local storiesMay 19, 2025

Check Out Vanessa Mejia’s Story

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Vanessa Mejia.

Hi Vanessa, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My introduction to the beauty industry I feel stemmed from my time in the fitness industry. For many years I was the Operations Manager at LA Fitness. In that time I also acquired a training certification giving me a in debt insight to nutritional health. I found transformation to be fascinating. It was then I took a step into the beauty world operating Color Del Caribe, a spray tanning business. Providing spray tans and makeup services for bikini’ fitness competitors, I was certain my future was the beauty industry. I decided to enroll myself in school for esthetics in 2012. Once graduated I took a job part time at a Spa in Huntington Beach. Also working part time in Newport Beach with a company called Blushington in makeup artistry. I later transferred to our Weho location, since it was sunset blvd there were many neat opportunities from celebrity makeup, to Hollywood events, pops ups you name it. I was eager and ready to indulge in what the industry had to offer.
I ventured off onto movie sets, working with local filmmakers for short films and documentaries.
During my time at Blushington myself along with a couple of artist had ethical concerns with the company. We came to terms we were not going to receive the recognition we worked hard for to establish ourselves as artist, so we decided to take a leap of faith.
Early Blvck was established in San Pedro CA. We opened our doors in 2019 showcasing various forms of makeup. Although difficult to keep makeup alive during COVID, we were able to thrive in brow shaping. Mastering the art of every hair in its place. We quickly grew to be known as the go to gals for precise brow shaping. After 5 years we decided to pursue our passion in different directions. I relocated to Long Beach with the hope & dream of bringing fourth Cultivated, a wholistic aesthetic studio. My goal was to integrate herbalism, health & wellness in the world of aesthetics. Educating and providing services utilizing quality organic ingredients & Clinical grade products. By incorporating various approach’s to health, wellness and beauty Cultivated truly has something to offer everyone!

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Not quite, there have been many obstacles throughout the way. One large one being Covid. Also relocating to Long Beach as a solo Esthetician I felt as though it would be an easy transition, as simple as moving items from one space to another with a smile on my face and knowledge in my heart but it has been everything but that. I quickly realized I was building an entire new brand. Being a Long Beach native I still had to remind myself this is business, new city means new ground work. How I was going to become part of the Long Beach community as I was in San Pedro?.
How would I make an impact in the community? What would be my approach to reach new clientele? How will I introduce Cultivated to a more fast paced city? Along with ironing out the nuances of bringing together internal and external self care. Something we would assume is always addressed when it comes to beauty however seldomly is.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a licensed esthetician, and Herbalist. I provide a unique approach to the world of beauty. From clinical skincare services to eastern medicine along with supplemental products/herbs. Workshops for the people on herbal medicine making and remedies. I intend on providing enrichment programs for homeschooled students in Aesthetics 101 along with introductory to herbalism.
The aesthetic services offered are makeup artistry, body waxing, brow shaping & lamination, lash lifts, and of course facials.
On the holistic side, services offered are ear candling, herbal remedies tailored to your body’s energetics. Providing locally & ethically sourced organic herbs, supplemental products such as zeolite, organic trace minerals, and tinctures.
I believe what set me aside from others is incorporating the two elements that complement each other, internal & external self care. It is my understanding that true beauty is internal and exudes through a wholistic approach. My hope is to empower all people with the knowledge to cultivate their best, beautiful selves.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Look out for likeminded people that are actively taking the steps to pursue their dreams. Consistency in your character is key. Building rapport, letting your clients speak for you seems to be the best form of networking in my experience. Getting involved with the community is essential, along with supporting other local businesses. I understand social media marketing is also vital! I am still working on that one haha, bear with me Rome wasn’t built in a day.

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