Qualified, through and through.

Angela is an International Certified Master Groomer, accredited through the International Professional Groomers (IPG) and ICMG UK. Here are her certificates — earned between 2017 and 2018, across utility, gun dog, terrier and mixed breeds.

The headline credential

International Certified Master Groomer.

The crystal star award is Angela's highest accreditation from the International Professional Groomers — a level reached by only a small number of groomers in the UK. It recognises years of training, assessment and hands-on experience across multiple breed groups.

It's the qualification behind the care every dog gets in the parlour: proper technique, patience and a welfare-led approach, one dog at a time.

  • Qualified
  • Passionate
  • Experienced
  • Welfare Led

  • Certified Professional Groomer

    IPG / ICMG UK · July 2017

  • Advanced Professional Groomer

    IPG / ICMG UK · October 2017

  • Certified Salon Professional

    IPG / ICMG UK · July 2017

  • International Endorsement — Utility Breeds

    IPG / ICMG UK · July 2018

  • International Certification — Gun Dog Breeds

    IPG / ICMG UK · December 2018

  • International Certification — Mixed Breeds

    IPG / ICMG UK · May 2018

  • International Certification — Terrier Breeds

    IPG / ICMG UK · September 2018

My journey to becoming an ICMG.

International Certified Master Groomer

With over 34 years of experience in professional dog grooming, I've always believed that no matter how long you've been in the industry, there's always something new to learn.

Around 2017–2018, I decided to take my knowledge, skills and experience a step further by working towards becoming an International Certified Master Groomer (ICMG).

There were several reasons behind my decision.

Firstly, I've always believed that the dog grooming industry should be properly regulated, with recognised qualifications and professional standards in place. After all, we're entrusted with people's much-loved pets, and I believe their safety, comfort and welfare should always come first.

I also wanted to challenge myself. Having spent so many years grooming dogs, I wanted to put my abilities to the test, have my skills independently assessed and prove to myself that my practical experience was backed by professional knowledge and recognised qualifications.

For me, it wasn't simply about gaining certificates. It was about continuing to learn, pushing myself further and demonstrating my commitment to an industry I've dedicated my working life to.

The examinations

My journey involved completing seven professional qualifications, covering professional grooming, advanced grooming techniques, mixed breeds and specialist breed groups, before finally achieving my Master Groomer status.

All my practical examinations took place at my former grooming parlour on Molly Millars Lane in Wokingham.

During each examination, an examiner observed and assessed me throughout the entire groom. The examinations were timed, and I was incredibly proud to pass every single practical assessment on my first attempt.

The written theory examinations, however, were a different story!

Despite my years of hands-on experience, studying and retaining large amounts of written information didn't come quite so naturally to me.

I spent countless hours revising, and there were examinations I had to sit more than once. It certainly wasn't an easy journey, and there were moments of frustration along the way.

But I was determined to see it through.

I kept studying, persevered and eventually passed every examination, earning my International Certified Master Groomer qualification and trophy.

What my qualification means to me

Achieving my ICMG qualification remains one of my proudest professional accomplishments.

It represents far more than certificates on a wall. It represents years of experience, dedication, determination and a willingness to challenge myself, even after decades of working in the profession.

I remain passionate about raising standards within dog grooming and believe that professional knowledge, practical ability and a genuine understanding of canine welfare should go hand in hand.

Today, I bring that same dedication, knowledge and experience into every appointment at Man's Best Friends Dog Grooming Parlour.

While I'm incredibly proud of my qualifications, I firmly believe that being a good groomer is about much more than creating a beautiful haircut.

It's about patience, kindness, understanding each dog's individual needs and knowing when their comfort and wellbeing must come before appearance.

Because behind every beautiful groom should be a happy, comfortable dog.

Angela Defazio International Certified Master Groomer (ICMG)

Qualifications matter — but so does how your dog is treated. Read about how Angela grooms →

Call 07762 103312 Message on WhatsApp