We recently had the chance to connect with Sindy Gamez and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Sindy, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Lately, horse riding has been bringing me a lot of joy. I’ve started taking lessons and even invested in my own saddle, which makes me feel more connected to the progress I’m making. It challenges me physically and mentally, because riding is as much about focus and communication as it is about skill. What I love most is the sense of freedom and confidence it gives me — every ride is a reminder that growth comes from patience and practice. It’s become a way for me to recharge, stay grounded, and bring that same sense of discipline and balance into other areas of my life
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Sindy Vanessa Gamez, and I’m the founder of Orta Couture Grooming — a brand that blends professional grooming with a fashion-forward twist. While many groomers focus solely on technique, I bring my love of fashion into the grooming world, creating styles that are polished, creative, and inspired by the elegance of couture. I enjoy designing custom accessories, experimenting with looks, and finding ways to make grooming feel like a true expression of style. Beyond my work with pets, I also share my passion through community outreach, including teaching kids at the SPCA Critter Camp about how grooming impacts pet health. What makes my journey unique is that I’m carving out a space where grooming isn’t just about cleanliness — it’s about beauty, confidence, and self-expression, both for pets and their people.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
In my experience, what breaks bonds between people is when communication and trust are missing. In grooming, teamwork is everything — from supporting each other during a tough dog to making sure the salon runs smoothly. If someone feels unheard or undervalued, it creates tension and distance.
What restores those bonds is collaboration and respect. When we step in to help each other, share knowledge, and celebrate small wins, trust is rebuilt. I’ve seen how even a challenging day can turn around when the team chooses to work together with patience and positivity. In grooming — just like in life — bonds are strongest when we truly value one another’s contributions
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me lessons that success never could — humility, resilience, and the ability to keep moving forward with hope. My mom is battling cancer, yet she stays so positive. She shows me every day that joy and gratitude can exist even in the hardest moments. Her outlook has become an example I carry with me.
I’ve also lived this lesson myself. I once left a higher-paying job to take a big pay cut and start fresh at PetSmart because I wanted to build a life around my dogs and grooming. It was scary and humbling, but it taught me that sometimes the path that looks like a setback is actually the one that leads to purpose. Suffering stripped away my fear of starting over, and it gave me the perspective to value growth, passion, and authenticity over comfort.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies my industry tells itself is that grooming has to stay inside the box — plain uniforms, standard cuts, and no room for individuality. I remember once working at a salon when a manager asked me, ‘What do you mean by adding fashion to grooming?’ People often looked puzzled when I styled dogs beyond the basics, almost like they couldn’t see fashion belonging in that space.
But over time, that became my signature. Clients loved seeing their pets styled with personality and flair, and it created a unique bond because they felt their dogs were being treated like more than just pets — they were styled companions. Even in how I present myself, I don’t just wear a t-shirt to groom; I dress as if I’m stepping into the fashion world, because grooming is my runway. I’m not just a groomer, I’m also a designer — and tying those talents together is how my grooming really became a thing.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
If I knew I had 10 years left, I honestly wouldn’t stop anything — I would enhance my life. I’d pour more energy into the things I already love: growing my brand, creating fashion-forward grooming experiences, spending time with my dogs, and pushing myself to keep learning new skills like horse riding. To me, life isn’t about cutting things out, it’s about making what you already do more meaningful. I’d make sure every choice reflected joy, creativity, and connection, so the next 10 years would feel full and intentional.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @ms.vanessagamez
