About Us
Our Story
The idea for Balanced Dog Grooming started while co-founder Torina Yamada was searching for a new apartment. Although the residences billed themselves as pet friendly, there were very few actual pet amenities.
As anyone who has tried to bathe their dog in a tub without a sprayer knows, it’s a soggy task, at best. Torina knew that many of her fellow residents were dealing with the same problem. Enlisting Anndrea Gutierrez, they began planning the best way to help residents of pet-friendly apartments keep their furry family members clean, healthy, and happy.
Torina and Anndrea immediately got to work making their dog grooming amenity dream into a sudsy, dog-loving reality.
A little over a year later, Balanced Dog Grooming is operating in 10 luxury apartment complexes (and counting) and a Marriott hotel.
Our Grooming Team
Iris
Iris is a loving, caring stylist who has been certified through West Coast Grooming Academy. She not only does fabulous cuts, but she’s also the master of color. She has experience with giving your pets the extra pizzazz you and they will both love. When she’s not at Balanced she’s spending time with her best friend Whiskey; her sheepadoodle!
Kevin
Kevin is a Dog dad to his Bernese Mountain dog, Bronson! He’s been working in pet care/grooming industry for over 13 years. He loves grooming all breeds and making that special bond with dogs. He looks forward to working with your pups!!
Tim
Tim is a Dog dad to his baby, Bailey, an English Cream long hair Datsun. He’s been in the dog business for 21 years, with 10 years of experience working at an animal hospital as a vet technician/ veterinarian assistant, 2 years in dog training, 6 years working in and managing a doggie daycare, and now 3 years in the dog grooming business. We love our resident vet tech and bather, Tim!
Taryn
Taryn was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. Growing up, she always loved animals and had a few pets of her own, Nika, Dez, Cali, and Creeper. She’s been working within the pet industry for years, prior to working at Balanced Dog Grooming, She helped manage The Dog Bakery in Venice. Her life goal is to own a farm with livestock and plenty of dogs! She is grateful for the opportunity to work with such loving animals. “I am happy to be part of the Balanced Dog Grooming family!”Management Team
Torina Yamada
President & CEO
Torina Yamada is a mother of one son and four fur babies. A graduate of Loyola Marymount University she knew that one day her life would be destined to "Go forth and set the world on fire," as her alma mater would put it. A constant visionary, Torina has long been creating businesses. Her constant hunger for learning and innovating has landed her as CEO and President of her newest company Balanced Dog Grooming — a new hybrid pet grooming experience.
Torina's 22 years of work history and skills in business management have prepared her to accomplish her passions and dreams of having BDG in complexes all over the world.
Anndrea Gutierrez
Vice-President & CFO
Anndrea Gutierrez is co-founder and CFO of Balanced Dog Grooming. Growing up in Los Angeles with dogs, rabbits, turtles, and birds; it was evident to see she has a passion for animals. In her off time, you can find her snuggled up watching documentaries with her English bulldog Charles.
Anndrea's 15 years of customer service experience have formed BDG's culture of kindness and sense of community. Her goal for BDG is to expand worldwide in an environmentally conscious manner.
Tracy Sapasap
Front-End Manager