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

Vanda , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?

Once, I had a cozy job in the government, with a reliable paycheck. But deep down, I felt a stirring in my soul—a passion for the beauty industry, especially helping people with hair loss. Leaving my stable job wasn’t easy. Doubt and fear held me back, but my inner fire refused to be extinguished. With shaky hands but a determined heart, I took a leap of faith. Starting my own salon was tough. I faced financial hurdles, self-doubt, and the challenge of building my brand. But with each obstacle, I discovered strength I never knew I had. My salon wasn’t just a business—it became a sanctuary where stories of resilience unfolded, tears turned to laughter, and transformations went beyond the physical. Through perseverance and passion, I turned challenges into opportunities, fear into fuel, and doubt into unwavering faith. And standing in my salon, seeing the smiles of my clients, I knew every setback was a step toward a greater purpose. Back at my government job, I felt trapped in routine. But in my salon, surrounded by clients and hairdryers, I felt alive. It was where I belonged, where I could create beauty and inspire others. The contrast between my two worlds grew starker each day. The thought of returning to my old job filled me with dread, while the purpose in my salon only grew stronger. That’s when I knew I couldn’t ignore my heart’s whispers any longer. I had to chase my dreams with unwavering determination. So, with a mix of nerves and excitement, I left my government job behind and embraced entrepreneurship. It was a leap of faith fueled by passion and purpose, and I knew it would lead me to true fulfillment.

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

I am Vanda McCauley, the proud owner and lead stylist of Vanda Salon and Vanda Salon Hair Loss Solutions, nestled in the vibrant city of San Jose, CA. With my extensive background as a licensed Cosmetologist, Certified Hair Loss Expert, and Certified Non-Surgical Hair Replacement Specialist, I am deeply committed to providing innovative hair loss treatment and replacement solutions that empower individuals of all ages to look and feel their best. At Vanda Salon, we prioritize creating a caring and professional boutique environment where our clients can feel supported throughout their hair loss journey. We are passionate about delivering top-notch services that cater to the holistic well-being of our clients, addressing not only their physical needs but also nurturing their minds and spirits.
With over 20 years of experience in the hair care industry, including 15 years as a salon owner, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to every client interaction. In addition to my professional accreditations, I hold a master’s degree in Public Administration and a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a focus on HR Management.
One of my most cherished accomplishments is being recognized by the American Cancer Society for my involvement in the Look Good Feel Better program, where I had the privilege of helping cancer patients regain their confidence through beauty and self-care. Furthermore, I serve as a Business Advisor for the NorCal Small Business Development Center and am an active member of esteemed organizations such as the American Hair Loss Council, the Professional Beauty Association, and the Silicon Valley Black Chamber of Commerce.
Outside of work, I find joy in attending concerts, exploring new destinations through travel, and creating cherished memories with my loved ones in the comfort of my home. As a passionate entrepreneur and dedicated professional, I am committed to making a positive impact in the lives of others and continuously striving for excellence in all endeavors.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

Aside from excellent customer service for word of mouth referrals… 1) Google Business Listing
2) Yelp Page
3) Website
IG Account:
1) Make a list of 5-10 influencer accounts in your industry
2) Engage with the followers of those accounts (like, comment, view stories, and follow if they are a fit)
What you are doing is sending out engagement signals on social media which will lead to more profile visits for you, which leads to more followers, which leads to more engagement and more website clicks.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

At first, I was thrilled to start my salon. But soon, I faced tough challenges. Money problems caused me to question keeping the salon open, but I refused to give up. With the help of my financial advisor, I found smart ways to save money and offer relevant services to kept my salon going. Sometimes, I felt unsure if I could make it. But with help from my family and belief in myself, I pushed through. I saw obstacles as opportunities to grow stronger.
The biggest test for me was when my Father experienced a serious illness that lead to a very long road to stabilization and manageability that made things harder and put my business on the back burner for a year. But each day, I kept pushing forward to get thing back up and running, even stronger than before.
With determination, I turned my salon into a special place for those experiencing hair loss. People didn’t just come for hair help—they found comfort and confidence too. My hard work has earned me respect from others.
Now, Vanda Salon shines as an example of resilience. Looking back, I know every hurdle I faced made me stronger. Through tough times, resilience guides us to brighter days ahead.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.vandasalon.net/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vanda_salon/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VandaSalon/
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/vandasalonhairlosssolutions
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/VandaSalon
• Youtube: YouTube: @vandasalon357
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/vanda-salon-san-jose-2
• Other: TikTok: @vandasalon