Animals shaped the course of my life
I am the founder of KIKA GROUP, an international dog show judge, breeder, grooming expert, pet care product developer, and author. I have been working with animals for nearly four decades.
During this time, my activities encompassed professional grooming, breeding, cynology, animal nutrition, product development, manufacturing, international business development, and education. However, the origin of all these activities was very simple — love for one dog.
Kika, a silver poodle, became my first teacher.
My journey in the animal world began with a small silver poodle named Kika. I got her when I was fifteen. Kika became not only a beloved family dog but also my first teacher.
At that time, there were no professional grooming schools in Lithuania, nor was information easily accessible. I had to seek out knowledge myself—observing other specialists, trying out techniques, and analyzing the results.
Eventually, I realized that coat condition cannot be assessed separately from skin, nutrition, genetics, health, and daily care. This approach became the foundation of all my professional activities.
While studying, after lectures I would go to work at a small dog grooming salon. The work would continue late into the evening, and the client base steadily grew.
The greatest recognition was not the diplomas, which were almost non-existent at the time, but the real results — the groomed dogs successfully performed at shows.
Then I realized that a good groomer cannot be just a hair stylist. They must understand anatomy, breed standards, coat structure, skin condition, cosmetic ingredients, the impact of nutrition, and animal behavior.
KIKA was founded in 1991. On November 11, 1993, the first pet store opened its doors at 56 A. Mickevičius Street. We started the business modestly—without major investors or an international strategy. We possessed practical experience and a clear understanding of what pet owners needed.
I chose the name KIKA in honor of my first dog.
From a single store, KIKA has grown into an international group of companies — retail, pet food and treat production, veterinary services, grooming, education, breeding, and proprietary brands. However, the principle remains the same: a product must solve a real problem for the animal.
Working with animals of different breeds, coat types, and health conditions, I encountered problems for which there were not always suitable solutions on the market — some needed specialized nutrition, others reacted poorly to conventional cosmetics.
Therefore, product development began not with the desire to create just another brand, but with a specific question:
What does the animal need for us to solve this problem?
A product must not only look good. It must have a clear purpose, be safe, and deliver real results when used correctly.
Dry, brittle, or discolored fur does not always mean you need a different shampoo. The cause could be diet, nutrient absorption, skin condition, genetics, or a combination of several factors.
That is why I approach animal care systematically. First, you need to understand the animal, its breed, and its individual needs — only then can you choose the right diet, cosmetics, and daily routine.
I began sharing my knowledge at a very early age—when I was just sixteen and took charge of the poodle section at the club. It happened naturally: I wanted not only to learn and improve myself but also to use the experience I had gained to help others.
In 1988, I opened Lithuania’s first dog grooming salon at 2 Miško Street. That marked the beginning of a journey that later expanded into much broader activities—professional training, knowledge sharing, and the creation of a new culture of pet care in Lithuania.
It's important for me not to provide one correct sequence of actions, but to help understand the principles. When a person understands why a decision is made, they can react appropriately even when the situation changes.
I put my accumulated experience into the book "Mastery of Fur and Skin. My Journey" – a publication of over 400 pages about fur and skin care, nutrition, professional grooming, fur types, and cosmetic selection.
I wanted to create a publication that would not just provide brief answers but would help to understand the entire animal care system.
I continue to actively participate in product development, breeding, education, and the international expansion of KIKA GROUP. I work with "Tauro Kennel" dogs, participate in exhibitions, and share my knowledge.
The scale of activities, countries, and projects have changed, but the goal remains the same – to help people better understand animals and make decisions that contribute to their healthier lives.
An animal cannot choose its own food, grooming products, or the human it will trust. Therefore, all responsibility falls to us.
Learn about Janita's book, the trainings she leads, the activities of "Tauro Kennel", and the international journey of KIKA GROUP.