Spotlight: Praise-Worthy Folks in the Grooming Industry
As you begin to read, you may realize that some of these categories look a lot like a ballot that will be releasing soon. It is true. The categories are exactly mirroring the Barkleigh Honors categories. Starting August 1st, there will be about a 2-week time window where groomers subscribed to the Barkleigh mailing list can cast votes for who they want to see as nominees on the 2024 Barkleigh Honors ballots. I have no desire to influence anyone’s votes. This is simply my way of telling all of the folks I admire in each category how amazing I think they are.
Groomer of the Year
Last Year’s Nominees: Jacob Robinson, Lindsey Dicken, Lis Johnston, Mackensie Murphy, Nadia Bongelli
Last Year’s Winner: Mackensie Murphy
Nathan Austin, Jacob Robinson, and Nicole Beckman have my vote here. Here is the breakdown on why.
Nathan Austin: Countless Open level wins (this means extremely perfect grooms consistently being powered out), Best In Show wins, multiple nationwide seminars this year, educational video production, and a well-produced podcast that mixes humor and education. Not only is Nathan Austin leading the way in the competitions this year; he and his wife, Kathlena Austin, are sacrificing their down time to travel the US teaching others. If you have not attended one of their seminars, I highly recommend it. While both are very talented NCMG groomers, I really appreciate how they humbly explain things. Kathlena is also so deserving of stand-alone mention as well; she is Nathan’s greatest strength! When I met her, she was instantly kind and extremely inclusive despite me virtually being a nobody. Furthermore, she is an amazing instructor at the seminars her and Nathan put on. 10/10
Jacob Robinson: I have not tracked his wins, but I know I have seen a bunch this year. Jacob always delivers the most eye-catching grooms and it is really awesome seeing how much he has risen in the last couple of years. Just today a salon was asking who I would recommend for a next seminar for hand scissoring. I immediately said Jacob Robinson. I am a super-fan for sure. I also really liked the “mock competition” seminar him and Elizabeth Gibbs put on. That was genius.
Nicole Beckman: Nicole Beckman is one of the most well-rounded competitors I know. She not only slays the competitions in creative grooming categories; she also competes in poodles, abstract, and freestyle. Often, she will sign up for all of these competitions in each show. That means she is very busy the entire time, moving as fast as possible, and still landing placements. All though she competes at the intermediate level, the amount of skill and talent she possesses is worth mention in this category.
Up and Coming Groomer of the Year
Last Year’s Nominees: Charlene Walker, Loren Mesquita, Sophia Staples, Sophie Rebehn
Last Year’s Winner: Sophia Staples
This year’s pick:
Nicole Beckman: It was brought to my attention that although Nicole Beckman is extremely talented, she did just move from entry to intermediate this year. I expect she will be an open level competitor in no time, and she is open level in competitive. Since she is not already open level this would make her a better candidate for up-and-coming groomer of the year. If that is the case, I feel like this is her award for the taking. The amount of talent she has and the drive she brings to each and every show is simply astonishing. I want Nicole Beckman to get the praise and mention she deserves just in case there are folks who have not been seeing all the magic she is producing. Great work Nicole!
Kayla Marion: Kayla Marion got best first time competitor at Groom’d in the freestyle category this year. That particular competition had a lot of first time competitors, yet she was the one who stood out. She is constantly learning and putting new skills into motion through her work. I cannot wait to see her continue to grow her skills and get more competitions under her belt. I am so proud of the start she has had this year so that is why she has my mention!
Morgan Dobbs: This is another groomer I am proud to say is a part of our Groomer Supply House family. She is a very talented groomer who also has entered her first competitions this year. With each competition there is marked improvement. She also pursued her dream job and made a move to work for Elizabeth Gibbs so I foresee Morgan growing even more with such an awesome educator for a boss! I am so extremely proud of Morgan for stepping up to the challenge and doing her first competitions this year, so that is why she has my mention here. She has gotten up and she is coming for the top!
