GCGA

Misty Gieczys

American Chapter

Creative Groomer

Misty Gieczys is a powerhouse in the world of pet grooming, blending decades of experience with international acclaim and unmatched artistry. As an IGA Certified Master Groomer and founder of the award-winning Designer Paws Salon in Columbus, Ohio, Misty has earned a reputation for her precision, vision, and commitment to raising industry standards.

Since launching her grooming career in 2005, Misty has amassed an extraordinary list of accolades, including Best in Show wins, Creative Groomer of the Year nominations, and recognition for her charitable efforts through the Cardinal Crystal Grooming Achievement Award. She was a proud member of the USA Gold Medal-winning Model Dog Team at the Taiwan World Championships, where she also secured the prestigious BIS Creative Award.

Misty is not only a top competitor but also a respected grooming judge, PetTech instructor, and business consultant. Her innovative salon model—two luxury grooming locations with a team of over 25 professionals—has set a new bar for grooming excellence in Ohio and beyond. Her business also serves as a platform for mentorship, education, and continuous growth, creating a spa-like atmosphere where dogs receive not just grooming but care, safety, and personalized artistry.

Beyond the salon and show ring, Misty is an avid Kerry Blue Terrier exhibitor and handler, having shown her dogs at Westminster and even inspiring the naming of a perpetual award in her honor: the “Misty Gieczys Best Kerry Blue Terrier Award.”

As a proud member of the GCGA USA Chapter, Misty Gieczys brings legacy, leadership, and a relentless drive for excellence to the art of creative grooming—paving the way for future generations of groomers worldwide.

