Welcome to Winnipeg’s Newest Luxury Pet Spa!
About Comb & Collar
Our story begins in 2011, when we both started working together as pet stylist apprentices at a corporate salon. We instantly bonded over our love for animals and our passion for grooming. As we worked through our apprenticeships, our friendship grew, and so did the conversations about one day owning our own salon. In 2021, our conversations ten years ago turned into a reality when Comb & Collar Grooming finally came into fruition. With our combined experience in pet safety, grooming, and handling; our mission is to provide a safe and comfortable environment for all pets and people.
Our Team
Heidi Balamatowski
I’m Heidi – Owner of Comb & Collar Grooming! I have been in the professional grooming industry for over 10 years. When I was 12, I developed a passion for dogs and started walking and bathing them for my friends and family. From that moment on, I knew this is what I wanted to do as my career. When I started my apprenticeship at a corporate salon in 2011, I realized how much I enjoyed not only grooming, but expanding my knowledge into learning new and safe grooming techniques. In 2015, I started managing a new corporate salon in Winnipeg. My enthusiasm towards learning only grew as I spent the next few years learning the business side of grooming. From this experience, I discovered a love for teaching and sharing my techniques. I continuously strive to broaden my education and I have participated in numerous seminars over the years, including Pet First Aid. The following years were busy, as I was caring for my two sons, Blake and Asher, my cats Marge and Tyrone, and my Mastiff-cross, Arthur. After having Asher, I made the tough decision to leave my corporate position in 2020 and move to a local salon. At this time, I started to casually search for commercial spaces online. During my pursuit, I saw a space that caught my eye. Once we visited the location, we knew it was the one! In 2022, we opened Comb & Collar Grooming – the place where I get to share my passion for pet safety and grooming. I can’t wait to meet all of the dogs that come through our doors!
When I’m not grooming, you can find me spending quality time outdoors with my friends and family. At the end of a busy day, my guilty pleasure is curling up on the couch with my fur babies and watching my favourite reality shows.
Did You Know…
Heidi loves all breeds of dogs, but has always held a special place in her heart for large and giant breeds. She loves being able to help a pet feel better with a professional bath and de-shedding – it is so rewarding!
Jacklyn Ryland
I’m Jacklyn – I am a dog groomer at Comb & Collar Grooming! My pet grooming journey started in 2011 when I was hired at a corporate salon as pet stylist apprentice. Within the first week of my apprenticeship, I knew I had found my passion. A year later, I traveled to Windsor, Ontario to receive my grooming certification at the Grooming Academy. In 2014, I accepted the position of pet salon leader. Over the next year, I continued to manage the salon and in 2015 I took on the role of Academy Trainer – the only Academy Trainer in Winnipeg. I spent the next few years teaching, learning, and managing. In 2021, I made the difficult decision to leave the comfort of my corporate job and start a new chapter in my life. I am thrilled to welcome you to Comb & Collar Grooming, the salon of my dreams (and your pet’s, too!).
When I’m not grooming, you can find me at my family cabin on Malachi Lake. I love spending my days on the water with my fur baby, Scarlett, and nights by the bonfire. Scarlett is my beloved terrier who I adopted 6 years ago. She is a ball of personality and the light of my life. You may even see her around the shop!
Did You Know…
Jacklyn loves working on small breed dogs, providing fun haircuts, and adding pet-safe dye to her grooms. Jacklyn has a lot of skill working with dogs termed as “difficult”. Her calm demeanour and expertise aids in providing a comfortable experience for your pets at Comb & Collar Grooming.
Erika Draho
I’m Erika - I am a Groomer! I have been working with dogs for 13 years, but I have been very passionate about dogs my whole life. In 2008 I started volunteering at Winnipeg Animal Services, working with shelter dogs in various ways; however, the most enjoyable time for me was bath day! I made a note of this and knew that grooming was something I wanted to do.
I realized after volunteering that I wanted a deeper understanding of how dogs communicate with us and how to handle them professionally and outside of my dogs at home. This pushed me to really put myself out there and learn. I began working alongside a Professional Animal trainer, specifically with film animals. I was lucky enough to work with her on all different types of animals getting them ready for their scenes. I also had the pleasure assisting in the training of Sunovas passed Saint Bernard, Gallagher. At this time, I also worked as a dog daycare attendant and in an animal shelter. All these jobs taught me tons about canine behavior and body language, which is what I was after!
Once I was confident, I began my grooming journey and 8 years later here we are! I take great pride in what I do, and I am always expanding my knowledge. I love following other professionals, learning different tips and tricks and bettering my skills every workday.
