Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Garcia.
Hi Lauren, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I began in the hair industry in 2015 after graduating high school. I was 18 years old, a mother, and a student in college. my local Supercuts took a chance on me and taught me so much to get me started in the hair industry. My main goal at that time was to support my daughter, pay my way through college, and eventually leave the beauty industry. Funny how life works because I fell in love with this industry and have not left.
I quickly climbed up the Supercuts ladder, gaining a loyal clientele, becoming Salon Manager, and even accomplishing ‘Salon of The Year’ at my location. Not only was I learning the in and outs of the hair industry, but I was learning the business side and what it takes to be able to run a salon.
In 2020, we all saw how the world took a whole 180 and every industry and person were affected. Not only did covid affect my world, but being diagnosed with an awful illness that required major treatment did. I found myself burnt out. For months, I considered changing careers. For a minor change, I decided to continue my education in the hair coloring aspect of the industry, and felt inspired once again.
So inspired, that I played with the idea of opening a salon suite and running my own business. Even though I feared the idea of failing, my clients had so much faith in me that I took the chance. In 2021 I signed the lease of a salon suite and started my own business, ‘S&L Studio’. This year will make four years I have been in business, and I’m proud to say it has been a success.
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?
The journey definitely hasn’t been a smooth one, there has been plenty of highs and lows. In this industry, you’re constantly learning new techniques, and executing them on real clients which can be intimidating. I had to develop thick skin, trust myself, and grow from feedback to perfect my skill.
Transitioning from working in a salon to running my own business was another major challenge. There were slow days, financial stress, and a lot of moments where I questioned if I was doing it “right”. Balancing work and my personal life has also been a learning process, especially when I pour so much of myself into my business. But every obstacle has taught me something. It has taught me to be resilient, how to pivot, and how to believe in my craft even when things felt uncertain.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a hairstylist and salon owner, and my work centers around creating a personalized experience for every client who sits in my chair. I offer a range of services, including women’s and men’s haircuts, customized color, smoothing treatments, and eyelash extensions. I’m known for listening and understanding what someone wants, even when they don’t know how to describe it, and delivering results that feel natural and modern.
What I’m most proud of is building a business that allows me to do what I love every day while making people feel beautiful. There’s something really special about the transformation that happens when someone sees themselves in a new way, and being able to be apart of it.
What sets me apart is the intention of my work. I’m detailed-oriented, continuously learning, and committed to creating an environment where clients feel comfortable, heard, and excited about their hair. My goal isn’t just to provide a service but to build trust and long-term relationships, one appointment at a time.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
The qualities that have played the biggest role in my success are my ambition and my genuine love for this industry. I’ve always felt deeply connected to my craft. There’s something incredibly meaningful about being trusted with someone’s appearance and confidence. That love keeps me learning and growing. My ambition comes from wanting to honor that trust and give my clients the best version of myself every day. It’s not just a career for me; it’s something I care about on a personal level and I think that passion is what truly carries me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.vagaro.com/sandlstudio
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenhaleyhair/?igsh=Z2I1NXk5dWx3ZXR4&utm_source=qr
Image Credits
Nancy Gomez and myself.
