Today we’d like to introduce you to Vanessa Perez, Briana Raygoza, Vannesa Gonzalez and Jasmine Cardenas.
Our story begins in Downey, CA. We met while working at a salon in 2009. In 2017, we decided to part ways and opened a suite salon that proved to be extremely successful and it was the best business decision we could have ever made. We gave ourselves five years to move into a storefront and we beat our goal by doing it just three years later. Briana (Bri) Raygoza, Vannesa (V.G.) Gonzalez, Jasmine Cardenas, Vanessa (V.P.) Perez became The Beauty Lounge!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Obstacles? Many, we decided to open a storefront salon during quarantine! When the pandemic hit, we went through a rollercoaster of emotions. We had no idea what was in store for us but we learned there is truth in “everything happens for a reason.” During those months, we were able to put our plans together and open what is now The Beauty Lounge with the help of our family and friends. We worked long days and nights trying to bring our vision to life in time for the first reopening. Unfortunately, just as we were ready to welcome our clients into our new space for the first time, we were shut down a second time.
We were at a loss for words and shocked that our industry was once again shut down. We decided to stay positive and use the downtime to be productive and keep working on our dream of opening up our salon. Fast forward to today, here we are welcoming our clients to our new salon. This experience has definitely been something we will never forget but it is something that was worth fighting for.
The Beauty Lounge – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
We are a group of Latina women that live to empower other women through the art of beauty. We are diverse all while keeping our passion at the forefront. We are color specialists and have done the most elaborate transformations. We are also certified in every style of extension method available and Brazilian Blowouts.
V.G. is a texture queen. The jack of all trades but she is a redhead wizard. Bri creates beautiful vibrant fashion color transformations and is an amazing make-up artist. Jasmine does balayage magic and has an eye for detail creating beautiful wedding hair and makeup. V.P has a talent for blondes and extension color matching and a love for vintage styles. Our future plans are to grow a solid team of individuals who are willing to grow together and continue to learn all that our industry has to offer. We strongly believe beauty comes from within, but we can help enhance someone’s confidence and uplift their spirits with something as little as a haircut or blow dry.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success to us isn’t defined by the most lavish or expensive salon it’s defined by how our guests feel when they leave our salon. They’ve come to us in the best & worst time of their lives & knowing they trust us to make them feel better, yes “feel” not “look” is success.
“People don’t buy what you do, they buy why you do it.” – Simon Sinek
Contact Info:
- Address: The Beauty Lounge
13938 Pioneer Blvd.
Norwalk, CA 90650 - Phone: 562-863-7337
- Instagram: @BeautyLounge_nwlk
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