THE PAWS TEAM
Jeni
Owner + Stylist
Meet Jeni– Professional Pet Stylist + Salon Owner
With over 20 years of experience in the pet grooming industry, Jeni has been a valued team member at Paws Grooming Studio & Spa since 2009. In July 2019, she became the studio's owner, fulfilling a lifelong passion for working with animals. Her love for grooming began at an early age—first seen in playful makeovers given to stuffed animals—and was later nurtured by a mentor whose deep knowledge and enthusiasm for the craft left a lasting impact.
Jeni is skilled in grooming all dog breeds, though she has a particular affinity for Poodles. She aspires to compete in grooming competitions and participate in conformation shows, furthering her commitment to excellence in the field.
Residing in the Ann Arbor area with her family, Jeni shares her home with four beloved dogs: Creeker (Chihuahua/Yorkie mix), Hadley (Pit mix), Branch (Toy Poodle), and Standard Poodles Biz and Birdie. Known for her ambition, empathy, and outgoing nature, Jeni enjoys spending time outdoors with her family and showcasing her Poodles in conformation events.
Mikinzi
Manager + Stylist
Meet Mikinzi– Professional Pet Stylist + Manager
Over a decade ago, Mikinzi transformed her love for animals into a career in pet grooming. Since joining the Paws Grooming Studio & Spa team in 2013, she has become known for her gentle approach and commitment to creating a positive, calming experience for every pet. While she doesn’t favor a particular type of animal, Mikinzi especially enjoys working with overly excited or anxious pets, helping them feel safe and cared for. Her calm demeanor, creativity, and meticulous attention to detail continue to shape her grooming style, and she aspires to stand out in the field of competitive Creative Grooming.
Mikinzi resides in the Metro Detroit area with her family, which includes three dogs—B.B. (Chihuahua), Percy and Tessa (Standard Poodles)—and two cats, Shelley and Merle. Outside grooming, she enjoys spending time with her children, crafting, and cardio drumming. When asked where she’d most like to travel, Mikinzi replies, “Anywhere the sun is shining.”
Brittany
Stylist
Meet Brittany– Professional Pet Stylist
Brittany has been a professional pet stylist since 2013 and joined the Paws Grooming Studio & Spa team in October 2016. Her grooming journey began in Wisconsin, where she stepped in to assist after a fellow groomer was injured—an opportunity that revealed her natural talent and passion for the craft. Largely self-taught, Brittany has refined her skills over the years and continues to thrive in the industry she was truly meant for.
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She enjoys working with all breeds, but has a particular fondness for double-coated dogs of all sizes, especially Pomeranians and Malamutes. While grooming remains her primary passion, Brittany dreams of entering the competitive show ring.
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Originally from Michigan, Brittany has also lived in Wisconsin and New Hampshire. She resides in the Metro Detroit area with her family and their two Miniature Schnauzers, Vision and Yondu. An avid nature lover, she hopes to travel to Alaska to explore its wilderness. Beyond grooming, Brittany is a multi-talented individual—she plays over 20 instruments and is known for her lively personality and love of dance. She treasures moments spent with her family and watching her children grow in her free time.
Alec
Stylist
Meet Alec– Professional Pet Stylist
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Bio coming soon!
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Chelsea
Stylist
Meet Chelsea– Professional Pet Stylist​
Chelsea joined the Paws Grooming Studio & Spa team in 2023, bringing her a wealth of experience in grooming and styling dogs since 2017. Her career began as a bather in her first salon, where she worked primarily with short-coated, low-maintenance breeds. There, she became captivated by the artistry and skill of the groomers around her. Inspired, she pursued formal training through a grooming academy and further honed her expertise under the guidance of experienced mentors.
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Chelsea’s passion for grooming is evident in her gentle demeanor and the care she extends to every human and canine client. She takes great pride in forming trusting relationships with pets, particularly those who experience anxiety or behavioral challenges. While she has a soft spot for Shih Tzus and Doodles, she finds joy in enhancing the beauty and comfort of every pup that visits her table.
