We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Stacey a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Stacey, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about how you went about setting up your own practice and if you have any advice for professionals who might be considering starting their own?

Opening my first salon was one of the bravest things I’ve ever done. After years in corporate-owned salons and then smaller independent spaces, I knew I wanted more than just a place to work. I wanted to build something meaningful. Beauty by Nanto was born from the idea of a strong, woman-owned business that not only thrives creatively, but also gives back to the community.
The journey wasn’t easy, especially because I opened my first salon during COVID. Almost immediately, we faced mandatory shutdowns and constant uncertainty. But instead of closing the door on my dream, I leaned into innovation. I created custom hair color kits for clients to pick up and taught them how to care for their hair at home. When possible, I worked outdoors in open-air environments, masked and distanced, doing everything I could to safely support my clients. Those moments were hard but they also strengthened my resolve and deepened my connection to my community.
The biggest challenge was navigating fear of failure, fear of the unknown, and fear of letting people down. If I could do anything differently, I would trust myself sooner and stop waiting for everything to feel “perfect.” Perfection isn’t what builds a business resilience does.
My advice to young professionals, especially women, is you can succeed in your passions and work for yourself. You don’t have to depend on anyone else to build a life you love. Learn your craft, believe in your value, and don’t be afraid to take up space. The risks are real but so are the rewards.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’ve been in the beauty industry for 25 years, and it has shaped who I am in the most profound ways. I began my career in corporate-owned salons, gaining strong technical skills and discipline, then moved into smaller salons where I learned the power of connection and personalized care. Today, I proudly own and run Beauty by Nanto in Rolling Hills Estates.
What I provide goes far beyond hair and makeup. I create a space where people feel comfortable, safe, and at home. My chair is a place where clients open up, share their stories, and take a breath from the outside world. I have a gift for listening and truly understanding people, and that connection is at the heart of everything I do.
I’m also a mother of three daughters. My middle daughter is autistic, and she has taught me to see the world through a different lens. one filled with deeper compassion, patience, and empathy. She inspires how I show up for others every day, and she has shaped my ability to meet people exactly where they are.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

My salon is intentionally designed to be a happy, calming place, with private spaces so each client can feel cared for and loved. We even have Mochi, our therapy dog, if clients want, she’ll happily sit on their lap during their appointment. She brings so much comfort and joy, and she’s become a special part of the Beauty by Nanto experience.
Professionally, I’ve had the opportunity to work in movies, several television shows, commercials, news channels, and reality shows. I also do hair and makeup for weddings, proms, and other special events helping people feel confident during some of the most important moments of their lives.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Giving back is a huge part of who I am. I strongly support moms in our community and was honored to do all of the hair and makeup for the nonprofit- Luna Peak Foundation’s first book, Beyond Remission. I pampered cancer survivors and prepared them for a modeling photo shoot, an experience that was incredibly moving and meaningful. Helping those cancer patients and survivors feel beautiful, seen, and celebrated is something I will always be proud of.
What I want people to know about Beauty by Nanto is that it’s more than a salon, it’s a community. It’s a place built on kindness, creativity, and connection. I want every person who walks through my doors to feel safe, supported, and truly cared for. And I hope that by sharing my journey, I can show other womenthat they can build something powerful, meaningful, and entirely their own.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @Beauty_by_Nanto
• Other: TikTok @BeautybyNanto

  Google: Beauty By Nanto
  Rolling Hills Estates

Image Credits

Spencer Martin Photo