About Us

My name is Kim, and I'm the pet stylist here at Creative Paws Pet Parlour.

Grooming has been a huge part of my life since the beginning- and I mean that literally! I am a second generation groomer. My Mum owned and operated a successful and cutting edge salon and boarding kennel in central BC since she herself was a very young woman, and I spent a good portion of my childhood in the grooming salon with her. In fact, she built a very sturdy, custom playpen for me in the salon to keep me safe and contained. This was, of course, built to function exactly like a dog kennel!

Baby me, in my kennel- I mean- my "playpen"

Growing up in a grooming salon, surrounded by so many different dogs of all kinds and personalities allowed me to gain a unique perspective on them. Growing up in any group of animals, you learn to speak their language and understand their interactions at a much deeper level. I'm quite sure I thought I was a dog until I learned to speak English and my best (furry) friends didn't! And of course, learning the ins and outs of grooming was a normal part of my young education. 

Learning the trade!

As a child, I was always more comfortable with dogs than people. They were always my friends, and boy did I understand what they were saying a whole lot more than I understood people. It didn't matter where we were, if there was a dog, that was where you would find Kim!

I was never without a doggie friend

As I grew, my interest in dogs never wavered. I had human friends, but I was always happiest with dogs, and in the grooming salon. I began to really learn the complexities of handling dogs. My Mum was well known for her ability to handle even the most aggressive and fearful dogs, and through watching her I learned how not only to understand dogs, but also how to communicate back to them and convince them to respond to me how I needed them to. This lead to a growing passion in handling and helping dogs with a background in behavioral issues and abuse. 

 Training my first sheltie

As my passion for animals grew out of the salon, nearly all my time outside of academics was consumed by animals. I competed in several different equestrian sports and canine sports, worked with abused horses and dogs, and discovered an equal passion for cats. However, I never lost my enjoyment for grooming. There was no doubt in anyone's mind that I would pursue a career working with animals. 

 Practicing my grooming skills

So, I graduated high school with honors and promptly disappointed my parents by turning down admission scholarships to universities so I could head to the States for grooming school! My Mum and Dad hoped I'd become a veterinarian, but I knew what I wanted to do. I enjoyed the heck out of my time at a very busy grooming school outside of Seattle, Washington, where I had the opportunity to learn much more about grooming many different breeds and incorporating modern styles into my work. I also got to work underneath some very skilled cat groomers. My previous experience allowed me to fast track through the program, and I returned to Canada a certified Master Stylist. 

Home from graduation

I jumped straight into the career with a gusto, and also attended training school to receive my Master Trainer and Kennel Management certificates. I wanted to continue my work helping aggressive and fearful dogs, and training school allowed me to expand my knowledge in many areas. I never stop learning, and throughout my career have continued attending courses and seminars. 

Eventually I opened my own salon, and then followed in my Mum's footsteps by taking over operation of the kennel and grooming salon that I grew up in. I also discovered the exciting world of competition grooming and found another passion in creative styling. And I continued working with difficult animals through rescue and rehabilitation of aggressive and severely abused dogs, as well as providing grooming services to rescues, including the BCSPCA for their animal cruelty seizures.  

My partner, Danny, and I at a grooming competition

When I moved to Grande Prairie I had the amazing opportunity to groom for Tracy Spokes at The Tortoise and The Hair. Tracy is an amazingly talented groomer with many accolades under her belt, including representing Canada in International grooming competition. I knew I could learn a lot from her and jumped at the chance to groom at her salon. I had an enjoyable time there and learned an incredible amount. I will be forever grateful for the opportunity and all she taught me. However, eventually my preference for a quieter salon and more flexible life brought me to again open my own salon, and Creative Paws Pet Parlour was born. 

Agility training one of my wonderful clients

My passion for animals is and will always be the biggest part of my life. I love what I do for a living. Not only do I spend my days with my favorite furry friends, I get to express my creativity and help animals in need. I'm very excited to continue my journey as a pet stylist for the dogs and cats of Grande Prairie (and of course, their human friends).