About Us
Meet the Founders
Kimiko Arima - CEO
Frustrated by overpriced, underwhelming dog treats, I set out to create something better and KC Barkers Treats was born. What started as a passion for quality treats quickly grew into KC Barkers Pet Supply, a place where quality meets charm, and every furry friend is treated like family.
Thanks to our incredible team, loyal customers, self-service dog wash, and professional grooming services, our community has grown beyond what I imagined. Today, I’m proud to expand that vision through the KC Barkers Grooming Apprenticeship Program. Our grooming apprentice program Is geared to educate and inspire future groomers by teaching safe and professional grooming techniques, which fulfills my commitment to invest in the future of pet care.
About The Program
KC Barkers Grooming Apprentice Program introduces a fresh series of onsite training, specifically crated to educate, train, and evaluate professionals in the field of pet care, focusing on dogs. We offer a hands-on, on-the-job training pathway where individuals learn to groom dogs by working directly under the supervision of an experienced mentor or professional stylist.
KC Barkers Grooming Apprentice Program (KCBGAP) starts with the posh KC Barkers Pet Supply store (the subsidiaries of KC Barkers LLC) of which our apprentices will interact with real customers in real-life scenarios. KC Barkers first opened its doors on January 27th 2025, and within a short period of time have become a hot spot for all things dogs and cats.
Meet Your Instructors
Ebony Russell – Professional Stylist and Mentor
For Ebony, grooming isn’t just a service, it’s a craft. With six years of industry experience and professional certification, she has built a reputation for polished finishes, creative transformations, and a calm, confident approach with every dog she meets.
As a mentor within KC Barkers’ Apprentice Program, she thrives on guiding aspiring groomers through the foundations of skill, safety, and style. She’s especially skilled with nervous and sensitive dogs, turning what could be a stressful experience into one built on trust and understanding.
Whether it’s a classic breed trim or a bold splash of dog-safe colour, her work reflects both artistry and care.
Courtney Johnson – Professional Stylist
With a grooming career that began in 2001, Courtney brings more than twenty years of hands-on expertise to the KC Barkers Grooming Apprentice Program. As a Certified Master Groomer, she sets the standard for precision, professionalism, and advanced handling skills.
She has a particular talent for working with difficult dogs, remaining calm and methodical in situations that require experience and confidence. In addition to her canine expertise, she is also skilled in cat grooming , a testament to her patience and technical versatility.
As an instructor, she is passionate about preparing apprentices for real-world grooming, equipping them with the knowledge, resilience, and professionalism needed to thrive in the industry.
Meet the Assistant Stylist and Former Student
Daniela Restrepo
As the Assistant Stylist and a proud apprentice in our Dog Grooming Apprenticeship Program, I’ve discovered that passion and patience make the perfect grooming tools! Through hands-on training, I’ve developed strong skills in bathing, drying, brushing, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and breed-specific haircuts because every pup deserves a style that suits them. Gentle, responsible, and calm by nature, I always prioritize each pet’s safety and comfort. I love building trust with dogs and creating a positive, stress-free experience from start to finish. When I joined the KC Barkers Apprentice Program, I had little grooming experience, but with dedication and heart, I’ve grown into a confident groomer. I’m a fast learner, a team player, and I truly enjoy connecting with both pets and their owners making every visit a happy, tail-wagging one!