Did You know…
Erika is starting her own hobby farm in St Clements with horses, chickens and sheep on the way even when she not working her and the family love to surround themselves with animals.
Amber Poloway
I’m Amber! – Dog groomer trainee. Growing up I always wanted to be a veterinarian. As I grew older, I realized the hard ships that come with it. Knowing the hard side, I went in a different direction. I came across a dog grooming apprenticeship post, and I knew I had to have it! I apply for multiples positions in the same facility just to get my foot in the door. I have spent 17 years in the service industry, serving, bartending, and managing many restaurants and slowly wanting to get away from the service industry. I got the apprenticeship position right away and have loved every moment of it. I have only been in the grooming industry since early 2021, but I couldn’t be happier. I can’t want to see what the future holds at Comb & Collar!
Did You Know…
In the summer Amber spends her time with her family enjoying the sun and water at the lake. Her fur baby Remy is a goofy aussie who is the best road trip buddy.
Mandy Benoit
I’m Mandy! - I’m a Groomer and have been working with dogs since 2017. Growing up, I’ve always loved animals and wanted to be a veterinarian to help them all. As I grew up, I learned I had natural skills for creativity and attention to detail, which led me to go in another direction: aesthetics. Although I enjoyed the creative aspect of aesthetics, it didn’t fulfill me, I wanted to work with animals. I applied for a few dog bathing positions, but without any professional experience with animals, it was tough to get into the industry. As I was looking into volunteering for the Winnipeg Humane Society to get my foot in the door, I met Erika, who just happened to be a groomer. In 2017, she got me a job at her place of work as a bather, and Jacklyn, who was the Salon Leader at the time was willing to give me a chance! I have been thriving in this industry and improving my skills every day.
In my spare time, I like to hang out at home with my boyfriend and cat Calm Cat, watch T.V., go out to eat, and in the summer I love to bike ride and sit outside & enjoy the sun!
Did You Know…
Mandy is a huge cat lover! She has had many cats growing up and loves how they are independent and have fun, quirky personalities. One day she hopes to own a Scottish Fold, a Standard Poodle, and a Shetland Sheepdog!
Kristine Eisthen
Hi I'm Kristine! -Ever since I was a little girl everyone who knew me knew I was going to work with animals most specifically dogs or horses, but the animal did not matter I loved them all.
I have always had such a deep connection with animals and have had a hamster, dog and cat throughout my childhood years. I first started volunteering at Petland during my junior high/ high school years where I was able to fulfill my passion for caring for animals whether it be dogs, cats, birds or small rodents. Eventually as we all do, I moved away from that when I was old enough to get a job, but my love for them never went away. I started working at a doggy daycare/boarding and grooming facility in about 2007 where I had such fun playing and caring for the dogs in daycare. We even got an hour nap time where yes almost 100% of the time the dogs napped! I became curious as to the art of grooming and in 2011 I started my career in grooming where I learned the many intricate skills to become a certified intermediate stylist that has worked on many different breeds of dogs. Over the years I have grown to love the soft cuddly and lovable puppies. I am passionate about giving puppies a great first experience so that their future grooms will not be so scary. I have also learned there are a few challenging breeds which while I don't mind a challenge sometimes some breeds can just be so dramatic! (LOL) My ultimate love is with Labs and Goldens I love their soft and loyal nature and have had either a lab or lab mix. throughout my life. I Currently have a 14-year-old Lab X Diablo- Don't worry he is as sweet as pie and is the most wonderful, intelligent, and loving dog, anyone who meets him absolutely adores him. I am looking forward to what rewards these next year's bring and I hope to create more wonderful connections with the dogs and their people.
Did You Know…
Kristine is a certified human and animal Reiki practitioner. Also completed animal behaviour courses through The Animal Behaviour College so not only does Kristine love to care for the dog’s overall coat health; she loves to nurture their spirit and emotional well being.
Lissa Wilson
My name is Lissa! - I am a salon assistant! I am being trained by the wonderful groomers at Comb & Collar to fulfil my passion for working with animals. My enthusiasm for animals started when I was young, where my dream job was to care for them. I have recently received my diploma as a Veterinary Healthcare Assistant.
When I’m not learning to groom, you can find me spending time with my two cats that I love dearly, named Kiwi and Stanley. I recently adopted a Great Dane named Abby that has been a wonderful addition to my fur family. I also have two children of my own - a one and three year old! When I’m not working, I love spending time outdoors and sitting down with a good book.
Did You Know…
Lissa has been enjoying her experience so far learning to groom at Comb & Collar. She loves meeting new animals with different behavioural needs and is very excited to start her grooming journey through this experience!