Today we’d like to introduce you to Fabiola Zermeno.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Before I share how I got to where I am today, it helps to start with a bit of context. I was raised by a single mother and surrounded by strong, hardworking women, so perseverance, discipline, and dedication were values I learned early on. Growing up, I loved to cook and was fortunate to learn from talented family members, which led me into the restaurant industry with the goal of working my way up the line. However, after seven years in various restaurants, I began to see the industry for what it truly was—often romanticized, but difficult and, at times, disheartening. A particularly challenging experience with management made me realize I had fallen out of love with cooking and needed a change.
That turning point came when a friend told me about a grooming position that offered paid training in exchange for a commitment. I saw it as an honest opportunity to learn a new skill in an environment centered around animals—something I had always gravitated toward. I took the leap, left the restaurant industry, and began my journey in dog grooming. While I wasn’t immediately sure it was my calling, working in different salons allowed me to grow both technically and personally. I learned from talented groomers, but just as importantly, I learned how I wanted to treat people, care for animals, and eventually lead my own space.
Over time, I also became aware of how often pets experience stress or mistreatment in grooming environments, whether due to lack of patience, education, or time. Those experiences deeply shaped my perspective and strengthened my desire to advocate for animals, especially those who are anxious, reactive, or misunderstood. About ten years ago, during my third grooming role, I knew I wanted to open my own salon. I didn’t yet know what form it would take, but I was clear on my values—compassion, respect, and quality of care.
With 13 years in the industry, every chapter has been a learning experience. Working in a variety of facilities throughout San Diego exposed me to the diverse needs of both pets and pet parents, and it reinforced my belief that one-on-one grooming can make a meaningful difference—particularly for nervous or sensitive dogs. While larger settings can work for some, I saw firsthand how individualized attention helps many pets feel safer and more at ease. That belief led me to start grooming out of my mom’s garage, eventually growing into the studio salon I operate today.
Being part of the San Diego community has also shaped how I show up for others in the industry. I always invite fellow groomers to stop by—whether they want to learn something new, ask questions, or simply spend time in a supportive space. I’m an open book, and I truly believe in passing knowledge forward and helping the next generation of groomers grow with confidence and care. At the same time, I believe learning never stops. I continue to seek out education, reflect on my experiences, and grow both as a business owner and as a person. My hope is that this space feels safe and respectful not only for the pets who come through the door, but also for the professionals who visit—whether they’re here to learn, connect, or simply feel welcomed. At the end of the day, I’m not motivated by recognition or scale. I’m driven by creating a calm, ethical environment where animals are treated with dignity, people feel supported, and care is always at the center of the work.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Absolutely not—it has not been smooth sailing. Owning a business is something no one can fully prepare you for. It requires resilience, sacrifice, and a level of emotional and physical endurance that goes far beyond passion. There were seasons of living paycheck to paycheck, carefully cutting costs just to stay afloat, and learning very quickly that survival often comes before comfort. I was fortunate early on to have family support, but operating out of a storefront introduced an entirely new level of responsibility, accountability, and growth.
Many of my challenges have shaped me into a stronger leader. Learning how to clearly communicate with clients—while always advocating for what is best for their pets—taught me how to lead with both confidence and compassion. Running a business in downtown San Diego has also meant being deeply aware of the surrounding community, including the realities of homelessness. It’s a complex and heartbreaking issue, and navigating it daily has reinforced the importance of empathy, patience, and being a grounded presence within the neighborhood.
Building relationships with neighboring businesses has been another powerful learning experience. I’ve had to develop professionalism, boundaries, and conflict-resolution skills while understanding that leadership isn’t about control—it’s about collaboration, adaptability, and choosing peace over ego. These experiences taught me that community growth requires emotional intelligence just as much as hard work.
I’ve also had to grow into my voice. Being perceived as younger than my age sometimes meant my opinions weren’t taken seriously, but instead of allowing that to silence me, I’ve learned to stand firmer in who I am and what I bring to the table. Leadership, I’ve realized, isn’t about how others perceive you—it’s about staying aligned with your values and showing up consistently with integrity.
Balancing a full-time job while building my business pushed my body to its limits, and there were moments when illness forced me to slow down. That period taught me an important lesson in sustainable leadership: you cannot pour into a community or a business if you are neglecting your own well-being. Learning when to rest became just as important as learning when to push forward.
Today, I see every challenge as a lesson in leadership. I’m still learning—especially when it comes to conflict resolution—and I plan to make that a major focus moving forward. My goal isn’t just to grow a business, but to help build a supportive, respectful, and inclusive community around it—one where pets, clients, and fellow professionals all feel valued, heard, and supported. True success, to me, is growing together.
We’ve been impressed with Fabiulous Grooming, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Fabiulous Grooming is a luxury, one-on-one, kennel-free grooming studio rooted in intention, education, and genuine care—for both pets and people. What we do goes far beyond grooming. We specialize in creating a calm, safe, and respectful experience tailored to each dog as an individual, using high-quality products, holistic practices, and a thoughtful approach that prioritizes comfort, trust, and long-term well-being.
What truly sets us apart is the way we operate—with transparency, patience, and purpose. We work with one dog at a time, allowing us to be fully present and attentive, and we take the time to educate pet parents so they understand not just what we’re doing, but why it’s in their pet’s best interest. Grooming isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about health, behavior, and building positive experiences that last a lifetime.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the community we’re building. Fabiulous Grooming is not only a safe space for pets, but also an open, welcoming space for fellow grooming professionals. I strongly believe in mentorship and paying it forward—I regularly invite groomers to come observe, ask questions, learn, or simply spend time in a supportive environment. I’m an open book, and I believe leadership means growing together. At the same time, I’m committed to continuing my own education and evolving as both a business owner and a person.
For our readers, I want them to know that Fabiulous Grooming is built on integrity, compassion, and resilience. This brand represents hard work, growth through challenges, and a deep love for the craft. Every service we offer is intentional, every relationship is valued, and every dog is treated with the respect they deserve. At the heart of it all, Fabiulous Grooming is here to make a meaningful difference.
What matters most to you?
What matters most to me is integrity—how I show up for my clients, their pets, and my community, even when no one is watching.
As a business owner, I’ve learned that success isn’t just about growth or numbers; it’s about trust, consistency, and intention. I care deeply about creating an environment where pets feel safe, respected, and genuinely cared for, and where clients feel heard and educated rather than rushed or pressured.
Equally important to me is community and mentorship. I believe in passing knowledge forward, supporting other groomers, and fostering a space that encourages learning, connection, and growth—not competition. I want my work to reflect leadership rooted in compassion and accountability, and to leave a positive impact that extends beyond my business.
At the end of the day, what matters most is building something honest, sustainable, and meaningful—something I can be proud of, and something that truly serves others.
Pricing:
- Full-service grooming experiences start at $115, with pricing based on pet size, coat condition, and time required
- All services are one-on-one, kennel-free, ensuring individualized care and a low-stress environment
- Each appointment includes luxury bath & blow-dry, nail trimming and buffing, ear cleaning, teeth brushing, and a customized finish
- Specialty services such as Ayurvedic coat treatments, creative color, and deshedding rituals are available as add-ons
- Pricing reflects the time, expertise, and personalized attention dedicated to each pet rather than a volume-based model
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/fabiulousgrooming
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fabiulousgrooming
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fabiulousgrooming
- Yelp: https://yelp.to/-2lDfrI4hN
- Other: https://maps.app.goo.gl/rAEzER62RvoMPTgp7
Image Credits
Israel garcia
