Cristyn Zloza, of Spotted Paw Salon in Wheaton, Il, finished in the top 3 finishes, and wins Merit Award at Fun in the Sun grooming competition hosted by the National Dog Groomers Association of America, NDGAA, in Orlando, Florida.

For Immediate Release

Local Wheaton Groomer Takes Home Multiple Awards at National Dog Groomers Association of America Grooming Competition.

Cristyn Zloza, of Spotted Paw Salon in Wheaton, Il, finished in the top 3 finishes, and wins Merit Award at Fun in the Sun grooming competition hosted by the National Dog Groomers Association of America, NDGAA, in Orlando, Florida.

Wheaton, Il, – October 26, 2015 – Spotted Paw Salon is proud to announce the results from the most recent Fun in the Sun grooming competition for our head stylist Cristyn Zloza. Cristyn competed in multiple classes from Salon Freestyle, Poodle, Terrier, and All Other Purebreds. This previous Saturday, Cristyn, repeated a top 3 placement with Brandy the Bichon Frise placing 2nd in All Other Purebreds. Cristyn, on Sunday, went on further to achieve the Merit Award for her groom of Sopheria the Standard Poodle in a class that had over 30 competitors competing this year, a record turn out for this show. Both Brandy and Sopheria are veterans of several competitions, this being Sophera’s second award and Brandy’s 4th placement during their careers.

“I am currently working on attaining my Master Groomer Certification, completing several parts already.” Cristyn responded when asked about Fun in the Sun and the NDGAA, “Since the judges are Certified Master Groomers, I get invaluable experience and knowledge in what breed standards are and what quality levels that are expected. Knowledge that will help me achieve my Master Groomer Certification.” Fun in the Sun is run by the NDGAA, whom set the expectations in AKC breed standard grooming. In the 45 years of their existence they strive not only to perfect the art of grooming, they stress the professionalism and continuing education needed by groomers. The main mission behind NDGAA is their Master Groomer Certification program, which once completed, certifies the groomer in the ability to groom a wide range of breeds to specific AKC standards. This certification comprises of 5 tests and can take several years to complete and earn, through long and challenging process.

“Being Judged and critiqued by judges like Lisa Leady, a Certified Master Groomer, provides priceless experience and knowledge.” Cristyn replied when asked about the judging process and how it affects her. ”I am very thankful in their dedication and professionalism. Their critiques help give me a reference point to how my ability is progressing but also how to help coach those whom I mentor and work with.” Cristyn uses these skills to help all the stylists at Spotted Paw to meet and exceed their client’s expectations. Now achieving 11 placements and 1 merit award in her 3 years competing, Cristyn continues to strive toward her end goal. With Groom Team USA second place finish this month in Italy it revitalizes her in this quest of one day competing on Groom Team USA.