MEET THE CREW
Lisa Whitlock, Owner, Dog Stylist
Born an animal lover in California, Lisa moved to Indiana when she was 6, and she grew up in Carmel, Indiana where her dog grooming career began. With 22 years of working with dogs under her belt (18 of which as a professional dog groomer), she decided it was time to make some BIG moves. In the spring of 2021, Ruff-N-Roll Fur Studio was born.
If you're lucky, you'll get to see her handsome husband Matt around the salon when he's not managing the Starbucks down the street. You may also see her human son named Graham (8) and human stepson Wes (12). She rescued her hound mix Norman in 2018 when he was just a big-eared pup. She has an adorable 11-year-old little kitty named Ducky. Her newest addition can be seen running the salon with all of the tongue and none of the size. She took in 13-year-old Tammy Tutu the chihuahua in early 2022 when her uncle was nearing the end of his life.
Lisa's love for dogs started at birth and has lasted just as long as her love for music. She has had many dogs over the years, but one poodle named Striker will forever hold a special place in her heart. He is THE reason for her obsession with Standard Poodles.
Lisa loves almost every kind of music out there, but her favorites are every kind of rock, showtunes, hip hop, and jazz. She spent 12 years singing in choir, and she has spent many more years attending concerts of all kinds.
Lisa is passionate about old dogs, and she has kept many of the same clients through multiple generations of dogs. She wholeheartedly believes in caring for dogs from puppyhood through adulthood and onto senior living. She believes the most important job a groomer has is to earn each dog's trust, and this happens with patience, consistency, compassion, and love.
Lori Halstead, Assistant, Professional Dog Lover
If you stop by Ruff-N-Roll, you will certainly have the pleasure of meeting Lori (assuming you can see her over the counter). She is the shortest person in the salon but the biggest ray of sunshine. She is our all around right-hand woman. You will find her doing just about every and any task in the salon!
Lori began working with dogs in 2013 at a doggy daycare in Zionsville before becoming a professional dog groomer. She quickly learned that dogs were in fact her passion, and she wanted to be involved with them in some capacity going forward. Lori started working with Lisa and Mallory in 2014, and they have all been friends ever since! She is a phenomenal dog groomer, however, unfortunately a hand injury has prevented her from grooming dogs at this point in her career. She is helping us with other aspects of the grooming process, such as bathing and drying your pups and doing their nails.
Lori has an amazing (and much taller) husband Jason who she has been married to since 2005. They have a beautiful daughter and dog-lover named Zoe. Together they have a kitty named Sophie, and she hopes to soon have an Irish Wolfhound if someone can bribe her husband. Please and thank you.
Lori likes to rock out to some 90's grunge/alternative and 90's R&B. Her dream dog is an Irish Wolfhound (hence the tall husband), but she always says the uglier the dog the better (not applicable to Jason). She speaks Spanish, has gorgeous curly locks, and she will give your dog ALL of the hugs and kisses.
Mallory Soliven, Dog Stylist
Mallory started working with animals in 2008 when she was just a young pup herself. She met Lisa in 2009 at the beginning of her grooming career, and they quickly bonded over their Asian heritage, love for art (in all forms), and their passion for pets. They have remained friends and worked in several salons together over the years. Mallory will make you and your pet instantly feel comfortable and welcome when you come into the studio.
She is the MOST passionate about rescue animals and has dedicated time over the years volunteering with rescues and even donated to help with animal care and rescue as well as military veterans. She has a big heart, caring soul, and giving spirit.
Mallory is a single mom of 4 extraordinary furry children. She has Lady Emma of Borkenshire (ulti-mutt), High Lord King Tigerious Maximus (cat), Sir Oliver La Floof (bichon/poodle mix), and Lady in Waiting Miss Pepper of Meowington (kitty). Her pets' names tell you everything you need to know about Mallory's creativity, sense of humor, and personality. You will love her just as much as her spoiled animals do!
