Rising Stars: Meet Alyssa Ortega of Orange

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alyssa Ortega.

Hi Alyssa, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Hi, I’m Alyssa. I started grooming in 2015 while I was going to college for art and design. At the time, I thought that’s what I wanted to do, but I kept skipping class to pick up extra shifts at my first grooming job at PetSmart. That’s when it really hit me that grooming was what I was actually passionate about.

I’m from Rancho Santa Margarita, and when I got more serious about grooming, I started commuting from there to LA almost every day just to keep learning and getting better. The drive was crazy long, but I was so determined. Eventually I just moved to LA so I could be closer to work and keep growing. I ended up working at some amazing salons, including Jess Rona Grooming, where I got to help care for some pretty iconic dogs.

In 2021, I started competing in grooming competitions and have won several awards in salon freestyle, usually working on doodles and poodles since those are the breeds I love most.

After a few years in LA, I moved back closer to home and started working toward opening my own grooming space called Cozy Bear Grooming. It’s going to be a small, intimate salon where I can focus on one dog at a time and really give them the attention they deserve. The space is designed to feel calm, clean, and personal, with a focus on fluffier pet trims that grow out beautifully. I want every dog to leave feeling (and looking) like the best version of themselves.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The start of my grooming career was definitely a struggle as I was still figuring out what I wanted to do in life and questioning if this was really 100% for me. I was prioritizing grooming while some people around me said it wouldn’t be worth it. They questioned why I was investing in the right tools and paying for classes when I could have taken an easier path. But I knew I had to commit fully if I wanted to get better and make it work.

Another big challenge was how much my life kept changing. I commuted for a long time from Rancho Santa Margarita to LA, then I moved there to focus more on my skills, and eventually I moved back home. It felt like my life was always on a ride, never really settling down. That uncertainty was tough, but it taught me resilience and helped me stay focused on my goals.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a professional dog pet stylist and I really love working with curly coated breeds like poodles and doodles. I focus on trims that not only look great but are easy to maintain and grow out nicely between appointments. For me, grooming is more than just a job because it lets me combine my love for art and animals every day.
I’m known for paying close attention to detail and creating custom trims that bring out each dog’s unique look and personality. Competing in grooming competitions and winning awards has helped me improve my skills and challenge my creativity. Those experiences are important to me because they reflect the passion and dedication I put into every groom.

Any big plans?
Right now, my biggest plan is opening my own grooming shop called Cozy Bear Grooming in Seal Beach, aiming for summer 2025. I’m really excited to have a small, cozy space where I can focus on one dog at a time and give each pet the focused care because I believe every dog deserves the best. I’m all about cute pet trims that look great but are also comfortable and easy to maintain as they grow out. What makes me different is my passion and the care I put into every groom. I want every dog to leave the salon, looking like a masterpiece. Creating a calm, personal vibe is super important to me because I want both dogs and their owners to feel relaxed and confident in the care they’re getting.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://cozybeargrooming.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alysser_ortega?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@alysser_ortega?_t=ZT-8womZXQznji&_r=1

Image Credits
Last 2 photos were taken at the Jess Rona Grooming salon location, with my personal dogs as models