GotM October: Tania Jesus, Ash Nekrasova, & Demi Dambrino
Spooky Season Spectacular: October Groom of the Month Winners
October is one of our favorite months of the year, and this one truly delivered. As the leaves turned and the creative grooming community embraced all things spooky, we were absolutely blown away by the imagination, skill, and storytelling that poured in this Halloween season. From bold color work to pop culture tributes and darkly magical fantasies, the level of artistry made this month unforgettable.
For the first time ever, GCGA is thrilled to announce three Groom of the Month winners, each recognized not only for exceptional creativity, but also rewarded with a cash prize alongside GCGA honors. Choosing just one was impossible—so we didn’t.
3rd Place: Demi Dambrino — Pop Art Zombie
Kicking off our winners is Demi Dambrino with her vibrant pop art zombie design. This playful twist on a classic Halloween icon perfectly balances spooky and fun, using bold colors and graphic flair to transform the undead into something irresistibly cool. If this is what the zombie apocalypse looks like, we wouldn’t be mad about it at all.
Demi’s fresh approach and confident execution made this groom stand out in a sea of Halloween designs. Demi will receive a $75 cash prize, a GCGA commemorative plaque, an embroidered GCGA patch, and additional goodies from GCGA as recognition for her creative achievement.
2nd Place: Ash Nekrasova — Houndoom Furfrou Variant
In second place, Ash Nekrasova brought the magic of creative grooming and the world of Pokémon together in the most delightful way. Her Houndoom-inspired furfrou variant is a testament to the transformative power of grooming—where technical skill meets fandom-driven imagination.
With striking contrasts, thoughtful design choices, and impeccable execution, Ash didn’t just groom a dog—she brought a beloved character to life. Ash will receive a $200 cash prize, a GCGA commemorative plaque, an embroidered GCGA patch, and additional goodies from GCGA in celebration of her outstanding work.
1st Place: Tania Jesus — Witch & Familiars
Taking the top spot this October is Tania Jesus with her breathtaking witch design. Complete with a witch’s familiars and layered with enchanting detail, this groom is nothing short of a fantastical masterpiece. From concept to execution, every element felt intentional, immersive, and truly magical.
Tania’s work tells a story—one steeped in mystery, imagination, and technical excellence. We’re convinced this groom is proof that magic really does exist. As our first-place winner, Tania will receive a $500 cash prize, a GCGA commemorative plaque, an embroidered GCGA patch, and additional goodies from GCGA honoring her exceptional artistry.
October reminded us why this community is so special. The passion, originality, and respect for the craft displayed this spooky season continue to raise the bar for creative grooming worldwide. Congratulations to Demi, Ash, and Tania—and thank you to everyone who shared their art with us.
We can’t wait to see what magic comes next.