We were lucky to catch up with Brandon Bal-Lance recently and have shared our conversation below.
Brandon, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?
I was raised by a single mother who worked two to four jobs at a time. She showed me the value of hard work but always reminded me to chase my dreams, something she never got to do. School was a struggle for me because of my learning disabilities, and I was constantly told I was ‘different’—from my hair to how I spoke and carried myself. But that difference became my strength. I discovered my love for hair at seven years old, experimenting with every color I could—blonde, red, blue—you name it. Hair became my way of expressing myself and feeling confident.
After high school, I went straight to beauty school, working 12-hour days, six to seven days a week, as an assistant while paying for advanced education. It wasn’t easy, but I wanted to master my craft and be good enough to teach. In 2017, I opened my first salon in Silicon Valley, CA, and shortly after, I became a Schwarzkopf Professional Educator—two milestones that felt like dreams turning real.
Then COVID hit, and like everyone, I had to fight to adapt and grow. My husband Larry, also a Schwarzkopf Professional Educator, and I pushed through every challenge together. With hard work and relentless dedication, we opened our luxury two-story salon and wellness space in Saratoga, CA.
Today, I’m proud to say I’ve built a full-time career doing what I love. I work hard, six to seven days a week, but it doesn’t feel like work because I’m surrounded by people I care about while helping others feel confident and beautiful. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: invest in yourself, never stop learning, and don’t let struggles hold you back. Hard work pays off when you’re doing what you love.
Brandon, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Hair is more than just hair—it’s art, transformation, and confidence. I’m Brandon Bal-Lance, Creative Director of Bal-Lance Salon, a luxury two-story salon and wellness space in Saratoga, CA. With over a decade in the industry, I’ve built my career on precision haircutting, lived-in color, and advanced techniques like AirTouch, a method I learned directly from its U.S. pioneer, Danilo. I’m also a Schwarzkopf Professional Senior Educator and Alterna Anti-Aging Haircare Educator, training stylists nationwide while continually perfecting my craft behind the chair.
At Bal-Lance Salon, we’ve redefined luxury by creating a space where beauty, artistry, and holistic care come together. Alongside my husband, Larry Bal-Lance, and my mom, Andrea Bal-Lance—who leads our wellness program—we offer tailored precision cuts, color transformations, luxury extensions, and holistic treatments. We partner with premium brands like Schwarzkopf Professional, Alterna, Kerastase, and Bellami Pro to deliver results that prioritize both beauty and hair integrity.
What sets me apart is my eye for detail and commitment to personalization. I don’t create cookie-cutter hair—I craft looks that are unique, lived-in, and timeless, designed to enhance each guest’s natural features and lifestyle.
I’m most proud of the balance I’ve found between creating, mentoring, and building a brand that feels like home. Whether I’m teaching a class, mentoring my team, or transforming a guest in my chair, my focus is always the same: precision, artistry, and connection.
If you’re looking for more than just a service—if you want an experience that leaves you feeling confident and renewed—you’ll find it here at Bal-Lance Salon.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the transformation I get to create not just in how someone looks, but in how they feel. Hair is such a personal and powerful part of someone’s identity, and being able to use my craft to help people see themselves in a new light is everything. Whether it’s a precision cut that perfectly frames their features or a color transformation that brings out their confidence, seeing that shift, the moment they sit up straighter, smile bigger, and feel like the best version of themselves that’s what drives me.
Beyond that, as an educator, I get to inspire and mentor other artists, helping them master their craft and grow their confidence. Watching their ‘aha’ moments and seeing them succeed makes the journey even more rewarding. For me, creativity is about connection connecting with my guests, connecting with other artists, and creating something meaningful every day.
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
In my view, society can best support artists and creatives by valuing the time, skill, and passion that goes into our work. Creativity isn’t just about the end result; it’s about the years of education, practice, and dedication it takes to master a craft. Whether it’s art, hair, music, or design, people need to recognize that artistry is a profession that deserves respect, fair compensation, and opportunities to grow.
I also believe in creating more platforms for artists to share their work and stories. Education, mentorship, and community support are essential for a thriving creative ecosystem. When artists have the resources to learn, collaborate, and evolve, it inspires not only us but the next generation of creatives. Society thrives when we celebrate creativity, and that starts with making space for artists to be seen, heard, and supported.
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.BallanceSalon.com
- Instagram: @ItsBrandonBallance
- Yelp: https://yelp.to/Lhvitd5X1m