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

Hi Libby, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I had a very specific vision for what I wanted for my clients. It was something I knew would be hard to find anywhere else and I wanted to have the freedom to really create something special.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Long story short, LT Style Loft was the happiest of little accidents. What started as a leap of faith; leaving my comfy chair rental salon to open my first studio (a very “glamorous”, 90 sq foot, windowless cube) quickly turned into a booming business built on an exclusive, and rejuvenating salon experience. I realized quickly that finding a hair salon that felt like a true escape from life’s chaos wasn’t all that easy to find and I had inadvertently created something special. I leaned into the exclusivity of 1:1 hair appointments. No other clients or stylists, you have my full attention as my client with no other distractions, along with really focusing on the little details that make a huge difference. Dimmed lights for a shampoo, craft beverage options, heated blankets; these are all the little things that make a huge difference but not everyone thinks of.

My clients started talking to their friends… alot. My client list was growing rapidly and I had also recently gotten my IAT Trichologist certificate and was ready to start my practice working with hair loss patients. Thats when I found a great, hidden little gem for lease in charming Mid Town Ventura and I knew this was the time to expand. Since then, business has been flourishing. I have an absolutely incredible team I work alongside and I am forever grateful to each of them.

Creating this business hasn’t been easy, but the satisfaction, passion and enjoyment I’ve felt along the way has far outweighed any challenges. The biggest lesson I’ve learned that Analysis Paralysis is absolutely real, and if you spend too much thinking without actually taking the leap, those goals and dreams are just that; goals and dreams.

My vision for LT Style Loft was creating a self care sanctuary, while also enhancing your Lifestyle and Transforming your look. We feel a hair appointment is so much more than just a hair appointment, its an opportunity to unwind, relax and truly pamper yourself; and that the magic is all in the details. Whether you are looking for beachy, lived in color, have a head of gorgeous curly hair that needs some love, or are experiencing hair loss, we have an expert stylist to address your concerns and give you tailored advice to your needs. We want everyone to love their hair and have curated a truly one of a kind salon experience.

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.
As a Southern California native, I absolutely adore the area and am always excited to try new things! For me a classic LA day has to include an afternoon Dodger game followed by sunset at Griffith observatory, and of course concluding the day with the essential late night street taco run.
Ventura County truly has my heart. my favorite Ventura day would be starting with a walk on the beach with coffee in hand from Freedom Coffee. The owner Andy is so fun to chat with and he makes an incredible Hawaiian Latte. Post beach walk, breakfast on the patio at Cafe Nouveau (especially on a beautiful, sunny morning) is definitely in order. Paddleboarding in the harbor is a great afternoon favorite of mine, followed by my all time favorite pork belly pozole from Rumfish Y Vino for dinner. And of course the day isn’t complete without a sweet treat from Rori’s Ice Cream.

Another favorite of mine is a spa day at the incredible Spa Ojai. Tucked away in the Ojai Valley, sits the most gorgeous haven of self care you can imagine! My day starts there with a workout in the gym, followed by a day of savoring the pools, saunas, and their absolutely mind blowing pedicure.

Next in order is a Santa Barbara day. Shopping on State Street, soaking up the sun at Stearns Wharf, and of course the perfectly quaint and picturesque zoo makes for such a great day. Of course a day to Santa Barbara wouldn’t be complete without a trip to Kin Bake Shop in the morning, and some evening fun and drinks in the Funk Zone.

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?
Of course I have to thank all of my very loyal and supportive clients! They have seen me through the various growth phases of my career and I am so grateful to each of them.
I also have so much gratitude for my parents. They have always had confidence in me even when I don’t have any in myself. As a third generation business owner, the advice and encouragement from my dad and grandpa was always so valued and helped me to stay motivated.
And of course my little sister, but my biggest cheerleader has always been the best about enthusiastically celebrating my wins no matter how small I feel they are.
Last but not least, my amazing husband has been the grounding, steady force that has believed in me each step of the way. From my beginning days sweeping hair as an assistant, to signing my first commercial lease and hiring my first employee he has truly had my back and believed in me every step of the way.

Website: https://www.ltstyleloft.com

Instagram: @ltstyleloftsalon @libbytrujillocosmo

Image Credits
@thejenluce Jen Luce

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