Gabriel Feitosa, a Brazilian dog grooming artist based in San Diego, California, and the owner of Gabriel Feitosa Grooming Salon, has turned his passion for grooming into a thriving business, making headlines for his artistic transformations of dogs.
Originally from São Paulo, Brazil, Feitosa ventured into the booming global pet grooming market, which now exceeds $1.3 billion. His salon, staffed by 10 employees, handles around 20 dogs daily and 500 dogs monthly, with each pet receiving a personalized makeover rather than just a haircut.Feitosa's signature style blends traditional grooming methods with unique designs, often incorporating vegan, pet-friendly dyes. With over 2.5 million TikTok followers and 1 million on Instagram, his creations have garnered widespread attention on social media.
Each intricate design takes between 3 to 5 hours to complete and can cost anywhere from $500 to $1,200. Despite the long hours, Feitosa's passion drives him. In 2022 alone, his salon generated $1.2 million in revenue, supplemented by $125,500 from brand deals and sponsorships.
"This salon is a dream for me," Feitosa told CNBC. "I came to the U.S. with two scissors and a clipper, and now I have a place where I feel like an artist and show the world that this career is possible."
Feitosa's journey began in São Paulo, Brazil, where his fascination with dog grooming started at the age of 12. He learned the ropes by working at a local grooming shop after school, eventually making dog grooming his full-time career. His determination led him to the United States at 23, where he honed his skills through internships and working with dog shows.
In 2018, Feitosa seized an opportunity to purchase a small grooming business in San Diego, where he began crafting his unique designs. Despite challenges, such as the salon's temporary closure due to the pandemic, Feitosa's business has flourished. He was also a finalist on ABC's "Pooch Perfect," a dog grooming competition show, further propelling his career and attracting clients nationwide.
Looking forward, Feitosa envisions opening a second salon in Los Angeles and hosting his own dog grooming TV show.
"I've learned that success is a consequence of following your passion and your purpose," Feitosa said. "If grooming dogs is the most random thing, but that's what you love doing and you do it to the fullest and hardest you can... why can't you achieve wealth and success?"
Learn more about the business via its official website at GabrielFeitosaGroomer.com and follow the brand on Instagram @GabrielFeitosaGrooming
Also, you can support the business by visiting its location at 4219 Park Blvd, San Diego CA 92103