Mallory loves all dogs, but she has a soft spot for senior pets and any good Heinz 57. She also loves a saucy terrier! Just like her eclectic taste in dogs, she shares the same all-inclusive taste in music.
Mallory cares SO much about each and every dog in her care. She treats her clients (furry and human) like family, and she will do everything in her power to make your dog look fantastic and make sure that you are happy with their haircut.
Maddy Card, Dog Stylist
Maddy began her grooming career in 2021, and she has enough drive, passion, and love for dogs to make her seem like she's been grooming for a million years. Prior to grooming, she had several years of experience as a dog walker/pet sitter, and she worked at a doggy daycare/boarding facility. She is eager to please her clients and make her new furry friends feel as comfortable as can be in her care.
Like most of us groomers, she grew up a dog lover. Now it's her mission to make all of her dog friends reciprocate those feelings no matter what it takes. She shows incredible patience and compassion when dealing with anxious or difficult dogs. The only thing bigger than her heart is the smile on her face when she gains the trust of your pup.
The love of Maddy's life is her best friend/partner in crime/snuggle buddy Ireland. She's a gorgeous 5-year-old shepherd mix, and she truly is the apple of her mom's eye.
A creative woman at heart, Maddy is also a brilliant photographer. She even helps with some of our social media photography/videography!
She enjoys music of all kinds, and she really enjoys a good concert. Maddy has a hunger for knowledge, and she is always researching and learning about new techniques to enhance her skills and advance career. No matter what, you can always trust that your dog is in safe and caring hands with her!
Maria Mora, Dog Stylist
Maria started her grooming journey in Venezuela almost 30 years ago! She developed a passion for grooming at a young age, and she was able to turn that into a career to pay her way through college. This extremely talented and driven woman has her degree in Industrial Engineering. She was also on her university's fencing team! Basically, she can do anything she puts her mind to.
Her desire to groom stems from her first family dog when she was only 15. They had a beautiful miniature poodle named Maicita, and they took her to get groomed. It was a traumatic experience for Maicita, and Maria was determined to learn how to groom her dog herself. She made it her mission to gently, patiently, and compassionately groom her own dog and every dog she could by watching videos and working with other grooming professionals in Venezuela. By 17, she was a professional dog groomer, and little by little she filled her books with regular and loyal clients. When I asked Maria what her favorite dogs to groom are, she said doodles, poodles, shih tzus, and yorkies. I told her she is in the right place for that kind of clientele!
Maria is incredibly kind, patient, understanding, and compassionate. She has a calm and gentle energy towards the dogs and the people around her. She has tons of tricks up her sleeve to help our crew with different challenges as well! In her free time, you will find her with her husband Manuel, her two adorable French Bulldogs (Amy the angel and Penny the not-quite-an-angel), or visiting with her brother who lives in Canada or her parents who still live in Venezuela. She enjoys the outdoors, taking her dogs to the park, riding her bike, dancing, and watching tv! She loves all kinds of music, and she describes fencing as a dance. We knew that she would fit right in with the rest of us music lovers!
Being from Venezuela, Spanish is her first language. She is doing a great job working on her English, and we are quickly learning that most of us are way behind on our Spanish. Lo siento, Maria!
Mary Manning, Dog Stylist
Mary has been making dogs beautiful since the dawn of time (aka 2001). She has known some of our crew for over a decade, and we all adore her. She has groomed competitively, and she has the skills to prove it!
She has owned dogs, loved dogs, and snuggled all the dogs since she was little. She is incredibly patient, compassionate, and she will take the best care of your furry companion. Her years of experience are put on display with how she handles each dog and each groom.
Mary has had many dogs over the years, but one special little boy named Zeus really had her heart. He was a spicy little min pin, and he loved to be the salon police. He didn't run things with his size or strength, but he demanded respect with his confidence and attitude.
Mary's other passion is music, as it should be to work with our crazy crew. She is an incredible DJ/producer/musician better known as DJ Fate. She has been gracing Indianpaolis' eardrums with her beats for many years! Check her out: https://www.facebook.com/DJFateIndy