Today we’d like to introduce you to Erika Valderas.
Hi Erika, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Being passionate, personable and confident in my craft is the easy part because I truly love making people feel beautiful and comfortable and understood. I remember as a little girl I would always get excited for the weekend because I’d setup my “salon” for my sisters to come and get serviced. I’d write up a service and price list and everything. That’s when my love for this industry started. Little did I know I’d be where I am today. Through my adolescence years I always felt like I wasn’t truly being understood, like I wasn’t getting through to anyone. Growing up I stayed connected to coloring/cutting peoples hair and even my own. I remember enrolling in beauty school and being so excited to step into this new era of my life. I worked a 8-5 and then school 6-10:30 pm so I can pay for it and when I landed my first ever salon job in 2018, I was nervous and ecstatic to see what lie ahead. I was so lucky to land a position with my first ever mentor , Julie Rhymes. That woman poured every piece of knowledge and passion she has for this industry into me. She is what drives me to stand out and deliver a better, personable experience. Ironically, we are actually neighbors at Mattison salon suites, so it’s definitely a full circle moment for me. Opening up my own business/suite was always something I never even thought I wanted. I loved a structured team environment , plus I’m nosey and always wanna see and know why someone is choosing a certain route for a guest or what not. But after almost 10 years in, you start to become more established in yourself and your capabilities to where structure and team doesn’t really suit you anymore, especially being a mom as well, I need flexibility and leniency, and only I can provide that for myself. Being In my suite has been such a life changing experience for me and my entire family, there’s noticeable differences and we’re all truly appreciating this experience.
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?
It has definitely not been smooth. I’ve been through 2 salon closures, 2 horrible experiences where I ended up being terminated, and went through many moments of burnout and doubt, and needless to say I was traumatized to even try out a new salon. I had to rebuild 3 times and each time felt like the bottom all over again. One thing I will say helped make it smoother is my ability to stay true and confident in myself. Put a client in my chair and I promise you they will be back.
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 am a hairstylist of 8 years, I specialize in layered haircuts and blow outs, and brunette/dimensional hair color. I’m mostly known for my “magic hands” (my clients say) and my blow outs. I feel like what sets me apart from others is just the serene space and service I provide. I genuinely love people and making people feel heard and comfortable in my chair. I hear you, and I have opinions for you and knowledge to share always.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I love how diverse and accessible it is in our city. It’s a hot spot, people are always looking and referring their best people. The community is super supportive and if you’re that person, they will scream it to everyone. I least like the over crowded feeling some cities have but all in all it’s not a bad place to be especially in this industry
Pricing:
- Haircut 65$
- Color/cut 145
- Partial blonding 175
- Full blonding 285
- Deep condition/ cut / blow outs 110
Contact Info:
- Website: https://erikavalderas.glossgenius.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erikadenaebeauty?igsh=dmM0YTNzejBuOTBz&utm_source=qr