Accolades

A Perpetual Award Named after her “Misty Gieczys Best Kerry Blue Terrier Award” since 2023
Canada International Competitive Groomers Association Best In Show (Kerry Blue) 2021
Taiwan Model Dog World Championships GOLD USA Team World Champs 2018
Angie’s list Super Service Award 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017
#1 Groomer in Columbus 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017
Cardinal Crystal Grooming Achievement Award 2015
Best Groomer Award Columbus Pet Expo 2014
Canada International Competitive Groomers Association Best In Show (Kerry Blue) 2021
Canada International Competitive Groomers Association 1st Purebred (Kerry Blue) 2021
Canada International Competitive Groomers Association 1st Matted Mess Makeover (Kerry Blue) 2021
Canada International Competitive Groomers Association 1st Jackpot (Kerry Blue) 2021
IJA Creative Groomer of the Year 2019
IJA Pittsburg Championship 1st Creative (Baby Shark) 2019
Nomination Barkleighly Creative Groomer of the Year 2019
Pet Quest 1st Creative (Baby Shark) 2019
Intergroom Most Difficult Award World Championship (Kerry Blue) 2019
Safari Pet Expo Best All Around Groomer 2019
Safari Pet Expo Best In Show Lineup 2019
Safari Pet Expo 2nd Freestyle 2019
Safari Pet Expo 2nd Professional Poodle 2019
Safari Pet Expo 1st Creative 2019
Taiwan Model Dog World Championships GOLD USA Team World Champs 2018
Taiwan Model Dog World Championships Best in Show Creative (Zebra Cactus) 2018
Taiwan Model Dog World Championships USA Team Purebred Best in Show 2018
Taiwan Model Dog World Championships USA Team Creative Best in Show 2018
Taiwan Model Dog World Championships 1st Zebra Cactus 2018
Taiwan Model Dog World Championships 3rd German Trim 2018
Taiwan Model Dog World Championships Day 2 USA Team Creative Best in Show 2018
Taiwan Model Dog World Championships 2nd Pikachu 2018
Taiwan Model Dog World Championships 3rd Town in Country 2018
Taiwan Model Dog World Championships Day 1 USA Team Creative Best in Show 2018
Taiwan Model Dog World Championships 3rd FCI Puppy 2018
Taiwan Model Dog World Championships 1st Halloween 2018
1st in Group (Freestyle) Pet Quest 2018 (Up for Best in Show)
1st in Freestyle Pet Quest 2018
1st in All Other Pure Breds (Kerry Blue) Pet Quest 2018
2nd in Hand Strip Class (Irish Terrier) Pet Quest 2018
1st in Free Style IJA Columbus Pet Expo 2018
1st in Group Free Style IJA Columbus Pet Expo 2018
1st in Model Dogs (Kerry Blue) IJA Columbus Pet Expo 2018
1st in Group Model Dogs IJA Columbus Pet Expo 2018
Best In Show Model Dogs (Kerry Blue) IJA Columbus Pet Expo 2018
2nd in Creative Model Dogs IJA Columbus Pet Expo 2018
2nd in All Other Purebreds (Kerry Blue Terrier) Pet Quest 2017
1st in Freestyle Pet Quest 2017
2017 World Dog International Invitational Pure Breed and Creative
3rd in Creative World Dog (International Invitational) 2017
1st in Runway Intergroom (International Competition) 2017
3rd Rising Star Pure Breeds (Kerry Blue) Intergroom (International Competition) 2017
2nd in Creative Atlanta Pet Fair 2017
2nd in Freestyle Atlanta Pet Fair 2017
1st in Creative Group IJA Pittsburgh Pet Expo 2016
1st in Runway IJA Pittsburgh Pet Expo 2016
2nd in Creative IJA Pittsburgh Pet Expo 2016
3rd in All Other Pure Breds (Kerry Blue) IJA Pittsburgh Pet Expo 2016
2nd in Creative New England Pet Expo 2016
3rd in Creative at Creative Grooming Olympics Hershey, PA 2016
3rd in Creative Grooming Groom South 2016
1st in All Other Purebreds (Kerry Blue Terrier) Pet Quest 2016
Best in Show Creative IJA Columbus Pet Expo Grooming Show 2016
1st in Creative IJA Columbus Pet Expo Grooming Show 2016
1st in Group Creative IJA Columbus Pet Expo Grooming Show 2016
1st in Runway IJA Columbus Pet Expo Grooming Show 2016
1st in Runway IJA Columbus Pet Expo Grooming Show 2016
1st in Pure Breed (Kerry Blue) IJA Columbus Pet Expo Grooming Show 2016
1st in Free Style IJA Columbus Pet Expo Grooming Show 2016
1st in Group Free Style IJA Columbus Pet Expo Grooming Show 2016
2015 Barleigh Invitational @ Eukanuba for both Pure Bred & Creative
Best in Show Creative Grooming IJA Pittsburg Grooming Show 2015
1st in Creative IJA Pittsburg Grooming Show 2015
1st in Runway IJA Pittsburg Grooming Show 2015
1st in Creative St. Louis Grooming Show 2015
1st in All Other Purebreds (Kerry Blue) St. Louis Grooming Show 2015
Most Patient Groomer in Rescue Rodeo St. Louis Grooming Show 2015
3rd in Group (All Other Purebreds (Kerry Blue)) Pet Quest 2015. *Earned Groom Team USA points
1st in All Other Purebreds (Kerry Blue Terrier) Pet Quest 2015
2nd in Creative Grooming Pet Quest 2015
Best in Show Creative Runway Columbus Pet Expo 2015
1st Creative Runway Columbus Pet Expo 2015
Best in Show Creative Grooming Columbus Pet Expo 2015
Viewer’s Choice Award Creative Grooming Columbus Pet Expo 2015
1st Creative Grooming Columbus Pet Expo 2015
2nd in All Other Purebreds (Kerry Blue Terrier) Columbus Pet Expo 2015
1st in All Other Purebreds (Kerry Blue Terrier) Pet Quest 2014
3rd in Poodles Columbus Pet Expo 2014
1st Creative Grooming Columbus Pet Expo 2014
Best in Show Creative Grooming Columbus Pet Expo 2014
Mandi Award “Outstanding Handling & Safety” for Rescue Me Columbus Pet Expo 2014
2nd in Poodles Pet Quest 2013
2nd in Rags to Riches 2013 (163 contestants)
3rd in Creative Atlanta Pet Fair 2013
3rd in Poodles Atlanta Pet Fair 2013
1st in De-shed contest Sav-Ur-Fur 2012
2nd in Halloween creative online CGA 2012
1st in Creative Grooming at Spooky Pooch 2012
2nd in Creative Grooming at All American Grooming Show 2012
3rd in Creative Grooming at Super Stylist 2012
1st in Rescue Rodeo at Super Stylist 2012
2nd place at Pet Quest 2009 Creative Yarn Dog

