Leslie Waldrep is an internationally recognized creative and abstract grooming artist whose career spans more than 18 years of professional grooming and competition experience. Based in Cherokee, Alabama, she is the founder and lead stylist of LesMare Pet Spa, where she has cultivated a reputation for artistry that blends technical mastery with bold, visionary design.

 

As a member of the GCGA Advisory Board, Leslie plays a leading role in developing multiple components and chapters of the GCGA curriculum. Her deep knowledge of both creative and abstract grooming allows her to bring a unique perspective to standardizing the art form while ensuring the curriculum reflects a balance of innovation, structure, and pet safety. In addition to authorship, she also serves as an instructor for GCGA’s online education programs and will lead select in-person training sessions, helping groomers worldwide refine their skills under her guidance.

 

With nearly two decades of experience, Leslie is a trusted authority within the grooming community. GCGA will rely heavily on her advice and guidance in shaping educational programs, certification standards, and the broader direction of the organization - ensuring that creative grooming continues to evolve responsibly and professionally.

Leslie’s artistry has earned her some of the industry’s highest honors. She is the recipient of the prestigious Jerry Schinberg Award for Creative Grooming (2023), has been an eight-time Barkleigh Honors Creative Groomer of the Year nominee, and achieved an undefeated competition season in both creative and abstract categories in 2021 with her dogs Secret and Rhyme. Her designs have been featured on the cover of Groomer to Groomer Magazine, in Vogue, and in international publications that spotlight the evolution of pet styling as a respected art form.

 

Beyond accolades, Leslie continues to expand her influence by pursuing opportunities as a judge in both creative and abstract competitions, ensuring her voice helps shape the future of the industry at every level.

Within the Advisory Board, Leslie Waldrep’s wisdom, innovation, and leadership provide GCGA with the stability and forward-thinking vision needed to set global standards and secure creative grooming’s rightful place as a respected, structured discipline.