CFCC graduate Zoey Brass launches dog grooming business in Carolina Beach

Zoey Brass has always loved animals but never imagined that her passion would quickly become a thriving business. After graduating from Cape Fear Community College’s Dog Grooming program in December 2024, she wasted no time using her skills. Just a month later, in January of this year, she opened Island Dog Grooming in Carolina Beach. It was a whirlwind, but everything seemed to fall into place perfectly.

Zoey’s journey into dog grooming began unexpectedly when her family got their dog, Finn. After experiencing the high cost of professional grooming, Zoey’s mother encouraged her to pursue it herself. “You love animals, why not?” her mother said.

“When I looked into programs, Cape Fear was launching its dog grooming program. I was like, ‘Wow, what a coincidence.’ It was meant to be.” Zoey took it as a sign and enrolled in the first cohort of students in July 2024.

Over the next six months, Zoey immersed herself in learning, shadowing professionals, and perfecting her skills.

“Cape Fear literally taught me everything,” Zoey said. “From being scared to cut a nail to confidently shaping a dog’s face, the program covered it all. My instructor, Lisa Arstone, was amazing. She guided us through every step and let us learn by doing.”

Zoey appreciated her instructor’s teaching style. “She would do one side of the dog’s face and then have us mirror the other side,” she explained. “That really helped me because I’m such a visual learner. Seeing the exact steps and then having to replicate them made a huge difference in building my confidence and skills.”

The program not only gave Zoey the technical skills she needed but also helped her build a clientele. Starting with their own pets, students gradually opened their services to CFCC employees and eventually the public. “I remember posting about it in a local Carolina Beach group, and my teacher got over a hundred emails the next day!” Zoey recalled. “We always had dogs to groom and something to work on.”

After graduating in mid-December, Zoey wasted no time turning her training into a business. With the support of her parents, she opened Island Dog Grooming in Carolina Beach. “My parents played a huge role in setting up the shop. My dad handled plumbing and construction. My mom added creative touches like handmade countertops and décor,” Zoey shared. “It really was a family effort.”

Now, just weeks after opening, Zoey is already seeing success. “People come in saying, ‘We’ll see how this goes,’ and leave loving it. I even tell them, ‘Please, if there’s anything I can improve, let me know!’ But they just keep coming back.” She’s just getting started with a ribbon-cutting for her business scheduled in April.

“I love that I get to work with animals who actually love me and don’t talk back,” Zoey joked. “But seriously, this community has been so supportive, and I can’t wait to see where this journey takes me.”

Interested in pursuing a career in dog grooming? Visit cfcc.edu/dog-grooming .