Certifications

IGMS
PTI

Designer Paws Salon

Columbus, Ohio

(614) 948-7800

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Other Artists in the American Chapter

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Adriane Pope

Creative Grooming Artist & Educator
Adriane Pope is a legendary figure in the world of creative grooming, with over three decades of professional experience and a legacy that has shaped the industry. Based in Conway, South Carolina, Adriane began her journey at the Southern Institute of Pet Grooming, graduating in 1992. Just two years later, she launched Adriane’s Groom and Go, a mobile grooming business that continues to serve her community today—bringing grooming directly to the doorstep long before it became a trend.

Adriane entered the grooming competition circuit in 1994, quickly earning placements in all-breed categories and later making her mark in creative grooming. Her love for creative began in 1998 and has remained her passion ever since. Over the past 25 years, Adriane has earned multiple national titles, including first place at the inaugural World Championship Creative Grooming Competition (World Expo 2017) and first place at Groom Expo Hershey 2017. Her award shelf includes two Groomer to Groomer magazine covers, the 2015 Barkleigh Spirit Award, and a nomination for Judge of the Year at the 2021 Barkleigh Honors.

In addition to competition acclaim, Adriane’s influence extends across media and education. She was featured in the HBO documentary “Well Groomed”, appeared on the CBS Morning Show, and has served as a respected judge, mentor, and educator ever since retiring from the competition ring. As a Wahl Elite Team Member and Opawz Creative Grooming Educator, Adriane now dedicates her career to advancing the industry through knowledge-sharing and advocacy.

As a distinguished member of the GCGA USA Chapter, Adriane brings unmatched experience, mentorship, and heart to the global creative grooming community. Her legacy is not only in the awards she's earned but in the artists she continues to inspire.

Accolades

Featured in Well Groomed documentary
Nominated for Barkleigh honors 2021 Judge of the Year
Wahl Elite Team Member
2021Jerry Schinberg Award

Certifications

Wahl Educator
Opawz Creative Grooming Educator

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Alaina LeBlanc

For more than 25 years, Alaina has been a professional pet groomer. About a decade into her career, she found herself experiencing burnout and searching for a way to reignite her passion. That search led her to creative grooming—and it completely transformed her career.

Initially drawn to the artistry, Alaina quickly became fascinated by the science behind creative grooming, studying color techniques, skin and coat health, product chemistry, and safe application techniques. Combining her lifelong passions for art and animals gave her a renewed sense of purpose and creativity.

As the owner of Pawfections Pet Salon in Kennebunk, Maine, Alaina introduced creative grooming to her community at a time when no other local salons were offering anything like it. She later expanded into Asian Fusion styling, discovering that creative grooming is about far more than just color—it’s about bringing out the unique personality and individuality of every dog.

Creative grooming also led Alaina into competition, where she discovered a love for freestyle artistry and runway presentation. She earned a 3rd Place finish in Intermediate Freestyle at the New England Grooming Show and is continually pushing herself to grow as both an artist and educator.

Today, Alaina is passionate about helping groomers rediscover their creativity, build confidence, and continue learning. She believes creative grooming has the power to inspire, elevate the profession, and remind groomers why they fell in love with the craft in the first place.

