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 was 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!

Mandy Benoit

I’m Mandy! - I’m a Groomer and Manager at Comb & Collar. I 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 a natural talent 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, 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 my journey began. I attended a grooming academy and have been thriving in this industry and improving my skills ever since. I love watching videos on grooming and learning new skills and techniques.

In my spare time, I like to hang out at home with my partner and cat Calm Cat, watch movies, try different cuisines, 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 British Shorthair, a Standard Poodle, and a Shetland Sheepdog!

Amber Poloway

I’m Amber! – Dog Groomer. Growing up I always wanted to be a veterinarian. As I grew older, I realized the hardships 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 multiple 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 wait 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.

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 of 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 who 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 years 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, but she loves to nurture their spirit and emotional well-being.

Lissa Wilson

My name is Lissa! - I am a Dog Groomer Trainee! I am being trained by the wonderful groomers at Comb & Collar to fulfill my passion for working with animals. My enthusiasm for animals started when I was young when 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!

Alyssa Sossai

I’m Alyssa - I was an only child for the first 7 years of my life but there wasn’t a time I can remember when I didn’t have a dog to bond with. I used to dress my Chihuahua up in doll clothes and push him around in a stroller. Sometimes I’d play hide and seek on our acreage with our lab-mix. It was obvious to everyone in my life that I had a strong connection with animals.

In the beginning, I thought I wanted to be a veterinarian but I soon understood that career requires an exceptionally strong type of person. I pivoted to a Veterinary Office Assistance course which didn’t feel quite right either. I knew I wanted something more hands-on so I applied to pretty much every entry-level animal-related job I could find at the time. Soon I started bathing at a corporate salon where I met and was mentored by a majority of our wonderful team here at Comb & Collar! In mid-2019, I attended a dog grooming academy in Surrey, BC. When I came back home, I spent a lot of time learning the ropes through hands-on experience. Despite my current focus being dog care, in 2022 I also attended a cat grooming academy. I plan to continue expanding my knowledge by attending more technique-specific seminars.

Grooming has provided me with so much endless knowledge and a space to be creative. I’ve grown a love for my job and a pride in what I do. I strive to grow positive relationships with our clients and provide a safe and comfortable grooming experience for their pets.

When I’m not working or winding down at home with my dog Alaska, you can find me somewhere outdoors.. probably hiking or seeking an adrenaline rush.

Kassidy Zelinsky

I’m Kassidy and here is me with my dog Mabel!

I’ve always had such a soft spot for animals and throughout my life, I’ve always known that I’ve wanted to work with them! When I was growing up, I was frequently found watching Animal Planet instead of cartoons. When I was in high school I volunteered at an animal hospital and after I graduated, I started officially working with dogs.  I’ve done pet sitting, worked at a doggy daycare and now I’m working at Comb & Collar as a salon assistant/bather!

Mabel is my 3 1/2 year Great Pyrenees mix and she is my whole world - when I’m not working, I’m spending as much time as I can with her. We frequently go to dog parks together around the city and I’m always showing off any cute new tricks I’ve taught her to anyone who will watch. When we’re not on our next adventure, I’m an avid reader and enjoy filling up my bookcase with new books!

Reggie Valdez

I’m Reggie - I am a groomer! I’ve been an animal lover my whole life. It all started back in the Philippines; where I grew up. During my early childhood years, I spent a lot of time on a farm that my grandparents owned. We had all sorts of animals from livestock to dogs and cats which inspired my pursuit of a career that worked with them. My childhood inspiration was Steve Irwin and I wanted to be just like him and work in wildlife conservation. However, life took me to unexpected places. My family moved here to Canada when I was 13 and It opened up a lot of new experiences for me. I started as a dog grooming assistant at a local salon when I was fresh out of high school and I enjoyed it so much that I decided to make a career out of it instead.

I graduated from Apex Academy of Professional Grooming & Animal Arts in Regina back in 2016 after taking their Canine Stylist All-Inclusive Program and I’ve been professionally grooming ever since. I absolutely love that grooming allows for never-ending learning; I am always looking up new techniques and styles to better cater to my clients. I enjoy the expression of creativity that this profession allows me. I love working with all the fur friends that come to visit me and getting to know all their little quirks and personalities. I take great pride in every single groom that I do!

During my downtime, I like to hang out at home with my boyfriend and cats; Simba and Booster. At home, I like to either play video games, watch some shows or just take a good ol’ cat nap. Sometimes, I like to go out and try new places to eat. I’m a big foodie! 

Did You Know…

Reggie’s favourite breed to groom would be anything that ends with oodle! She loves trying out new styles and making them look like teddy bears.