Meet Trailblazer Renee Morales

Today we’d like to introduce you to Renee Morales.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I started cosmetology school in 2000, however, while I was attending school, I was also dealing with some family issues that required me to pause my hours so I wouldn’t lose them. After about a year of dealing with family issues, I re-enrolled in cosmetology thank goodness. During this time, I was working as an assistant for a private salon owner where I shampooed clients prepared hair color and styled them. Once their service was complete, I also styled hair for fashion shows which was a fast-paced environment and later, I enrolled in mud (Makeup Designory) located in Burbank for makeup. At this time, I wasn’t sure of my future in the industry, however, I knew I wanted to help women feel and look pretty so they can go out and do whatever it is that makes them happy.

After working for a couple of salons, I decided I would start to work from home and made a space where I live, dedicated to my clients for hair and makeup, this worked for me because I had a five-year-old daughter at the time and long hours at the salon with her didn’t really work for us. My clients loved this idea and ended up referring me a lot of their friends and family, however, I still craved the growth that would come from being a business owner having my own private studio. I made it my mission after having my son in 2013 to pursue my dreams of opening my own private studio it took me a couple of years to make this happen but I did it, moved my home-based studio to a private location in North Hollywood where women can come for any occasion. BellaTotale is total beauty for all.

Has it been a smooth road?
I wish I could say it was a smooth road but it wasn’t whatsoever. Obstacles come at any point no matter how much you prepare, so I guess I learned that you just have to make up your mind and do it fight for your dreams. Definitely, have a plan and focus until you make it happen. There have been many days that I felt overwhelmed enough to quit but I knew that wouldn’t serve me in any way, so I carried on nothing good comes easy.

We’d love to hear more about BellaTotale Beauty Lounge.
At Bella Totale, we specialize in hair, makeup, lash extensions, hair extensions, and microblading. As a brand, my focus is to look good, feel good and I want everyone that comes to BellaTotale to know they are worth it. We make sure we know the latest trends and focus on the best products for our clients to get the best results desired. As a private studio, we take each client by appointment only this ensures their own special time set aside for them.

We’re interested to hear your thoughts on female leadership – in particular, what do you feel are the biggest barriers or obstacles?
Ourselves! I feel a lot of times instead of coming together we are working against ourselves by worrying about the competition and not realizing there’s enough for everyone and we would get a lot further by uniting.

Pricing:

• Hair and makeup $150
• Lash extensions $120+
• Microblading $550
• Hair color $100
• Hair Extensions $800+
• Highlight/Ombre/Balayage $185+
• Hair cut $45
• Blowout $35

Contact Info:

• Address: 5153 Strohm Ave North Hollywood, CA 91601
• Website: Www.bellatotale.net
• Phone: 8183910385
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/bellatotale
• Facebook: Bellatotale

Image Credit:
BellaTotale

Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.