Today we’d like to introduce you to Vanessa Williams.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’ve been a hairstylist since 1999. My parents were super supportive of me. I mean they expected me to at least complete two years of college. But I tried to meet their expectations.
My mother was instrumental in helping me establish a good base with color and extensions. I’ve been extremely blessed to have begun my career in a few chain salons and one of them was Regis and it was there that I was introduced to Wella hair color. That was groundbreaking for me.
The education that Wella provided helped me grow as a stylist to transition into becoming a colorist.
In 2008 I lost my mother after hurricane Ike the lost of that major base in my support system rocked my world. In order to find some balance in my life, I threw myself into work. Thanks to a really awesome sales rep Julie and my employers at the time Rosie and Ed I began taking classes from Wella.
As I grew, I transitioned into a different salon experience one of them allowed me to start taking a class at Toni and Guy for hair cutting. I never want to be a departmentalized stylist. I wanted to do both cutting and coloring. Shortly thereafter, I lost my father, a blow I was not at all prepared for. At that point, I was as silly as this sounds I was an orphan who was also dealing with the dissolution of a 20-year relationship and a one-year-old child. Six months later I lost the father of my child.
At that moment, I had to make an executive decision to focus on my work, I had a toddler to support and I was on my own. I streamlined and decided to become a master colorist through Wella. Once I did that, I made the conscious move to become an educator for Wella and to my surprise I made it. For the last three years, I’ve traveled all over the US to teach and I’m in California twice a year for training.
I was diagnosed pre-diabetic and hypertensive. I was also 489lbs. I worked really hard for 1 year with my doctor to lose 50lbs to qualify for gastric bypass surgery. Over the last year in a half, I lost 250lbs.
I am now living the life I feel destined to be living. I am truly grateful to God, the Universe and my ancestors for blessing me with the strength and wisdom. I am equally grateful for my daughter for motivation and the drive to live our best lives!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Yes, there have been obstacles. But the best advice I can give is to trust the process. Also, the person you become on the other side of adversity is looking forward to meeting you.
What do you do? What do you specialize in?
I’m a hairstylist and colorist. It’s my bag and I love it. I’m also a brand educator for a major international brand Wella. I’m most proud of being a Wella Master Certified Colorist. This summer, I will be completing Wella Cut Craft.
Often it feels as if the media, by and large, is only focused on the obstacles faced by women, but we feel it’s important to also look for the opportunities. In your view, are there opportunities that you see that women are particularly well positioned for?
I believe that the beauty industry is amazingly supportive of women. It’s one of the few industries where you can be your own boss or work for someone yet has a limitless income.
Pricing:
- Balayage starts at $175
- Highlights start at $150
- Haircuts start at $85
Contact Info:
- Address: 1617 Westheimer
Houston, TX 77008 - Phone: 7138262426
- Email: vrwhair@gmail.com
- Instagram: @hairbyveedub
- Facebook: SalonVRW
Image Credit:
Corey Williams
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