Accolades

Third Place – Intermediate Salon Freestyle Competition at the New England Grooming Show in Springfield, Massachusetts 2025
Founder & President of the Maine Professional Pet Groomers Association
Founder of The Groomer’s Speakeasy Institute, an education-focused organization dedicated to advancing the grooming profession

Instagram | Facebook | TikTok

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Alicia Mulac

Creative Grooming Artist
Based in Romeoville, Illinois, Alicia Mulac is a vibrant and award-winning creative grooming artist known for her bold transformations, anime-inspired themes, and ability to capture personality through color and design. Since entering the grooming world in 2010, Alicia has combined her passion for animals with a deep love of art, creating show-stopping pieces that turn heads and spark joy.

Her creative journey began while training at The Academy of Dog Grooming Arts in Illinois, where she first witnessed creative grooming as a competition category during the All American Grooming Show. That experience lit a fire in her—setting the course for a career defined by innovation, storytelling, and individuality.

Alicia first began experimenting with creative color on her wirehaired dachshund mix, using mohawks, tassels, and ear color to showcase canine personality. In 2018, she acquired her first white poodle and entered the world of extreme creative grooming, making her competitive debut with a playful design and quickly escalating to more ambitious themed concepts.

By 2023, Alicia was dominating the ring. She earned 1st place in the Creative Open Division at three major grooming shows—Windy City, PetQuest, and SuperZoo—with her standout Indiana Bones theme. That design caught international attention and was featured in the 2024 edition of Ripley’s Believe It or Not: Dare to Discover.

Creative grooming, for Alicia, is more than competition—it’s about emotional expression and joyful transformation. She finds profound fulfillment in seeing dogs come to life through color, confidence, and the extra affection they attract from admirers.

Today, Alicia leads Fairy Tails Mobile Pet Spa, a one-on-one luxury grooming experience serving Chicago’s west and southwest suburbs. Her mobile salon is grounded in safety, compassion, and artistic flair—making every pet feel like a star.

As a proud member of the GCGA USA Chapter, Alicia continues to inspire with her passion, precision, and bold creative spirit.

Accolades

2023 1st place Creative Open division Windy City Grooming show
2023 1st Place Creative Open division PetQuest
2023 1st Place Creative Open division SuperZoo
2024 in the book "Ripley's Believe it or Not"

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Alicia Walker

Alicia Walker grew up in the grooming industry, learning the craft in her mother’s salon from a young age. Surrounded by competition grooming and creative work, she developed an early fascination with color—experimenting even as a child by using her mom’s makeup to add a little flair to the family’s Golden Retriever.

She began grooming professionally at 17 under the mentorship of her mother, a Certified Master Groomer, building a strong technical foundation while continuing to explore her passion for creative grooming. By 2006, Alicia was already experimenting with coat coloring—well before widely trusted products were available—testing and refining techniques to ensure both quality results and pet safety.

As her skills evolved, she expanded into airbrushing and eventually brought her creativity beyond dogs, applying her techniques to horses. What began as airbrushing grew into full coat coloring, allowing for longer-lasting, high-impact designs that have become a signature part of her work.

Today, Alicia is known for her vibrant, imaginative creations that turn heads and spark conversation. Whether it’s a brightly colored dog or one of her famously transformed horses—like her “Temu Zebra”—her work consistently brings joy to her community. She is passionate about educating others on safe creative grooming practices and takes pride in showing just how fun, expressive, and responsible color work can be.

Certifications

Terriers, Non Sporting and Sporting certified with NDGAA, IPG Certified Salon Professional, IPG Certified Professional Groomer, CCA Temporary Color & Accessories

Instagram (main) | Instagram (horses) | Facebook

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Alissa Law

Creative Grooming Artist
Alissa Law is a rising creative grooming artist based in Tucson, Arizona, where she blends imagination, storytelling, and skilled technique to create joyful, narrative-driven transformations. Her journey into creative grooming began just three years ago when she entered a local mock competition in Phoenix and transformed her standard poodle, Georgette, into a striking black-and-pink unicorn—earning her a placement for "Most Creative" and igniting a newfound passion.

