GCGA
Amber Messenger
American Chapter
Amber Messenger discovered her passion for animals at an early age, growing up in a small town where her love for pets quickly became a defining part of her life. Her first dog, a Pekingese with a big personality, sparked an early fascination that only deepened over time. At ten years old, she received a dog encyclopedia that she still treasures today—an early symbol of her curiosity and dedication, even proudly sharing it at school for show and tell.
At eighteen, Amber began working at a local animal shelter, gaining hands-on experience and strengthening her connection with animals. In 2012, she entered the grooming industry as a bather at Petco, where she met a mentor who would shape the course of her career. Under Shelly’s guidance, Amber was introduced to professional grooming, with a strong emphasis on safety, proper handling, and respect for the animals in her care. During this time, she also gained experience assisting with cat grooming, though she found her natural connection and understanding to be strongest with dogs.
In 2016, Amber attended the Northwest Grooming Show, where she further expanded her education by completing pet CPR training and attending a creative grooming seminar with Angela Kumpe. This experience sparked a new level of inspiration, leading her to explore creative grooming more deeply. Shortly after, she welcomed a white Standard Poodle into her life, providing both a companion and a canvas to begin practicing color work and creative expression.
Amber went on to successfully run her own grooming business for five years, building a loyal clientele and strong reputation. However, driven by a desire for continued growth and new opportunities, she made the decision to relocate to the Oklahoma City area to further challenge herself and evolve within the industry.
While Amber values all aspects of grooming, creative work is where she feels most inspired. She finds that artistic grooming ignites a sense of purpose and energy, allowing her to fully express her passion for the craft. Whether through subtle accents or more expressive designs, she embraces every opportunity to bring creativity into her work.
Today, Amber continues to refine her skills while balancing both technical and creative grooming. Alongside her Standard Poodle, Bubbles, and her white Pomeranian-Poodle mix, Zues, she continues to explore color and design, using her own dogs as both inspiration and creative partners.
Certifications
- Temporary color and accessories
- Professional pet grooming and styling
- Hair and Skin 101
- Advance Hair and Skin
- Pet first Aid and CPR
- The Canine Coat Type Course
- Topical conditioning of Canine and Feline Skin and coat
