GroomTeam the Netherlands embodies excellence in grooming: precision, creativity, and respect for animal welfare are at the heart of their practice. Each team member brings specialized expertise, a keen eye for detail, and remarkable sensitivity. We are proud to have been chosen as the main sponsor, to support this extraordinary team, and to help them bring out the best in their dogs every day. Their unwavering commitment to quality, along with their desire to push themselves to new heights in competitions, makes them inspiring ambassadors.
The groomers at GroomTeam the Netherlands are recognized professionals whose expertise and attention to detail help raise the profile of their field on an international scale. Through their work, training programs, and projects, they inspire passion and excellence.
NATASJA EKKELKAMP
PURE BREED OPEN
Natasja took her first steps into the world of dog grooming in 2012, while she was working as a teacher. The arrival of her first dog, a Bichon Frisé, led her to discover a grooming salon where she immediately felt a true calling. She then trained with determination to become a professional groomer, and in 2013, she opened her grooming salon, Hugs & Paws, and won her first grooming competition. Over the years, she has refined her style, developed in-depth knowledge of dog breeds and grooming techniques, and built a strong reputation. Driven by her passion for attention to detail and her commitment to the animals’ well-being, she regularly participates in competitions and professional events. Since 2025, Natasja has been a member of the GroomTeam the Netherlands and now uses her experience to train the next generation of professionals.
NIKE ELBERTSEN
HANDSTRIPPING CHAMPION | SPANIEL & SETTER CHAMPION | POODLE CHAMPION
Nike Elbertsen is an internationally recognized leader in pet grooming and has owned her own salon, Hondentrimsalon de Deel, since 2005. Her unique background as a veterinary nurse and certified groomer gives her unparalleled expertise in animal anatomy and health. A true virtuoso, she excels in all techniques, from scissor cutting to hand stripping, and brings out the best in every breed with impressive precision. A renowned instructor and examiner, Nike plays a major role in the evolution of the profession, both in the Netherlands and abroad, by passing on her high standards and techniques to new generations. Her list of achievements is on par with her talent: staggering. Since the early 2000s, she has racked up podium finishes and Best in Show titles at the most prestigious events (Swiss Groomer, Groomanie, Grooming Art, Groomphoria, Diamex Master Groomer, etc.), distinguishing herself through her versatility, talent, and impeccable finishes, which have made her a leading figure in the global grooming world.
ANNELIES HONKOOP-VAN OMMEN
CHAMPION POODLE | CHAMPION SPANIEL & SETTER
Annelies is the owner of Jack’s Trimsalon; she has established herself as a true master of canine grooming, with a particular specialty in Poodles and Spaniels. Her approach goes beyond mere artistry; she combines a keen eye for detail with in-depth knowledge of breed standards, resulting in finishes of rare precision. With a bachelor’s degree in education, she holds a strategic role at the largest training center in the Netherlands. There, she transforms complex techniques into accessible knowledge, inspiring the next generation of groomers with her clarity and infectious enthusiasm. Her ability to methodically convey her passion makes her a mentor. Annelies’ talent also shines in the spotlight of international competitions. Her impressive track record, marked by first-place finishes and prestigious Best in Show titles, attests to her unwavering dedication.
DIANA NAB
POODLE CHAMPION | PURE BREED OPEN
Diana has always had a deep passion for animals. After earning her degree as a veterinary assistant in 2004 and completing her professional grooming training in 2007, she made her dream a reality by opening her own salon, Hondentrimsalon Diana. Although she had been grooming for years, Diana took a new step in 2019 by entering her first competition—an unexpected debut that earned her a remarkable second-place finish. Since then, she has continued to hone her skills: over the past season, she secured three first-place finishes and one second-place finish with her poodle—results that now qualify her for the Champions Class—and she also earned two third-place finishes with her bichon.
In 2025, a dream came true when she was selected for the Dutch national grooming team—a prestigious honor that motivates her to push her limits, learn new techniques, and bring out the best in her dogs. For Diana, dog grooming is both a career and a passion—an adventure she pursues with enthusiasm, determination, and the ambition to experience many more memorable moments and competitive successes.
ANITA TEN BRINCKE-TE BRAKE
HANDSTRIPPING CHAMPION | POODLE OPEN
Anita is a leading figure in the dog grooming industry in the Netherlands. As the founder of the renowned De Vachtpraktijk salon, she has successfully turned her passion into an exceptional career. With a strong background in business before devoting herself fully to the world of dogs in 2016, she breeds Miniature Schnauzers under the Amarah Vida kennel name. A highly sought-after instructor, she offers workshops for pet owners, private sessions for professionals, and technical demonstrations, sharing her expertise with remarkable pedagogical precision. A formidable competitor, she has amassed a prestigious list of achievements since 2016: podium finishes and Best in Show titles at the most renowned competitions, such as Groomania, Diamex Master Groomer, and the Swiss Groomer. Today, Anita looks to the future with her ambition undiminished. Driven by a commitment to excellence, she is preparing for the 2026 EGA World Championships.
SUSAN ZEESTRATEN
HANDSTRIPPING CHAMPION | PURE BREED CHAMPION
Susan Zeestraten is a certified groomer who has been running her salon, Susan’s Hondentrimsalon, since 1990. As a Miniature Schnauzer breeder, she has built her reputation on technical precision and an in-depth understanding of the specific needs of each breed. A recognized specialist, she has mastered a variety of demanding styles, ranging from precision hand-stripping to modern scissor-cutting techniques. Her attention to detail allows her to deliver professional finishes that always prioritize the dog’s comfort and personality. As a top-level competitor, Susan boasts an impressive international record, with multiple championship titles and Best in Show awards earned between 2003 and 2026. These successes attest to her talent and her ability to maintain consistent quality under pressure. At the same time, she shares her expertise by leading workshops and serving as an examiner for aspiring professionals. Today, her ambition remains undiminished: she is aiming for a podium finish at the World Cup.
