Introducing Lynn's first official Groomer Spotlight:

Meet Cameron Markin,

the proud owner of a bustling salon called Cheeky Chops,  nestled in the heart of Yellowknife, Northwest Territories.

Lynn's is thrilled to launch this monthly Groomer Spotlight feature to provide our followers with a glimpse into the diverse tapestry of groomers across Canada.

We aim to shed light on the unique demographics and challenges faced by salon owners like Cameron, showcasing that despite our differences, we share the same passion, dedication, and commitment to our furry clientele.

Yellowknife, renowned for its stunning landscapes and extreme climate, offers a distinctive backdrop for Cameron's endeavours.

Here are some key facts about Yellowknife:

What inspired you to become a professional pet groomer? Share a bit about your journey in the pet grooming industry.

My journey into dog grooming really came from a place of self reinvention; when I needed to find confidence in myself and creativity in my life!

At the time, I had already been working with animals in my first company, YK Sitter Pet Sitting & Dog Walking, for 5 years.

Dog grooming lit a spark that I knew I needed to follow. The fact that it tied in so well with the clientele I had already built only reassured me more. So I committed to an in person diploma program with Apex Academy of Professional Grooming & Animal Arts and graduated as a canine stylist.

I took the skills I learned home to Yellowknife and worked with all kinds of breeds. From Husky to Poodle to Russian Terrier and continued learning through online and in person seminars, refining my skills and incorporating my passion for animals with my newfound artistic expression.

Cheeky Chops Pet Salon started in a small rented room in a doggie daycare that fit a tub and a table with myself as a solo groomer.

After 3 years, Cheeky Chops is now a team of 3 groomers and 2 bathers in a revamped and renovated shop building with an enclosed tub room and separate reception space. It’s a journey that I continue to learn in everyday and it’s far from over!

What fuels your passion for pet grooming?

The love that I see my clients and community have for their dogs. Yellowknife is such a dog town, we are OBSESSED with our dogs here haha. It drives me to level up my skills, learn the latest trends and create an elevated experience. The dogs deserve it!!

Can you describe a particularly rewarding or memorable experience in your career?

Last spring I was invited by Vets without Borders North America to join them for a community engagement trip to Gjoa Haven, Nunavut.

It was an incredible experience! I got to share my grooming services and knowledge with the community, help promote bonding between families and their dogs, take part in the “Doggie Olympics” event we held and meet some incredible people - and dogs!!

I received donations from Lynn Professional and Crooked Whisker that allowed me to make up goodie bags of treats, toys, brushes, nail clippers and ear cleaner to give away and encourage home grooming. It was so much fun, definitely a highlight of my career.

What do you enjoy most about being a pet groomer? Is there a specific aspect of grooming that you find particularly fulfilling?

Sharing in the well being of a dogs life, for sure. I find it incredibly rewarding to be a trusted partner in their care and building relationships with my furry clients. I have a special spot for the dogs I have been grooming since puppyhood 💜 I feel like an Aunti to them!

What challenges have you faced as a pet groomer, and how do you overcome them?

Looking back, going solo right out of school was probably the biggest challenge! If I had the choice to stay down south and work in a salon for a year or two out of school I think that would have been ideal but it wasn’t possible for me.

You gain a foundation and basic skills from school but there is so much to learn that just comes with time and experience. I’m grateful that I had an amazing instructor who kept in touch and would answer all the questions I spammed her with in that first year!

Between her, a grooming friend coming up to work with me for a few months, a lot of online seminars and the drive to learn, it all came together.

Can you share a valuable lesson you've learned during your grooming career?

Our grooming industry is small but mighty. If there is a groomer you admire and want to learn from, just reach out! They may be hosting a seminar or offering private lessons or can point you in the right direction. Every groomer I’ve met involved in our industry has been welcoming and supportive.

What advice would you give to someone aspiring to become a professional pet groomer? Are there any specific skills or qualities that you believe are essential for success in this industry?

If you feel called to it, go for it! If you are being called to work with animals, my guess is you are already a compassionate person. That and patience are essential qualities to have. A sense of humour helps too!

Do you have a favourite breed to groom? If so, why? Are there any breeds or coat types that you find particularly challenging or enjoyable to work with?

I love working with curly coated breeds of all kinds. A perfectly prepped and fluffed coat to create from makes my day! Yorkies and Shih Tzus are also another favourite, because they use to be the most challenging for me! But now (after learning some great new techniques at the West Coast Groom Fest) I look forward to them on my schedule.

What is your favourite tool or product? 

I LOVE Zolitta. I own their shears, brushes, combs, wide blades and comb attachments. Their wide blades are especially an investment I could not live without, absolute game changer that upleveled my grooms. I think when you find a brand that gives you that trust in a product it’s hard to switch!

How do you engage with the local pet owner community? Have you participated in any grooming events, workshops, or community initiatives?

Last summer Yellowknife was evacuated for almost a month due to wildfires. During this time I was able to source donations and essentially opened a donation supply station out of my hotel room.

It grew so big thanks to the fantastic people at Berkeley’s Place, I had to ask the hotel for another room which they graciously gave me in the basement to store supplies and host pick ups from fellow evacuees.

I was also able to send hundreds of pounds of food up to Yellowknife for the animals still there and to other evacuation centres in Peace River and Valleyview with the support of Vets with Borders North America.

It was such a scary time for me and so many but being able to help my community and see clients of mine and other community members during that time really helped me get through it. Beyond that, Cheeky Chops has always offered free grooming for NWTSPCA dogs.

What are your future goals or aspirations within the pet grooming industry? Is there anything specific you'd like to achieve or contribute to the profession?

Yes, I look forward to growing my salon further and adding on more team members/hosting visiting groomers. I want to continue my own education so I can be a better teacher to my staff. I’d really love to learn how to groom competitively. Continuing to offer grooming and home grooming education to pet parents in northern communities is something I hope to have expanded on in the future as well.

Lynn Professional extends a warm thank you to Cameron Markin of Cheeky Chops, for generously sharing her amazing grooming journey!

We believe in the power of learning and growing together, and Cameron embodies the spirit of success! Your story is precious and one-of-a-kind, and

we would love to hear from YOU!

If you're keen on being featured in our Groomer Spotlight, simply click the link below. We can't wait to showcase YOUR journey!

Click here to apply for Lynn Professional's Groomer Spotlight Feature!