Alissa dove headfirst into the competitive circuit, entering her first trade show at SuperZoo with a bold A Bug’s Life themed design. That experience taught her the value of planning, and as a talented sketch artist, she began mapping her concepts out on paper before ever picking up a clipper or dye brush. Her next design, based on the Disney classic Oliver & Company, featured a cityscape, a taxi cab, and beloved characters sculpted across her poodle’s coat—a nostalgic tribute to one of her favorite childhood films and a personal creative breakthrough.

Over time, Alissa has grown more confident with each competition, particularly in the art of carving—once a challenge, now a source of excitement and expression. For her, creative grooming offers the freedom to merge art with affection, bringing both dogs and their stories to life through color, texture, and playfulness.

Alissa owns and operates Georgette’s Paw Spaw, a boutique grooming service offering one-on-one care and pet-safe color in a fun, comforting environment. Her work reflects a genuine love of learning and a desire to keep pushing her creative boundaries.

As a proud member of the GCGA USA Chapter, Alissa is part of the next wave of artists helping to shape the future of creative grooming—bold, joyful, and always evolving.

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Alyssa Kasiba

Creative Grooming Artist, Educator & International Speaker
Alyssa Kasiba is a powerhouse in the global creative grooming community—an award-winning artist, educator, and speaker whose work has inspired a new generation of groomers to see grooming as a true art form. Based in Elgin, Illinois, Alyssa brings together a lifelong love for animals and formal training in media arts and animation to craft high-concept grooming pieces rooted in storytelling, pop culture, and theatrical design.

Her journey began unexpectedly at a PetSmart bathing station, where she was first noticed for her natural comfort with grooming tools. What started as a helping hand quickly turned into a professional path—fueled by her artistic vision, work ethic, and deep connection to the animals she styles. Alyssa’s artistic instincts, shaped by her early ambition to become a Pixar animator, have remained at the heart of her work—translating seamlessly from sketch pad to salon.

In 2016, Alyssa entered her first creative grooming competition at the All American Grooming Show with her cockapoo Yoshi dressed in a Dogs of Anarchy theme. From that moment on, the “creative bug” took hold. With unwavering dedication, she progressed from entry-level to open division, placed in competitions across the country, and debuted increasingly elaborate themes such as Big Hero 6, Oliver & Company, and Monty Python.

Alyssa’s career has since taken her around the world—teaching and competing across the U.S., Canada, Taiwan, and South Korea. Her accolades include:

Barkleigh Honors: Creative Groomer of the Year (2022, 2023, 2024)

ABC’s Pooch Perfect finalist

Cover features on Groomer to Groomer Magazine (March 2022, May 2022, July 2024)

Backstage Hero Award, Sportsmanship Award, and Inspiring Creative Educator Awards (2023 & 2024)

She is a certified OPAWZ Creative Grooming Educator, CPR Certified, and a beloved mentor in the creative grooming space. Alyssa also leads Simply Diffurent Mobile, a luxury mobile salon that embodies her artistic philosophy: grooming should be expressive, inclusive, and uniquely fun.

Alyssa is the founder of Simply Creative Groomers and a core leader of The Creative Contribution, a nonprofit initiative that provides supplies to groomers in need. She teaches across multiple platforms—including conferences, cruise line seminars, and international shows—with a mission to make the creative space more vibrant, welcoming, and educational for all.

Accolades

Barkleigh Honors: Creative Groomer of the Year: 2022/2023/2024
Finalist of ABC's Pooch Perfect
The Creative Contribution's:
Backstage Hero Award 2023/ Sportsmanship Award 2023 & 2024 / Inspiring Creative Educator 2023 & 2024
Cover of Groomer to Groomer Magazine:
March 2022 (Sailor Moon)/ May 2022 (Spiderman)/ July 2024 (Monty Python and the Holy Grail)

Certifications

CPR Certified
OPAWZ Creative Grooming Educator

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Amber Messenger

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

Instagram

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