Today we’d like to introduce you to Luisa Gaxiola.
Luisa, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
The thought of opening my own salon was very frightening. My husband was actually the push I needed, he believed in me, more than I did. In early 2013, I rented a booth at a salon I no longer felt fulfilled in but you know how easy it is to settle due to fear I was cruising I wasn’t growing as much as I wanted to I felt like I needed more. Well, little did I know my whole world would be rocked in just a matter of four months. On March 1 of that year, my husband broke his leg in an out of work activity which left me as a sole provider in my home (that was super difficult by the way). We sat and had the conversation about how it was time to have something of our own how this was a moment to realize how important it is to have something to help us in times like these.
Pulling teeth and practically dragging my feet, I started the hunt for a location, borrowed money from family(cause we didn’t have any) and started the venture of what is now Peroxide. Came across plenty locations, one location in particular I will never forget it was a steal for a space but I slept on it “needed time to think” and by a few days someone else beat me to it, I realized then that I had to be more intentional and this journey has to happen now no matter how many times I self-sabotaged. Finally came into the building we are now and was over-prepared with paperwork and money at hand I made a choice and didn’t even blink this time. Two days later got the call to pick up the keys!!!
Such a surreal feeling and a rollercoaster of emotions that was, at this point, there’s was no looking back. Little side note here, two days after receiving the keys to the space I found out I was five weeks pregnant, my biggest motivation to push through the next few difficult months was cooking up in my belly. The load was heavy and all I could do is push through; my husband at home with a broken leg, a baby in the oven and a new business brewing. THE LOAD WAS HEAVY! There was so many new experiences it was so exciting and intimidating all at once. We are six years in business and I am so proud how far this business has come and how I myself have grown and continuously learn. (seriously, non-stop)
I am proud of our culture at the Salon that our team and myself have created and have built such a strong bond amongst each other. They are successful and happy (this was very important to me), and there’s so much room for growth. I’ve seen them grow in many aspects of life and that is so fulfilling as a salon owner. They are extraordinary humans, that pride themselves in their work, very authentic and just all-around badasses. I am honestly so proud of them! I have realized this business owner life isn’t a destination, it is a journey you endure. A mountain you’re climbing with lots of peaks and valleys… Cannot wait to see what the next six years have in store for us.
Has it been a smooth road?
“Sometimes our only option trough a hurdle is through.”- me ha! Just made that up! I have yet to meet anyone that owns a business that has had “smooth road”. The struggles I’ve had personally with owning a business are mostly looking for the right people for our space with the right mindset, that was one of the hardest parts for me. Came across a several people that didn’t fit the vision I initially had, and that’s ok!
I also realized that was part of the process; searching for a group of people that have similar visions as you. Something that came as a surprise to me was that as an owner you won’t always be right and you won’t always know everything. (I know weird how that is a real thought) that too is ok! the season will bring so many conditions only to condition you for the future (that was a mouthful, ha!)
Although every challenge is slightly different there’s nothing that can train you better than experience, it is a struggle non the less. I have to say even now in my six years of owning I still feel like a student, I’m constantly grounded and humbled by the “the struggle”. I could sit here and write a huge list on all the bumps in my road, but honestly those bumps are actually growth and sometimes growth hurts hence “growing pain”. But instead, I want to tell you to take them as lessons, this isn’t supposed to be easy and once we give in to that thought it makes the road a little less hectic! forever grateful for the struggle honestly it is when I learn the most.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Peroxide Hair – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
The salon Oozes of love and passion, we take pride in all of the hair that walks out of the salon, and each guest walks out looking great but most importantly feeling great!
The culture we have established is far from anything you’ll come across in a salon an environment, a sisterhood and a respect for one another that is just extraordinary. Each stylists has their own beautiful professional identity and we all coexist in this mix of diversity.
Our Physical style is very minimalistic, fresh and clean we want our guests to feel “Refreshed” when walking out. You could say a modern day Bohemian style. Our work is a lot about customized color/cut dedicated to each guest in our chair, not one head of hair is like the other.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1036 aviation blvd Hermosa Beach CA 90731
- Website: peroxidehair.com
- Phone: 5623034938
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: peroxide_hair
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/peroxide-hermosa-beach-2?uid=W4E7nqBChK4-hufRxqaiQw&utm_campaign=www_business_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct)
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