To everyone who got up, pushed yourself to step out of your comfort zones, and met your own personal goals, you are all remarkable up and coming groomers too! That first competition, or first competitions in a new level, or even the seasoned pros who have been great forever but are New to Groom Team USA. No matter where you are today, if it is closer to your goals than yesterday, you are up and coming greats! Keep pressing forward.
Judge of the Year
Last Year’s Nominees: Jay Scruggs, Jonathan David, Scott Wasserman, Sue Zecco, Teri DiMarino, Victor Rosado
Last Year’s Winner: Victor Rosado
Teri Dimarino, Sue Watson, Victor Rosado, and Mindy Dinwiddie were commonly mentioned to me this year. Teri Dimarino I think was one of the most praised judges I saw being tagged on my feed. I am excited to see my friend Mindy Dinwiddie also getting into judging at shows too so here is the mention. (…and by mention I mean journalism-high five obviously!)
Foreign Speaker of the Year
Last Year’s Nominees: Colin Taylor, Lisa Hart, Nadia Bongelli, Taylan Bradley
Last Year’s Winner: Nadia Bongelli
Nadia Bongelli and Colin Taylor are still the two top picks amongst my friends. Great work!
Creative Groomer of the Year
Last Year’s Nominees: Alicia Mulac, Alyssa Kasiba, Jolene Siebeneck, Leslie Waldrep, Madeline Rothwell, Milena Kon, Nicole Beckman
Last Year’s Winner: Alyssa Kasiba
Holly Baker and Nicole Beckman have my vote here. I already mentioned how Nicole Beckman competes like a machine. Holly Baker is no different. As groomers, we all know, a routine and order of events makes the grooms go more smoothly. Well, both of these groomers go from shaping silhouettes to shaping faces into dog legs without missing a beat. It is exceptional watching what they care out of these coats. Not only are they both constantly thinking up what designs they will do for competitions. They both do traveling seminars and help others learn about creative grooming. Holly has a lot of additional insight on how to work creative grooming into your business. Both groomers get a 10/10 for consistently amazing creative grooms, educating others, and being positive influences in the grooming industry.
Instagram/Tiktok of the Year
Last Year’s Nominees: Anneli Abyholm Burke, Marcia Strong, Nathan Austin, Reginal Moorer
Last Year’s Winner: Marcia Strong
Rachel Jordan Colant: If you have not checked out her Instagram, you should. She has many videos on yorkies. Nearly every groomer who tells me what breeds they struggle most with say yorkies and Maltese. My favorite video on there is the latest yorkie head tutorial, but there are several other really good ones giving tips and pointers on drop coat dog grooming. I asked her if there will be more, and she stated she hopes to post a lot more educational videos next year as well as teaching more seminars. I am so excited to see what she will do. Super talented and super kind groomer! 10/10
Michelle Calluneo: This is one I recently discovered. Michelle seems like such a sweetheart in her videos. Every single dog impression is always spot on, and her humor is just clean sweet uplifting humor! If you are having a bad day, open up Michelle’s Instagram and check out what awesome videos she has posted. If it does not induce smiling and/or laughter, contact a physician!
Anneli Abyholm Burke: I will always be a fan of her camera footage and videos. Free laughs every time I view? Score!
General Distributor of the Year
Last Year’s Nominees: Groomer’s Mall, Pet Store Direct, Ryan’s Pet Supplies, Whitman’s
Last Year’s Winner: Ryan’s Pet Supplies
This year? Obviously I am going to be super biased, but hear me OUT. Groomer Supply House is the business. Groomer Supply House has amazing distributors, all of which are amazing sharpeners. While I receive a lot of praise for my writing and educational material, I am often inspired by the other sharpeners on the Groomer Supply House team. I came into GSH as a groomer/sharpener. I WANTED on this team because I have severe hand damage and these shears were comfortable enough for me to continue grooming. Countless times, GSH owner, Cody Thweatt, has offered me mentorship, guidance, and support to help me get my footing in sharpening. Countless times, I have seen him silently help others as well. (Cody, how sneaky do you think you can be? You are 6’8”.. we see you being kind to every single person! Haha) GSH also stood up to support the pet stylist relief fund started by Denise Heroux. I was going to volunteer to help with sharpening, and before I could they said GSH had stepped up. Things like that make me know I am on the right team with amazing people. When you pick your distributor of the year, think about what they are selling, but also think about how much they are investing back into the industry. I am always proud to see GSH contributing in all the ways at every turn.