Outside of the salon, Chelsea enjoys outdoor adventures and quiet moments alike. She shares her life with two beloved dogs: Fritz, a Miniature Poodle, and Jubilee, a Kerry Blue Terrier. Whether hiking, camping, or relaxing at home with a good book or video game, Chelsea appreciates balance in her life. She dreams of hiking across the Isle of Skye in Scotland and taking in its breathtaking landscapes.
Christina
Stylist
Meet Christina – Professional Pet Stylist
Christina joined the Paws family in March 2021, bringing with her a passion for grooming and a strong artistic flair. Though relatively new to the industry, she has a natural talent for making every pup shine and look their best. Christina entered the grooming world as a perfect blend of her love for dogs and her lifelong artistic side, and she's continuously expanding her skills and techniques.
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She especially enjoys working with Poodles and Bichons and aspires to explore both creative grooming and show-style grooming in the future.
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A Michigan native, Christina loves spending time outdoors with her pets: Mouse the cat, and her two dogs, June (Miniature Poodle) and Ollie (Plott Hound mix). When she’s not in the salon, you’ll find her hiking, listening to music, or creating art—often drawing lifelike animals using chalk and pastels.
Jenna
Stylist
Meet Jenna – Professional Pet Stylist
Jenna has been a professional pet stylist since 2012 and joined the Paws family in January 2020. While she has a deep love for all animals, her heart has always belonged to dogs—a passion sparked in childhood that naturally evolved into a career. She particularly enjoys grooming Schnauzers and all types of Terriers.
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In 2024, Jenna earned her bachelor’s degree in Nursing from the University of Michigan and now works as an emergency nurse. Though she has transitioned careers and is no longer accepting new grooming clients, you may still see her around the salon with her beloved Kerry Blue Terriers, Nora and Indy.
Sam
Stylist
Meet Sam – Professional Pet Stylist
Sam has been a professional stylist since 2016 and became a valued member of the Paws team in 2023. What began as a college job quickly turned into a lifelong passion. After earning her bachelor's degree in psychology, Sam realized grooming was more than just a paycheck — it was her calling.
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She especially enjoys working with Poodles, Shih Tzus, and even cats and aspires to become a certified master dog and cat groomer and pet aesthetician. Beyond the salon, Sam is passionate about canine sports and continuously trains and competes with her dogs.
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Sam shares her home with a lively crew: four dogs — Moxie and Fuji (Japanese Chins), Keeley and Azula (Standard Poodles), Garth (Toy Aussie) — her cat Izzy, and her axolotl, Kirby. When she's not grooming, you’ll find her reading or attending sporting events with her pups. In 2023, Sam and Azula qualified for their first year in national dock diving, placing among the top 200 teams in the country. Sam is also a certified AKC Canine Good Citizen evaluator.
Shannon
Stylist
Meet Shannon– Professional Pet Stylist
Shannon joined the Paws team in 2023, bringing over 20 years of grooming experience. From a young age, she knew she wanted to work with animals. Her journey into grooming began unexpectedly during a routine trip to the pet store — an actual "ah-ha" moment that led her to train at one of the nation's top grooming institutions. As Shannon puts it, “the rest was history.”
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Shannon enjoys working with all breeds but has a special love for Poodles and Bichons. She is passionate about breed-specific patterns and the artistry of purebred grooming. She’s committed to ongoing education and growth in the grooming industry and competitive grooming.
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Shannon shares her home with two cats, Liam and Riot, and three dogs: Echo (Miniature Poodle), Poe (Standard Poodle), and Baby (Chihuahua mix). When not at the salon, she enjoys hiking, camping, and participating in dog sports and the conformation ring with her poodles. Shannon is also an avid crafter—often making bows while relaxing with an audiobook.