Arisa Thomas, who is one of the 22 contestants of NBC’s The Traitors, is behind the viral makeovers and transformation of scruffy dogs turning into adorable teddy bears that you might have seen while scrolling through Instagram and TikTok lately.
Arisa is a Los Angeles-based dog groomer who has taken the pet world by storm. How? Let us answer this below.
Arisa Thomas: The Celebrity Dog Groomer
Arisa might be a reality TV star after her appearance in The Traitors, but behind the screen, she is a professional dog groomer and social media influencer.
She is the co-owner of Blue Pooch, a grooming salon in Los Angeles known for its Japanese-inspired, Asian Fusion pet trims.
According to Arisa’s LinkedIn, she has been working as a Dog Stylist at Blue Pooch since October 2023.
Blue Pooch is her family-owned dog grooming salon, which she opened with her mom and sister.
Arisa has dog grooming in her DNA as her mother has been a groomer for decades, and when Arisa was 18 and unsure about her career path, her mom suggested she try the family business.
It did not take Arisa long to discover that dog grooming is her passion.
What sets Arisa apart from other dog groomers is her signature Asian Fusion grooming technique. This style turns dogs into cute, round, teddy bear-like creatures with fluffy faces and plush coats.
Arisa has a mixed ethnicity; she is half black and half Japanese, so she grew up in Japanese culture. She has taken a lot of inspiration from Japanese culture, so her grooming tends to be very cute and Anime or teddy bear-like.
Arisa has built an impressive following of over 295.2K followers on TikTok and 110K on Instagram, where she shares stunning before-and-after transformations that captivate pet lovers worldwide.
Teaching and Giving Back
Beyond grooming, Arisa is passionate about education. She offers online grooming courses through Blue Pooch and The Groomhaus.
Her "Candy Head Bichon Grooming Course" teaches other groomers her signature Asian Fusion techniques.
Arisa's work goes beyond making pampered pets look cute. She partners with rescue organizations to groom shelter dogs, helping them find forever homes.
She believes that a fresh groom gives shelter dogs confidence and makes them more attractive to potential adopters
Arisa Thomas The Traitors
In 2026, Arisa took on a new challenge: competing on reality TV. She is one of 22 civilian contestants on Season 5 of NBC's The Traitors: New Blood, which premieres September 17, 2026.
The Traitors is a reality competition series hosted by Alan Cumming. Contestants live together in a castle and compete in missions to earn prize money.
However, hidden among them are "Traitors" who secretly eliminate other players. The goal is to identify and banish the traitors before they claim the prize.
At 36 years old, Arisa is representing Los Angeles as a dog groomer. The show describes her as someone who is "Most Likely to Overpack."
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What Does Arisa Thomas Do for a Living?
Arisa Thomas is a professional dog groomer, social media influencer, and reality TV contestant. She specializes in Asian Fusion grooming techniques.
What is Arisa Thomas’ Age?
Arisa Thomas is 36 years old.
Is Arisa Thomas Married?
No, Arisa Thomas doesn’t appear to be married, as of writing.
What is Arisa Thomas’ ethnicity?
Arisa Thomas is mixed; she is half Japanese and half black.
