Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Bianca Salazar. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Bianca , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?

I believe the meaning of “success” can be very subjective.

The weight in the statement “I am successful” varies from person to person, season to season and all based on the internal belief of what success may look like right here, right now.

I see success more as a noun that describes a feeling as opposed a general term.

What I believe it takes to be “successful” is to really hone in on what that looks like for you in this season of your life.

There will be seasons of hustle where success might look and feel a bit intense but “worth it”. The responsibilities might feel heavy but exhilarating. The investments [time and money] may be grand but the return is thrilling. The to-do will seem endless but will always be accompanied by a doers high. Check, check and check!

Then, there will be seasons where time off and idleness will feel like success. Where everything is automated and delegated. The high priority to-do list is minimal. Minimal enough to where it allows for mindfulness. Where “enjoying the fruits of your labor” will consist of working on your business and not in your business. Where there’s time for pilates in the morning and dinner with friends at night. Projects are pending but not a priority.

All feelings of success.

What it takes to feel successful to me, is knowing what season you are in and allowing what you do in that season to encompass your personal desires.
Heavy on the “personal.”

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am a 32 year old first generation Latina.
Wife and mom of one. Hair stylist and creative. I own a booth rental salon in the south side of Chicago.

I also advocate for mental health in entrepreneurship and serve as a mentor to many stylists and owners who are looking for guidance within their journey.
My current passion project.

I played with the idea of cosmetology school when I was fresh out of high school but I always ignorantly felt that the hair industry was for those who were not good in school. I decided to give it a try and ended up being very good at it. It all made sense to me very quickly. Like a second language I didn’t know that I already knew.

I worked at multiple salons before going independent then opening my shared salon space (booth rental salon) in 2020. I can honestly say that this was the hardest thing I have ever done. I knew hair, I didn’t know business.
My son was also just a year old at the time and I was struggling with PPE and PPA.

There was so many days where I felt lost and defeated but all along I knew there was a greater purpose. Talk about growing pains.

Little did I know, that this season of tribulations and growth would allow me to now pursue my current passion of education and mentorship.

I mentor my assistants to reach their fullest potential, salon owners on how to effectively manage their business with balance, fellow creatives to find their niche and my colleagues on how to have a successful career behind the chair as an independent stylist.

All knowledge that wouldn’t have been acquired without the trials of opening a business in the midst of a pandemic all while tackling debilitating mental health issues.

I have received many accolades for my skills in hair color but I am now on a different journey. A journey to inspire.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

I am proud to say that the way I was able to build my social media audience was by being very authentic to myself and my brand and being consistent in that.

A lot of my content is aesthetically curated but a lot of it is also not and I feel my audience enjoys that.

I show my professional side but also my silly side which allows for people to connect and relate.

I believe your audience is more likely to hit the “Follow” button if they can engage with your content, are looking to get educated and /or entertained or are able to empathize with you/your story.

Also having a niche.
What are you known for?
Professionally and personally.

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

I believe having integrity is what makes us whole and complete. Integrity as a business owner, a service provider and as a person in general.
Sticking to your word, acknowledging your wrong doings, offering a solution and allowing for open and constructive communication.
This has allowed for me to build my reputation as a business owner and hairstylist. I believe this is why my clientele is very loyal and why the relationships are pure.

Contact Info:

• Website: vierhairloft.com
• Instagram: @biancahdrs

Image Credits
Anna Jung-Hwa @annagunghwa on Instagram