Meet Ana Paz-Diaz | Salon Owner, Yogi

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ana Paz-Diaz and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ana, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking

Every entrepreneur would agree that if you dont take a risk you will never find out. Risk came in my life before I could make decisions of my own. My parents brought me to this country to be closer to family and that was the biggest risk they ever made. Being illegal in this country for the formative years of my youth and early adulthood made this huge risk one I would have to embrace. I had to make my own decisions, take my own risks with the life I was handed.

My first risk was being a full time student at a community college while enrolling in beauty school. My determination at the young age of 17 was greater than I can comprehend now. Even though taking so many units was risky, I never wanted to take a risk of not being prepared. I see now, being illegal for those years made me determined to make my parent’s risk of bringing me to this country WORTH IT. I worked so hard. By age 18 I completed beauty school, and by 21 I was also a college graduate working full time.

By the age of 22 my next risk was moving to LA. I knew no one. I got my first job working at HM Communications, while still doing hair on the weekends to support myself. After a few years I got the opportunity to be a host for MTV Tr3s The411. Another risk. Leaving my comfortable PR job to be a host. Barely making ends meet, I had an opportunity of a life time and I took it. That meant getting a second job at Rudy’s barbershop on Melrose. I made so many friendships in LA that I still have today.

See, life is full of risks, and if you dont take the jump, you’ll never know. I was deprived of so much in my youth because of my social economic status and immigration status that I refused to ever be left wondering “What If?”

Every risk taken, led me to my next opportunity, I am grateful for my strength, my faith and my family for always pushing me to take big risks.

My heart was not in the entertainment industry. My JOY was being a creative, connecting with clients, being of service in the beauty industry is what drove me. After a few yoga certification programs (like a true Angelino) and finding my lineage and guru Dharma Mittra in New York . I realized and surrendered to my calling . I took the risk of leaving everything behind and pursuing being a hair stylist full-time.

I opened up my first salon suite in West Hollywood in 2016, my second salon suite in Huntington Beach in 2019 and now the biggest risk of all was opening a multi chair salon in a beautiful high-end space in Costa Mesa. The Salon by Ana Paz Hair inside SOCO and The OC MIX established in 2022.

Filled with risks, up and downs, doubts and faith. I know that every risk my parents took, that I took, and people who have taken a risk on me, has led me here.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

As an artist, intuitive salon owner, what sets us apart is the connection with our clients. At The Salon by Ana Paz Hair we focus on HEALTHY hair. Non-toxic chemicals and will not do anything to compromise the integrity of our clients hair.

What sets us apart is that we really take the time to LISTEN and CONNECT before we even touch their hair.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

A lot has changed post-pandemic but a day in LA or So-Cal would look like Breakfast at Blu Jam Cafe on Melrose, their French toast are such a treat! Then a hike at Runyon Canyon which can be such a casual stroll overlooking the heart of LA. I would finish the night at Joans on La brea, this dark fun joint has my favorite sear ahi with wasabi mashed potatoes, to die for. It also so cool, pair it with a mezcal Martini.

If you’re in the mood to drive South, Stop at Freelance Coffee Project in Newport for your matcha latte then head over on bikes to Lido Village and have lunch at Bear Flag. I have their fish burrito AT LEAST once a week. Enjoy the sun on bikes, bar hop at Lido Village and end your night at A Restaurant for delicious steak and Madelines for dessert!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

I wouldn’t be no where without my parents Blanca and Ricardo Paz, my sister Blanca Pamela Gamez, and my husband Servando Diaz. Their love and support is what keeps me going. I wouldn’t be able to do all I do without their help.

Big shout to Sonya Enchill from Dharma Yoga LA for being my spiritual guide in my life. Jennifer Serna Sr. Manager of Promotions and Marketing at Disneyland Parks who has been my professional mentor. My publicist Parinaz Farzin from Above Par. Paul Wintner from Alterna Haircare. Hair by Ricardo and Angie Galvez who saw a 17 year old illegal girl and gave her a chance at starting her career.

And of course, MY CLIENTS. I would not be here without their support, their patience and their love. They have seen me grow not only as a stylist but as a woman. Their time in my chair goes beyond just hair, I care about the well being of their hair but truly the well being being of their whole SELF. THANK YOU to each and everyone of you (you know who you are) for taking a risk IN ME. Many blessings. I am not self made, I was made with the help of everyone I mentioned and so many more!

Websiet: Thesalonbyanapazhair.com

Instagram: @Anapazhair @Thesalonbyanapazhair

Facebook: The salon by ana paz hair / Ana Paz Hair

Image Credits
Melissa Rae Photography