Our Team

Holly Baker, based in Big Lake, MN, is the proud owner of Groom My Friend and a seasoned competition groomer with over 21 years of experience. She began entering creative grooming competitions as a way to reignite her passion and set a strong example for her team, embracing feedback as a tool for growth. Deeply committed to the grooming industry’s future, Holly advocates for groomer wellness, education, and professional recognition. She is highly credentialed, working toward her NDGAA and AKC Master certification, and holds numerous industry certifications. Holly cares for a lively household of pets—including dogs, cats, fish, chickens, and even an axolotl. Her contributions to the industry and community have earned her accolades both locally and internationally, including recognition as the “Face of Big Lake.”

Nicole Beckman, owner of Lansing Grooming Spa in Ithaca, NY, is a passionate and competitive groomer with over a decade of experience in the industry. Certified as an Opawz Creative Grooming Master, Nicole thrives on pushing her skills through competition, using it as a platform to bring her creative visions to life—whether they’re beautiful, whimsical, or downright silly. She believes grooming is an art form, and she finds joy in making dogs look adorable, whether in the salon or on the competition stage. When she’s not grooming, Nicole enjoys exploring nature with her husband and their dogs. She shares her life with three standard poodles—Sprocket, Darla, and Venus—who are also her competition partners, along with her mom’s goldendoodle and standard poodle, Clyde and Bryce.

Mindy Dinwiddie owns Classy Canine in Litchfield, Michigan. She began grooming in 2007, having her own shop by 2008. She started in a back bedroom of her house, growing her business to a storefront. Her experiences include daycare, boarding, and training. All while consistently furthering her education by attending expos, seminars and private lessons from top stylists in the industry, Mindy has been competing for three years. With a passion for learning and teaching, she began speaking in 2017 after having one of her grooms published in Doodle Modern Styles Special Edition. Mindy is also a Brand Ambassador for Evolution Shears.

Bethany, a passionate competition groomer from Hazlet, NJ, runs her salon Dawn of DeShed with a blend of creativity, humor, and heart. For her, grooming competitions are more than just contests—they’re a creative outlet, a mini vacation, and a way to connect with her dog show friends. She’s all about breaking the mold, proving that you can be both professional and playful. When she’s not grooming, she’s still deep in the dog world, enjoying dog sports and quality time with her two poodles and Brussels Griffon, who—according to her—run the show while she just drives the van.

Ashley Hanvey, owner of That Scrumptious Pooch in Easley, South Carolina, is a passionate mobile groomer known for her dedication to pet behavior and handling. With a strong desire to help other groomers succeed, Ashley teaches classes on mobile grooming, skin and coat care, and her true passion—behavior and handling techniques. When she’s not grooming or educating, she enjoys reading fantasy and sci-fi, playing video games, and spending time with her toddler. Ashley shares her home with two dogs—a Bedlington named Sylphrena and a Cockapoo named Remi—and a black domestic shorthair rescue cat named Annika. She is proudly sponsored by All for Groomers and Evolution Shears, and also partners with Hanvey Engineering & Design.

Amy Hendren, owner of Glitz and Glamour Paws in Steinhatchee, Florida, is a passionate competition groomer with 17 years of experience and certifications including NCG and CPAe. Representing her sponsors fuels her drive in the ring, along with a desire to perfect her skills and inspire others to step into the spotlight. Amy is deeply committed to continual learning and encouraging growth within the grooming community. Outside of grooming, she enjoys dog shows, canine sports, and outdoor adventures like paddle boarding—always with her dogs by her side. Her home is shared with five beloved dogs, three pigs, and a lively flock of chickens.

Melissa Jepson, owner of Pupscale Pet Salon in Ontario, California, has been grooming for 25 years and is passionate about fostering sustainable practices within the industry to help stylists stay energized and committed long-term. Though not a competition groomer or formally certified, Melissa embraces her nontraditional path, valuing deep experience, creative thinking, and a unique perspective on grooming. Outside of work, she enjoys music, art, reading, lifelong learning, and meaningful connections with people and places. She shares her life with three beloved dogs: Lieutenant, a Shih Tzu mix; Troll, a Pom/Yorkie mix; and Lint, a young Mini Poodle.

Alurea McConnell, owner of Paws & Petals Grooming Co. in Cabot, PA, is an inquisitive groomer with five years of experience. She began grooming at just 13 years old, quickly learning the ropes while challenging traditional “set in stone” techniques along the way.

By 17, she had opened a salon of her own. Passionate about education and mentorship, Alurea enjoys helping younger generations explore their love for animals and grooming. She hopes to one day step into the competition ring and bring that knowledge back to share with her junior groomers.

Outside of grooming, Alurea enjoys dog shows and sports, hiking, animal photography, and spending time with her four dogs, kitten, and bearded dragon.