Entertainment Video of the Year
Last Year’s Nominees:
“Dog Grooming: A Summary” -Anneli Abyholm Burke
“When the Husband Picks Up” -Marcia Strong
“The Old, Intact Cocker Spaniel” -Nathan Austin
“Handstripping: How I think I look vs. Reality” -Loren Mesquita
Last Year’s Winner: “When the Husband Picks Up” – Marcia Strong
Marcia Strong: Dog People
I will not lie, I believe this will be the winner. I mean, it has to be right? This series has all of the Entertainment Video Royalty! Marcia, Kathlena, Nathan, Anneli, and this dude named Chain who looks a bit like Loren Mesquita. Hahaha. I absolutely love it. I love the humor and the jokes. I love spotting little cameos. I hope it never ends! Need I say more? Vote for Dog People!
Nathan Austin: Alpha Dog Dads
If the powers to be say that it has to be one singular video and not a series of video gold, my vote is on Nathan’s Alpha dog dad video. This is so spot on, and I think the funniest part is picturing Nathan do a character study to nail his role. I picture these alpha dog dads (you all know some!) walking into the salons, doing their theatric drop offs/pick-ups laced with male dominance, and leaving. Then I picture Nathan saying, “Katie, did you see that? There was another one. These peculiar men are a type. Do you think I could be like that? Just for a video? I’m doing it.” In any case, the character study was masterful. 10/10 for this video and Nathan’s epic portrayal of this peculiar type. Haha
Michelle Caluneo- Tipsy Pups
This is the funniest depiction of what each dog breed would be like at a rager. As you watch this video, you are laughing, but also impressed like, “how did she KNOW!?” 10/10
Contribution to the Industry
Last Year’s Nominees: Ren & Lynn Netherland of Animal Photography, Mary Oquendo, Teri Dimarino
Last Year’s Winner: Ren & Lynn Netherland of Animal Photography
*My selection for Contribution to the industry is a posthumous award suggestion for Kathy Rose. I do not feel qualified to write on her behalf, but to not list her here would be an injustice of its own. Although I did not know her personally, she was a large part of this industry. In the comments of posts sharing her obituary there were countless groomers saying they attributed their successes within the industry to her. There were SO many saying they learned all they knew from her or from emulating her. She was part of Groom Team USA, she was a writer, she was a friend to many, she was a contributor. On every aspect, in every detail of the industry, she was contributing. While her passing is a tragedy, her contributions to the industry will leave a lasting, residual legacy. Those that she inspired will continue on, hopefully inspiring others. The standards she demonstrated will be standards that are expected throughout future generations. To those that lost a best friend when she passed, I am terribly sorry for your loss.*
New Product of the Year
Last Year’s Nominees:
Avocado Scissor Spray – Botaniqa
Detangling Mist – Hyponic
Giggle Water – 3 Whiskers
The Hand Saver – All For Groomers
Last Year’s Winner: Detangling Mist – Hyponic
This year:
Jody Murphy’s Coat Tender is the ultimate hot product right now. Everything from the tool itself to the release date is just pure genius and excellent marketing. The product was a raving hit at the American Spaniel Club National Specialty event in Colorado, and it will be the freshest item on everyone’s WANT lists once the nomination ballots go out this week! If you all are like me, when an item sells out and is on a backorder, it is all I can think about until I get it. As far as the people I know who got one of the initial release ones? They all LOVE them! I am excited to get one. Based on what I have seen, this is going to revolutionize carding!
