We were lucky to catch up with Vania Desanctis recently and have shared our conversation below.

Vania, 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?

I’m Vânia DeSanctis, born on April 14, 1970, in Cabo Frio, Rio de Janeiro. I come from a large, talented family with a rich artistic heritage. Growing up surrounded by nature, I cherished the simple things: fresh air, sunshine, trees and freedom.

My father, Moacir Rodrigues de Souza, 80, founded Cabo Frio’s first beauty salon in the 1970s. With 63 years of experience, he still loves his craft! Raised amidst art, I admired my maternal great-uncle Cordelino Teixeira Paulo’s creativity despite being born blind. He made history in Rio’s cultural scene.

During my elementary education, I modeled briefly but believed beauty and knowledge should go hand-in-hand. Financial constraints prevented me from pursuing art after completing basic education, leading me to study Pedagogy.

At 23, seeking better opportunities, I moved to the United States. With family guidance, I settled and initially worked in entertainment. After two years, I opened a natural sandwich shop, but lack of experience led to closure. Returning to entertainment, I saved and launched an import business for Brazilian art and crafts in 2001.

The venture succeeded, but I met my husband and joined his bakery business. Working diligently, researching and creating a website propelled the bakery to national recognition. However, the marriage ended, prompting reinvention.

I enrolled in beauty school, excelling within 10 months. Confident, I participated in a national competition and ranked among the top 100, winning a trip to Las Vegas for an American hair show. After completing my course, I worked in salons, discovering my passion.

Three years ago, I opened Bellibone Salon, offering beauty services, mentoring aspiring female professionals and showcasing local and international artists’ work.

Today, I’m grateful to God and the United States for my accomplishments over the past 30+ years.

Vania, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My grandfather was a barber. He thought my dad and my uncle. . They opened the first women hair salon in the shore of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
My mom became a hairstylist to work with dad
I grew up inside a hair salon.
I went to hair school in USA to receive a cosmetologist license after divorce. I opened my hair salon BELLIBONESALON to create a safe space for myself and others.
I became an hair color educator, a mentor, an entrepreneur an art exhibitor
I have an extensive background in holistic, artistic and scientific knowledge that creates an complete experience for a client in terms of receiving what they are looking for their hair.. we perceive a client as a while.
Within 5 years in business, we sustain a 5 star reviews
The salon is a space for creators. Where also we give opportunities for visual artists to show their arts on our walls, besides the arts we do on hair. Clients experience exceptional work on their heads while appreciating on going art exhibitions from local and well known artists

Have you ever had to pivot?

After my divorce , in my early 40’s I went to beauty school to receive a cosmetology license, while taking a management position in a corporation store (Pier 1) to pay for it.
I graduated with honors and being an awarded student.
I worked few years in a high end salon becoming number 1 in sales within the second year.
On the 3rd year I decided to leave and open my own salon on the urge to be in a mental health environment

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

My background in holistic, artistic and scientific combined gives an complete experience
The results speak for itself

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.bellibonesalon.com
• Instagram: @vania.love
• Facebook: vania.love
• Other: @bellibonesalon ig