little coarse
Cas E. –
I always really enjoy watching Pina’s seminars; even mini ones like this. I was really interested in learning more about this technique and this seminar helped me accomplish just that! Super excited to implement this into my day to day life and finally stop dreading drop coat dogs because I feel like they never look nice!
Judith Benoit Milner –
Clear, concise but full of information mini course. I loved it. Thank you Pina. I would love to see you do a mini course specifically focused on techniques for feet please. (not pads, feet on drop coats, curly coats, spaniels etc.)
Lisa Pforr –
I’m new to grooming and I stumbled upon this idol from the Ukraine. I’ve learned so much by watching her. I’d love to go to Florida for a private lesson. I have my own shop and have an experienced groomer. I have so much to learn. With Pina, the internet and Facebook I might have a chance at being successful! Thank so much from Iowa for sharing your craft, experience and wisdom❣️
Louise Wells –
Absolutely loved this mini webinar. Fantastic tips for holding the comb correctly and also for doing the top of the head. Pina was very clear and explained everything so clearly. I’m looking forward to trying this technique.
Camille Sobun –
Pina is a great teacher, and I love this idea of an inexpensive mini-lesson. Nice giveaways too!
Eva Montgomery –
Super format and super instructions. Would love to watch more mini seminars on different techniques.
Aubrey –
The information was presented clearly with extremely helpful, easy tips for classic cutting! Amazing mini class, despite not having the option to caption —that’s what hearing friends & family are for.
Donna Kronebusch –
Excellent webinar. Pins is so good at teaching. I’m excited to perfect this technique
Liz –
I absolutely love Pina and how great teacher she is! I’m excited to practice this technique!
Nancy Gross –
Great mini lesson on a scissoring technique!
jackie smith –
always good for an old dog like me to learn new tricks!
Kathy Awalt –
Loved the top of head tip and holding comb tip