The Dryer Handles! Michelle Jara-Price’s Handle it and Vanity Fur’s Furmgrip are both amazing new tools! I encourage everyone to research them, feel them in your hands at the shows, and adopt one into your salon. Both allow for nozzle angling while maintaining a neutral wrist position. So which one is better? Honestly both have excellent traits. All of my friends prefer the Handle It. I have tiny hands, so I prefer the Furmgrip. I can say both are great quality. The Handle-It does boast more ergonomic features and shaping, but the shape and size of the Furmgrip make it better for my hand. There were folks who tried to pit these 2 products and creators against each other. Both were working on prototypes for a while, and both released very different designs. Both designs will be appreciated because every hand is different. Try them, buy them, and give both ladies the praise they deserve. Great work, you two!
Vendor of the Year
Last Year’s Nominees: All For Groomers, Artero, Celtic K9, Evolution Shears, Hyponic, Precision Sharp
Last Year’s Winner: Hyponic
This Year:
Celtic K9: Amanda is a super-human. The amount of products she creates for groomers and pet parents from all over the country is amazing. I am so guilty of always messaging her to ask about products, what may be next, what is in stock, etc. She is always so kind to me, and answers. A large deal of credit for who I am and my professional growth is attributed to Amanda pushing me forward. As if she does not stay busy enough, she is always in my corner pushing me to achieve new goals and take on new challenges. When I told her I wished I was affiliated with All For Groomers, she immediately phoned Tommy to tell him to have a conversation with me. Amanda has used her company to help contribute to the Irish Grooming Team. She has also collaborated with other companies within the industry, and can always be caught cheering others on. She puts her entire heart into helping others, mentoring, contributions, and her amazing product line. Celtic K9 offers amazing products from an amazing LIGHT within our industry. Thank you for being such a beautiful soul, Amanda!
All For Groomers: All For Groomers is another example of amazing vendors. I remember at the last show they paid me to work the booth at, new groomers were coming up and asking me questions about tool recommendations or what they should be trying out at the show. I looked at Tommy, and he was like, “Just go ahead and go! You are educating them, and that is important!” Imagine paying for an employee, and then they go do other things. Tommy explained to me he told me to go show them other tools because education on proper tools is important, too. Tommy and Kemlyn
GSH: GSH is consistently growing at each show, so if you have not taken notice yet, it is time! Our vendor booths consistently have lively antics, nice displays, and insane show specials. If you are looking for the best show deals, I can go ahead and tell you no quality tools will beat the prices of the quality tools found at our booth! The booths host demos, education, and giveaways! Also, just going to piggy-back a special-shout out to Lance Hayner. If you pop by a GSH booth with him present, you can also check out his personal line of Hairy Hound shears. Also, shout out to Dennis Brooks and Tyler Moyer. These 2 are always adding those free maintenance classes and sharing content with us so we can also host maintenance classes. Vendor skills 10/10!
Evolution: The Evolution booths are always a magical place. Moe is a great sharpener and one of the most kind people you can chat with. Chris Bear Anthony is perhaps the queen of ergonomics. We were actually fast friends because we both focus a lot on ergonomics and what will best preserve the hands. Moe’s wife and Mindy Dinwiddie are also great assets at the booth as well. The entire team is 10/10. They are consistently at the shows. They very patiently size shears, explain the importance of ergonomics and help groomers adjust to the feel of their patented design swivel handles. I love them and I love the shears. The proof? I sell Evolution shears, and I only sell things I love.
Website/Facebook of the Year
Last Year’s Nominees: Groom Haus, Groomers Continuing Education, Handstripping Education, Pro Groomer Network
Last Year’s Winner: Pro Groomer Network
Groom Haus: Honestly I am surprised this did not win last year. Groom Haus is one of the first places I recommend groomers to reference if they are looking for more continued education online. The learning material and the line up of groomers providing the videos is top-notch. I am definitely a fan.
