Interview with Pina
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Irina (Pina) Pinkusevich has made it to the very top in the pet grooming world. How she got there is fascinating. Pina emigrated with her family from the Soviet Union when she was 19 years old. She had her fair share of challenges adjusting to life in the USA. One of her largest hurdles was mastering the English language. Next, it was earning spending money while she was on scholarship to the university. While she was working at a small salon, the owner got violently ill and could not work. Pina went from bather to groomer with no formal training, just a full roster of dogs to groom. At one stage she found herself as a single parent. Her immediate family had moved from New York to Florida. She had no one to help her and her infant son.
In this interview, Pina shares with our members what led her into dog grooming. She tells you firsthand how she learned and what keeps her motivated today. This is a great life story about overcoming obstacles, doing what you love, avoiding occupational burnout and remaining passionate about your career options.
In this video you will learn:
• How Pina got started in the grooming industry.
• Why she quit grooming after 10 years but then came back.
• How she developed the skills necessary to become a top stylist.
• Why a formal education in grooming is so beneficial.
• What she would fix in the grooming industry if she had a magic wand.
Irina "Pina" Pinkusevich
Irina "Pina" Pinkusevich immigrated from The Ukraine in 1989. She realized her passion as a Pet Stylist while working part-time as a bather. In the earlier part of her career Irina worked as a Pet Stylist at some of the most high-end grooming salons in New York.
Looking to improve her skills & expand her horizons, Irina entered the world of Competitive Grooming in 2006. In her competitive career Irina has won multiple BIS & Best All Around Groomer awards. She is a two-time recipient of the Lynne Carver Award for the most Best All Around Groomer wins in 2008 & 2010. Irina was also honored to win the Liz Paul Memorial Award for the most Best in Show wins in 2010. She is the winner of the Winner’s Circle Jackpot 2011 where she won $32,500 for grooming Lucas, her champion American Cocker Spaniel. In 2013 she was the winner of another Jackpot & in 2017 she won The World Dog Show’s World Champion Award.
Irina was a member of GroomTeam USA from 2008 through 2013. She competed in the World Championships for the United States in 2009, 2011, & 2013 helping the U.S. team bring home a Silver & two Golds.
Currently, Irina is a national & international judge & lecturer as well as an ambassador for Artero. Irina was awarded the Cardinal Crystal Award for Judge of the Year 2014 & the Barkleigh Honors Award for Up & Coming Speaker of the Year 2014. She has also been nominated for multiple Cardinal Crystal & Barkleigh awards in 2015.
Irina is a National Certified Master Groomer (NCMG) with the National Dog Groomers of America. She is also a Certifier for their company.
Dedicated to improving the industry, Irina teaches at Merryfield School of Pet Grooming in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. She travels the world educating through conferences and seminars. She is also an integral part of Artero’s Jornadas events in Spain and the USA.
Irina is associated with Kiyara Poodles, owned by Michael Lamb and Bill Jividen Jr.. Kiyara is a top breeder of miniature poodles in the United States. She is also associated with Kerryfield Kennels, owned by Virginia Harding & Krizma Kennels owned by Lois Grier, top breeders of Kerry Blue Terriers. With these kennels, Irina has bred and co-owned numerous champion Poodles and Kerry Blue Terriers.
Irina is co-owner of a high-end styling salon in Oakland Park, Florida: Päsh the Canine Boudoir. It is here where she is most often found grooming the amazing show dogs that are her passion.
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