Meet Michael Rogers | Pet Stylist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Michael Rogers and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Michael, how do you think about risk?
I believe risk is the only way to truly become independent. The greatest risk for me was leaving the comfort of Baltimore where my parents, siblings and friends I grew up with were.. When I arrived in 2001 in Los Angeles I literally knew nobody, but I remember this exhilarating feeling come over me in this town, it felt like anything was possible and I’m a natural born artist so really there is no where else like Los Angeles for a creative soul.. I began my search to see where my artistic abilities would be best suited.. I stumbled upon the LA pet styling world and it felt challenging and right for me.. I always cared very deeply for animals and the human animal bond.. Los Angeles is also very much focused on outward appearance and style so it was perfect storm for me to develop my styling abilities and to also create looks that didn’t exist, so this was another risk for me was developing my own style and interpretation of what I thought would best suit certain breeds and mix breeds. Reflecting back on 18 years and over 1800 clients that my business Michael L Rogers Mobile Pet Services has styled, its satisfying looking at the magazine covers, billboards and TV shows my work has been featured in, it also keeps me motivated to take even greater risks with my current goals which is developing more of an asian fusion style, I currently take enormous amount of inspiration from the super stylist down in Korea which is seen all over Instagram.. Some other current risks I’ve found myself into was signing a development deal with Anomaly production company to film a potential reality show, we filmed the sizzle real which I thought turned out great and very entertaining, they told me they’re in talks with several networks so it’s exciting to see the enormous interest people are taking to the pet styling world, I think after everything we’ve been through in 2020 the world is taking interest in more creative outlets..

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What sets me apart from others and why i’ve become the go to TopGun pet stylist In Los Angeles for the biggest celebrities and individuals who demand the best is my relentless persistence to achieve style above anything else. I’ve tried to never stop improving and blending styles from different cultures and genres.. I think my ability to look through the tangled disarray of the individuals current condition and see the outcome before I’ve even started, it boils down to risk and imagination..

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
This is an easy question for me, I fell in love with Los Angeles from the first time I stepped off the plane.. I love movies like La La Land which is essentially a love letter to LA.. Downtown has become such a hotspot for me, probably start out in Little Tokyo at Hama Sushi for the most authentic sushi joint in LA it’s been around over 40 years.. Head out to Sunset Strip the first time you see it, your breath will be taken away it did to me the first time I saw all the lights billboards, beautiful people maybe famous maybe on their way to being famous people.. Korea Town has to be seen also, Wi Spa, Crystal Spa, Korean bbq , afterward maybe catch a new film from CGV theatre.. Afterward for dessert, locate one of the many tasty Boba milk tea spots. I would round the visit out with Cantalini’s Italian in Playa Del Rey I’m very fussy about my Italian and they’re the best!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
The Shoutout series is also a good opportunity to talk about the people that have helped get me where I am today, my parents Chana and Eddie have artistic souls and their love, nurturing and encouragement in me from an early age, my mother is a terrific canvas artist specializing in semi impressionist and my dad has a background in metal sculpture.. Betty Jacobson was largely responsible for getting me to where I am today, she is a famous New York trained Pet Stylist that I apprenticed with, she was unbelievably talented.. One of my mentors was my very longest client Sam Simon who was the legendary TV executive producer, writer who co-created The Simpsons and many other successful shows. Sam was also a huge dog and animal lover rescuer and advocate, watching him inspired me deeply, may he rest in peace… I also took allot of inspiration from world famous pet stylist Jay Scruggs, watching him buck the norms of convention.. My newest inspiration comes from the super star pet stylist in Korea that run 슈앤트리 Shu and Tree.

Website: Michaellrogers.com
Instagram: @michaell.rogers