Pawsitive Ed: This recently switched ownership to Anjie Coates, and I am excited to see how it grows and evolves over time. This was the first continued education site I was ever directed to. I remember Barb Hoover telling me it would be a great place for me to learn more, and ever since, it has been bookmarked in my favorites.
Uncensored Canine Beauticians: Perhaps I enjoy laughing at posts and comments on this group more than I should. The antics of Pedro Ortiz and the administrative gang are second to none. There are no non-groomers sneaking in, and it is a great spot to keep up with the ever growing collection of Trash Can Groomer cards by Cayela Sherman-Williams.
Pro Groomer Network: I feel it is obligatory to keep Pro Groomer Network in the running forever. Afterall, it is practically the main group holding us all together.
Blog, Vlog, or Podcast of the Year
Last Year’s Nominees:
“Groomer Problems” – Helen Schaefer
“Handling It” – Gavyn Freeman & Sierra Elbert
“The Traveling Groomers” – Mary Oquendo & Chris Anthony
“The Groom Pod” – Barbara Bird & Susy the Groomer
Last Year’s Winner: “Handling It” – Gavyn Freeman & Sierra Elbert
This year’s Podcast: Another Grooming Podcast. Obviously, this is tough for me to say so definitively since I have so many great friends with podcasts, but the production value of this podcast is so clean and professional. I feel like there was planning, testing, and then finally a release. The podcast covers everything from grooming and competitions to what breastmilk tastes like. Where else will you find THAT?!
Seminar Speaker of the Year
Last Year’s Nominees: Kelsey Ann Sexton, Olga Zabelinskaya, Sue Zecco & Jay Scruggs, Victor Rosado
Last Year’s Winner: Sue Zecco & Jay Scruggs
This year I really formed a friendship with Samantha Palya. If you are not familiar with her, she has the Enrichment Stylist Pet Business Consulting Classes. She also coaches. Her material is amazing, her seminars include music. It is funny because when I met her, I was like, “I bet you start your seminars with music. Probably like Bruno Mars.” She just busted out laughing and said, “Actually, I do!” haha. Samantha interacts, cracks jokes, and educates. The balance keeps folks engaged and helps them absorb the information. Samantha’s class goes over things from tax topics to management and pay strategies and business value. There is much much more, and depending on the audience and which way they are leaning, there will be more information packed in there just to help out. The class isn’t scripted. The jokes and conversations change based on the needs of the audience, and to me that is what makes Samantha a worthy nominee. She is truly a subject matter expert on the business front. So, for all the groomers that message me about exit strategies or what to do along-side/after grooming OR for those messaging ready to open their own salons, Samantha coaches and she is an expert.
Dr. Cliff: Seriously, if you see a class or seminar led by him, sign up! His classes and writing are things I recommend to folks on a daily basis.
Other nominees for Speaker of the year? The previous year’s nominees still are highly sought this year. I will also add Denise Heroux to the list as well. Very well educated and a great speaker.
New Book of the Year
Last Year’s Nominees:
“The Quintessential Rabbit” – Anjie Coates
“The Cloud Grooming Guide” – Laur & Jules Cloud
“Cash the Dog with Butterfly Ears” – Hazel Christansen
Last Year’s Winner: “The Quintessential Rabbit” – Anjie Coates
This year’s pick? I think this year should be Mary Oquendo’s book, “A Spirited Life: The Life and Times of Spirit Oquendo”. I will start by giving a full disclosure. I have not yet committed to reading this, BUT the reason why makes it an even more obvious pick for book of the year. My groomer friends who did read it said that they had many good laughs and heart-felt cries in this book. While I respect books and movies that captivate readers so deeply that they steal a few tears, I am NOT the one who wants to cry. Let me save my tears for these bills and my feral children. All jokes aside, I do want to eventually read this book, but it will have to be when my kids no longer require 24-hour surveillance. Based on the acclaim and the solicited cliff notes of the book, it has been on my read list for some months.
