Today we’d like to introduce you to Elizabeth Vasquez.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My story starts out like so many others do, with a dream. I grew up in a small town in Mexico and moved to the united states when I was just 13 years old. Since I was a little girl I’ve had the dream that I would own a business. After finishing high school I started working full time and eventually ended up working in an office. A few years later I got married and had 2 kids and that’s when I started looking for a part time job closer to home so I could spend more time with my kids. I got the opportunity to work at a beauty center and found myself falling in love with the beauty industry. I felt passionate and strived to learn all about the different brands and products that were offered here. Over the years I found myself enjoying work and found ways to improve the store and put our name out there. That’s where my dream really started – after working at the beauty supply for a year I told myself one day I’ll own my own beauty center.
However, after years of dedication and hard work, that dream began to feel out of reach. I didn’t come from a wealthy background, nor did I have significant savings to invest. As time passed, the reality of financial limitations made my dream seem more distant than ever. Determined not to let my dream slip away, I made the difficult decision to work even harder. I took on extra hours, sacrificed weekends, and often missed family gatherings, special occasions, and precious moments with my children-all in pursuit of building something greater. Every long day and sleepless night was an investment in the future I envisioned, a future where my dream would finally become a reality. After 26 years I took a significant step toward my dream by purchasing a hair salon, but I didn’t stop working at the beauty center-because that was always my ultimate goal. For three years, I balanced the demands of running my own salon while continuing to work at the beauty center, determined to make it my own. Then, in 2022 the opportunity finally came. After 29 years of dedication and sacrifice, I was able to purchase the beauty center, turning my dream into a reality.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
One of my earliest challenges was learning English when I started school here in America. Navigating a new country, a new school, and a language I didn’t understand was incredibly difficult. That experience shaped my resilience and determination, but it also showed me firsthand how much harder I was going to have to work to achieve my goals.
There have been many other struggles as well, particularly financial struggles. Coming from a modest background, I had to work twice as hard to save money needed to build this business. After decades of working for someone else, I came to understand that opportunities are not always distributed equally. However, what has carried me through these hardships is the unwavering support of my family. Their encouragement and belief in my dream have been my greatest strength.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
San Pedro Beauty Center is a locally owned Beauty Supply store that has been serving the community since 1993. As one of the largest beauty supply stores in the area, we pride ourselves on offering a wide selection of professional hair care and skincare products, including top brands like Moroccan Oil, Pureology, Redken, Dermalogica, and Murad. In addition to our retail offerings, we also have an in house salon, making us a convenient one stop shop for our clients beauty needs.
What truly sets us apart is our commitment to customer service. Our loyal customers have been the foundation of our success, and we prioritize providing them with a personalized and knowledgeable shopping experience. In the 90’s & early 2000’s, our biggest competition was other local beauty supplies. Today we not only compete with the few remaining independent stores but also with major retailers like Ulta, Sephora, and online giants such as Amazon. Despite these challenges our dedication to expert service and genuine customer care keeps us thriving.
Another key aspect of our business is education. I ensure that my employees are well versed in all aspects of the beauty industry, from hair color and hair care to skincare. Beyond product knowledge, I also focus on creating a positive and supportive work environment where my team feels valued and happy in their roles. My goal is for every customer to walk into our store and feel the difference-whether it’s the level of expertise we offer, the quality of service, or the welcoming atmosphere we’ve built over the past three decades.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
The most important qualities that have contributed to my success are my faith and perseverance. I have always had faith that I could create a better life for myself, no matter the challenges I faced. My mother also believed in me wholeheartedly-she always told me she knew I would achieve my dreams. Although she passed in 2017, I still hear her voice, and it continues to inspire me to keep pushing forward.
When my family and I arrived to the United States, we moved into government housing. I always held onto the belief that I would build something greater for me and my family. I am deeply proud of where I come from and who I am. My humble beginnings shaped my determination, and without them, I wouldn’t be the person I am today.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.spbeauty.shop
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_sanpedrobeautycenter
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SPbeautycenter
