Meet Isabel Carmen | Salon Owner

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

Hi Isabel, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Owning a salon has been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember. Before even enrolling in cosmetology school, I knew this was my path. It took time and growth—both as a stylist and as a person—to find the courage to take that leap. But when the opportunity came, it arrived unexpectedly and has turned into one of the greatest adventures of my life. It feels like it was always meant to be—a calling to create and nurture a space not just for my clients, but also for other talented stylists to thrive.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Ten One Six was created as a space where we can provide the best care for our guests while empowering them with the knowledge to maintain beautiful hair long after leaving the salon. From the beginning, I envisioned a place where community thrives—where talented, inspiring women can connect, collaborate, and lift each other up. Whether through events or social gatherings, I wanted to create an environment where women support one another and grow together, both personally and professionally.

We also host events for both our guests and women in business. The last event we held was a Sip and Paint specifically for women in business, where we came together to create, network, and empower one another. These events are a key part of our mission to foster a sense of community and to provide a platform for women to connect and grow in a meaningful way.

It’s also my goal to truly see my guests on a deeper level and create lasting, meaningful connections with each one. I want everyone who walks through our doors to feel valued and heard, not just as clients, but as individuals.

This journey has been filled with challenges, but every moment has been worth it. It’s taken unwavering determination and drive to grow the salon and its brand, but the lessons along the way have been invaluable. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is the power of problem-solving and pivoting. Every challenge brings an opportunity for growth, and rather than dwelling on what could have been, I’ve learned to focus on finding solutions and moving forward.

Pivoting to a positive mindset has been crucial for managing both the mental and emotional demands of running a business. If you’re reading this, I want you to know that I’ve poured my heart and soul into this space. It’s been a transformative journey—one that has enhanced my life, deepened my connection with my daughter, and continuously shaped my growth as both a person and a business owner.

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.
Day 1: Coffee & Tamales (Friday) + Dinner at Union
We’ll start our Friday at Jones Coffee Roasters, where we’ll grab their delicious tamales—my favorites are the chicken mole and green chicken. Note: Jones only serves tamales on Fridays, so it’s the perfect way to kick off the weekend! I’ll have my usual hot black Americano to go with it. After a relaxing breakfast, we’ll head to Urth Café for lunch, enjoying their amazing salads and sandwiches. In the evening, we’ll indulge in dinner at Union, where I’ll enjoy their squid ink pasta with lobster—one of my all-time favorite dishes.

Day 2: Pastries & Coffee + Tapas at Dos Besos
On another day, we’ll visit CAR Artisan Chocolate for some divine pastries. I’m obsessed with their savory pesto feta—it’s the perfect treat. I also love their chocolate croissant, which is absolutely amazing. We’ll grab a coffee or a yummy hot chocolate to go with it, adding to the cozy vibe. For lunch, we’ll head to Mendocino Farms for a wholesome and filling meal with their hearty sandwiches and salads. In the evening, we’ll enjoy tapas at Dos Besos, where we can sample a variety of small plates and have wine to complete the meal.

Day 3: Dirty Stockholm Fog + Dinner at Mercado
We’ll kick off the day at The Boy and the Bear, where I’ll enjoy a Dirty Stockholm Fog—smooth and delicious. For lunch, we’ll head to Sweetgreens, where we can enjoy a healthy and hearty bowl packed with greens and protein. In the evening, we’ll enjoy dinner at Mercado, where we can dive into the vibrant and flavorful Mexican dishes that never disappoint.

Day 4: Breakfast & Coffee at Republik + Rooftop Cocktails at Grandville
We’ll start the day with a delicious breakfast and coffee at Republik Coffee. For lunch, we’ll head to Ginger Market, where we can enjoy a mellow vibe with a tasty sandwich or soup. In the evening, we’ll head to the rooftop at Grandville for cocktails and a tasty meal, soaking in the beautiful view as we unwind after a full day.

Day 5: Smoothies & Empanadas + Pizza at The Luggage Room
We’ll start with a refreshing smoothie at Ubatuba, one of my favorite spots for a healthy, tasty drink. We’ll also grab some delicious empanadas from Ubatuba—perfect for a savory bite. After that, we’ll head to Mediterranean Cafe for lunch, where we’ll enjoy their delicious kebab plates—a go-to quick meal that’s both satisfying and full of flavor. Later in the day, we’ll head to The Luggage Room for some pizza. My favorite is their vegan Dalai Lama pizza, paired with bacon-wrapped dates and a refreshing chopped salad—absolutely delicious!

Other dinner options: Nick’s or Maestro.

Evening Fun: Kings Row, Laemmle Theater, Neon Retro Arcade, Playhouse, Paseo Mall & Old Town
After dinner, if we’re in the mood for some fun, we could head to the Neon Retro Arcade for some old-school games and pinball action. Then, if we’re up for some culture, we can catch a play at the Pasadena Playhouse—an iconic spot for great performances. We can also stroll through the Paseo Mall or explore Old Town Pasadena, soaking in the charming atmosphere and maybe grabbing a coffee or dessert along the way.

A special shout-out to my wonderful neighbors, Matsuri Sushi, Pasadena Wine Shop, and FLUFF_E Studio. We would absolutely have to grab some of the most amazing sushi from Matsuri—truly some of the best in the area! And of course, we can’t forget to pick up a bottle of delicious wine from Pasadena Wine Shop to pair with our meal. We’d also have to swing by FLUFF_E Studio to take some cute Photo Booth pictures—because what’s a day of fun without a little bit of laughter and memories to keep? I’m truly blessed to have such amazing businesses surrounding me to support and cheer on.

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?
I’ve always been incredibly fortunate to have the unwavering support of my family. My mother and my late father always believed that I could achieve anything I set my mind to. Their continuous love and encouragement made the decision to pursue my passion for hair feel like a natural and seamless path.

In my early years as a stylist, I was lucky to have a mentor like Cathy Sripramong, whose wisdom and guidance played a pivotal role in shaping my journey. I’ve also committed myself to ongoing growth, whether through group programs or one-on-one coaching with the amazing Katie Lynn Rojano. I am deeply grateful for the brilliant women by my side, who not only share in my successes but also cheer me on every step of the way.

I also want to thank each and every one of my clients for their loyalty and friendship. Your trust and support have been instrumental in my journey, and I am forever grateful for the connections we’ve built.

I’m incredibly proud of the progress my business has made, and I’m excited about what the future holds. I look forward to the new opportunities and challenges that will continue to shape my journey.

Website: Www.tenonesixsalon,com

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Yelp: https://yelp.to/b5EFGZH66b