The Brian Stopa Congeniality Award
Last Year’s Nominees: Jill Pipino, Tommy Stockstill, Tristian Ranson
Last Year’s Winner: Tristian Ranson
This year’s pick? I have several people who come into my mind for this. Maybe my experiences are unique but I highly doubt that. So, hear me out, and if one of these also rings true to you, consider giving them your vote. Let’s see where this goes!
Reggie Moorer: I have been a fan of Reggie’s for some time now because he is a light. I have never seen any of his content bashing or complaining. When I think of Reggie, I think of his smile that could make anyone feel important and included. That is a personal strength that strengthens those around him. Super powerful stuff. At shows that same kind, motivational persona is exactly what you will get if you walk up to Reggie. It does not matter if you have 5 followers or 500k followers, he will greet you like you are the most amazing person around. Shows can be stressful, so at the last show I went to I went and chatted with him several times each day to re-up my motivation. Also, now being on the All For Groomers team with Reggie, any time I am thinking up new things I want to do, he is always the first one to say, “Let me know what I can do! I will show up, Jess!” I am so confident Reggie will always show up for anyone if they just let him know. 100% Congeniality Award Material
Morgan Dobbs: Morgan is an up-and-coming sweetheart in the industry! We met on Pro Groomer Network because she pointed out our dogs looked like they were related. Since we are related on our dogs’ side, obviously I keep up with her now. I swear every day she has gained 20 new friends, driven across the state of Texas or Louisiana to help someone, and has messaged 3-4 other people seeing how she can help them. Morgan Dobbs is also congeniality material for sure.
Tommy Stockstill: I realize Tommy was also on the list last year. Brilliant nominee for such a category. Tommy’s kindness is so vast, and I am truly blessed to be a part of his All For Groomers team. Tommy is someone who will speak to every single person at the shows. He will invite everyone out to dinner. He will include anyone and everyone at any given chance. When I first reached out and told him I really liked the All For Groomers products, I told him my story and said I would love to be a part of his team. He accepted me! Since then he has supported missions I support even outside of the grooming industry. He helped sponsor a portion of my mission trip to Peru, and thanks to him making that contribution, I was able to buy over 100 pairs of shoes for under-privileged kids and have my mission picked up by a non-profit. Everyone I speak to has remarkable stories of Tommy’s selfless kindness. He never speaks of his good deeds, but you can always find him on social media praising everyone else’s good deeds. That sort of kindness spreads the desire to be kind! 10/10 congeniality!
Educational Video of the Year
Last Year’s Nominees:
“American Cocker Spaniel” – Mackensie Murphy
“Bye, Bye Staining” – Verity Hardcastle
“The Ultimate Poodle Session” – Super Styling Sessions
“4 Steps to Beautiful Bevels” – Nathan Austin
Last Year’s Winner: “American Cocker Spaniel” – Mackensie Murphy
Nadia Bongelli: The Ultimate Guide to the English Cocker Spaniel
I have had instructors tell me about this video and sing praises. There are people subscribed to the Leading Edge specifically to watch this video. I do not watch as many educational grooming videos these days, but I can say confidently, this one has brought up the most buzz in my personal inner circles.
There are plenty of great selections from the same creators nominated last year, but I did want to throw Nadia’s name into the category as well. She deserves a mention in this category too.
Journalist of the Year
Last Year’s Nominees: Anjie Coates, Blake Hernandez, Jennifer Bishop-Jenkins, Jonathan David
Last Year’s Winner: Jonathan David
Obviously I want to be the Journalist of the year! I don’t write typical articles and brevity is not my strong suit, so there is my shameless personal plug for myself. Another writer I have caught myself sharing articles from this year is Dr. Cliff. I truly appreciate the thoroughness and science backed explanations he provides with his writing. I got to meet him this year over dinner. Between him, his wife, and Samantha Palya, I will note it was the most educational dinner I have ever had at a Mexican Restaurant. Very educated folks full to the rim with valuable knowledge. So if you don’t vote for either of us, that is fine, but check out Dr. Cliff’s articles.