Hey, I’m Krista—the hands, heart, and slightly fur-covered human behind Groomed by Krista.

My journey started on a Morgan horse farm in Upstate New York, where I grew up surrounded by animals of all shapes and sizes. My mom was a professional dog groomer, and she had a salon right on the property. While other kids were riding bikes, I was in the barn with the horses or in the salon watching my mom work her magic—soaking up every moment I could with the animals.

By 16, I was grooming professionally. As my skills grew, so did my responsibilities. My parents expanded the grooming salon to include a small boarding facility, and by the time I graduated high school, I was managing the entire operation—handling everything from scheduling and customer service to hands-on grooming and animal care.

In my early 20s, my family relocated to Naples, FL, where my parents built a larger, modern grooming and boarding facility. I spent years managing the business, further refining my grooming skills , and gaining a deeper understanding of coat care, handling, and the needs of different breeds.

After my parents retired and sold the facility, I had the opportunity to work in upscale salons across Southwest Florida, learning from some of the best show groomers in the industry. Eventually, I found my place as the sole groomer at a highly reputable veterinary hospital on Marco Island, FL. There, under the guidance of four incredible veterinarians, I expanded my expertise even further—learning more about the connection between regular grooming and overall health, including proper skin and ear care, the importance of regular coat maintenance, and how to make grooming more comfortable for special needs and anxious dogs.

After decades in the industry, my body needed a break. Years of high-volume grooming led to carpal tunnel and tendonitis, and I made the difficult decision to step away for a while. But to be honest, my heart never really left the grooming table.

Which brings me here—to a cozy, one-on-one grooming studio in the quiet mountains of Morganton, GA. I opened Groomed by Krista so I could return to the work I love in a way that feels sustainable, intentional, and most importantly, kind—to both me and the dogs in my care.

If you’re looking for a groomer who puts your dog’s comfort first and loves what she does—you just found her.