Meet Vanessa Ramirez | Hairstylist, Aqua Extensions Educator, & VLHC salon/ suite owner

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

Hi Vanessa, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
I feel there is no such thing as a work life balance . I think you have to put your whole self into your work so you can create the life you want to live. I knew opening my own salon the hours would get longer & the days off would be sparse. I also know it won’t always be like this. I am setting up my future life I want to live.
My salon has now been open roughly a year, before hitting that year mark I decided to expand. I took over the space next to me and created suites. Beauty suites for artists to have the freedom to brand themselves, but also stay beauty related so we can be a one stop shop. There are 5 suites which are now filled from everything to lashes, facials, & self-care. We are all our own brand but still a creative team.
I find myself coming in on my days off even though everything is starting to run smooth on its own. We have a great start and in time I know I will be able to step back a bit and create more of a work/ life balance. There are no complaints here because I love what I do and what I have created.

What should our readers know about your business?
So I have created a salon space that very unique. It’s an open floor plan with earthy clean vibes, lots of natural light, & great photo ops everywhere. The space next to me where we have our suites is 5 private rooms but also keeping the same earthy vibe. I am very proud of the entire design layout & interior design which I did all on my own. I love being custom & that’s what I feel like I have created here at Vlovehair Collective & Suites.

This was absolutely not easy especially during an end of a pandemic where the price of supplies and inflation. I made a budget & tried my hardest to stick to it. Staying organized and focusing on one thing at time was key. One week I would work on signage the next week would be the floors & the shampoo area.
I will say the hardest part of it all was staying flexible to change meaning construction is tough & doesn’t always go your way or an idea that isn’t doable you have to be ready to make changes.
I want the world to know that you will come into our salon space & be able to escape & relax during your service. The energy is everything and that’s really what I strived for while creating this space.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
We are located on the outskirts of downtown Fullerton. So first I would recommend shopping at Stitch & feather, followed by lunch & drinks at Pour company, and ending the night at eighty eight cigar lounge.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Of course the support of my family & boyfriend I wouldn’t have been able to create any of this with out them. Also the incredible team at Aqua Extensions who put me on the education platform I am forever grateful. All of the educators on team Aqua especially our artistic director Samantha Sharpless is a great mentor who is also a business owner that I feel I can contact at anytime for support & advice.

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