We recently connected with Vanessa Rodriguez and have shared our conversation below.
Vanessa , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Looking back, what’s an important lesson you learned at a prior job?
I previously worked at a commission based salon with other stylist. I enjoyed the atmosphere and the people I worked next to but there were certain policies, regulations and daily task that I didn’t often agree with but of course as any employee would do I abided by them. But it taught me and showed me the things I would want to do differently to run my own business. I learned how to make sure to be more organized and stay consistent with my customer service.
I also unfortunately learned that sometimes when it’s time to part ways and go out on your own path not everyone will be acceptant towards your decision. Even though it may cause you to take a step back and question why, don’t let it stop you from continuing your path.
Just always remember the sun shines for everyone so never feel guilty for wanting to grow your business and become a business owner.
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 am a hairstylist and owner of VeeHairRoom. I, like many others, hadn’t found what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I worked in an office Monday – Friday from 9-5. But I was at a point were going to work was the worst, not every happy. So I decided to go to cosmetology school and learn all the things to become a successful hairstylist. It was definitely a long journey to get to where I am now. From going to school during Covid, feeling discouraged, feeling exhausted from work & school . But definitely worth it when I graduated, passed my exam, became licensed and left my corporate job to become an assistant at a salon. Switching careers was far from easy. I had a major decrease in pay and I was learning new things everyday, but I kept telling myself this is just the beginning. So as I spent time being an assistant and then moving up to a commission based stylist , I just knew this was definitely for me. Then I took a big leap and started my own business VEEHAIRROOM and now have my own salon suite.
It feels amazing to be my own boss and giving my clients their hair goals! I learned quickly that I have such a passion for blonding services and extensions! I also love that I have created such a safe and comfortable space for my clients, having them always feel so welcomed and not only delivering them their hair goals but also being a mini therapist. Wether it’s relationship advice or just needing someone to vent to, they know I’m here to lend a listening ear.
I am just so proud to have made it this far in my career and can’t wait to see what else can be achieved.
Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?
Once I decided I was ready to go on my own , I thought to myself what about funding? The process of finding a location was very quick so I had less than 30 days to make sure I had everything I needed.
So I decided to do what I knew best , offer extensions at a discounted rate. I knew it would be a risk to take because when you give a sale/discount you may not come up higher. Sometimes you may see a loss but I took a leap and went with it. I’m so happy I did because not only did it help fund the start of my business but it helped with my clientele as well. Having my clients now continually come to me for the extensions maintenance and more!
I learned that I was able to get help with funding and create long term client relationships.
How did you build your audience on social media?
At first when I wanted to grow my social media audience I would post A-Z when it came to hair. But then I quickly realized that wasn’t giving me consistent clients/audience. I learned I need to post and share videos of the audience I want to attract. So I chose to post more dimensional blondes, extensions, babylights and balayages because that’s they audience I wanted to attract. Because those are the things I have a passion for. I love to help achieve my clients hair goals but I know if someone wanted a bright vivid rainbow color based on my social media I wouldn’t be the stylist for them. Which is 100% okay I agree that there is another stylist who is solely focused or master in that, they would create a better hair color look than me.
So my advice would be post what you want to attract and you will see you audience grow. Also be real and 100% on your post , showing sometime errors and truth of any hair stories. Being real with your audience makes them feel closer to you.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://veehairroom.glossgenius.com/
- Instagram: VeeHairRoom
- Facebook: VeeHairRoom