Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Veloz.
Hi Melissa, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
We didn’t set out to build just another commercial space. From the beginning, the vision behind The Werx was deeply intentional — to create a place where independent professionals could grow roots, feel supported, and build something that truly belonged to them. It was inspired by the mentors, partnerships, and communities that helped us along our own journeys, and our desire to create that same kind of supportive, opportunity-filled environment for others. What started as an idea slowly took shape as The Werx Salon Suites.
My own career path wasn’t in beauty or real estate at all. I’ve spent nearly two decades in logistics, raising my hand for every opportunity to learn and grow while also raising a family of three. I’m also an Army Reserve veteran, and that season of my life instilled discipline, accountability, and resilience that still guide how I lead and solve problems today.
For a long time I followed the traditional path inside a corporate structure, but eventually I started to feel a ceiling above me. Advancement depended on openings and titles, not always on capability or drive. I realized that sometimes, to understand what you’re truly capable of, you have to create the opportunity yourself. That’s where you discover what you’re really made of.
Stepping into entrepreneurship forced me to face problems I didn’t yet know how to solve and to trust that I could figure them out anyway. Some days I feel mentally exhausted, but those moments have become some of the biggest growth points of my life. They’ve stretched my confidence, sharpened my thinking, and revealed strengths I didn’t know I had until I was willing to take the leap.
Real estate entered my world not as a career switch, but as an education. In 2009 I met Erica Tito, who would later become my business partner, mentor, and close friend, while supporting her behind the scenes as she built her real estate business. From the start, I had a front-row seat to how she evaluated opportunities, navigated risk, and thought long term. Over time, that working relationship grew into a true partnership grounded in trust, shared values, and a mutual belief in building something bigger than either of us could do alone.
Erica had been investing long before we ever imagined The Werx. She flipped her first property at 23 in San Diego, sparking a long-term interest in market cycles, timing, and investment strategy. Over the years she built experience across residential investments, brokerage operations, and team-based models, all while raising a family of six. When the opportunity came to purchase and transform a long-vacant building, our strengths aligned naturally. Erica led the renovation and long-term investment strategy, and I took on the hands-on build-out, interior design, and daily details that brought the space to life.
Together, we weren’t just renovating a building. We were creating a foundation for other people’s dreams to stand on.
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 at all. Entrepreneurship has a way of humbling you quickly. Plans change, markets shift, and some decisions work beautifully while others become hard lessons.
Balancing business ownership with family life requires constant recalibration. There are days where mentally I struggle because I don’t yet have the answer to the problem in front of me, but I know I have to find a solution. Those are the moments that stretch you.
That’s also where partnership and mentorship become everything. On the hard days, Erica is often the one who grounds me and says, “You’ve got this. Let’s talk it through.” Sometimes you just need someone to help you unpack the problem and look at it from a different angle. Even tools like AI have become a sounding board for me, a way to process ideas and get my thoughts out of my head so I can keep moving forward.
What has carried us through uncertainty is honesty, faith, and the willingness to keep learning instead of giving up.
As you know, we’re big fans of The Werx Salon Suites. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Today, The Werx is about far more than a building. It’s a community.
We created a modern salon suite collective for independent beauty professionals who want ownership of their work, flexibility in their schedules, and real support as they build their businesses. Inside our space, artists don’t compete against each other; they collaborate, share knowledge, and celebrate each other’s wins.
We’ve watched brand new professionals gain confidence and seasoned artists rediscover their creativity. Techniques, referrals, encouragement, and resources are shared freely. Many of our artists mentor newer ones, and that ripple effect of support is what we’re most proud of.
That culture didn’t happen by accident. It was built intentionally. The Werx is a place where creativity, entrepreneurship, and genuine community coexist under one roof, and where growth is both professional and personal.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Mentorship has been one of the most important pieces of our journey.
There’s a message by Steve Harvey about “jumping” that has always stuck with me — your parachute doesn’t open until after you leap. So much of growth requires movement before certainty.
The right mentors aren’t just successful; they live by values you respect. Watch how they think, how they use their time, and how they make tough decisions. Real networking isn’t about collecting business cards; it’s about building relationships rooted in trust.
Progress often looks like asking questions you’re afraid to ask, taking steps before you feel fully ready, and trusting that clarity comes through action.
When Erica and I were creating The Werx, we didn’t do it alone. We actively sought the advice of the very professionals who would one day work inside the space. Their input helped shape the layout, the atmosphere, and the culture. In many ways, our community helped bring the original vision to life.
The Werx itself exists because people believed in something before it was fully formed. It was built through patience, collaboration, and shared belief. That same belief continues to drive us today. For those who want a true support system, they can find it here — a place where mentors, peers, and friends stand next to you as you take your own leap, knowing you won’t land alone.
Pricing:
- Private salon suites starting at $125/week, with flexible options based on suite size and setup
- All suites include access to shared amenities in a professional space designed for both independent work and connection.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thewerxsalonsuites.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewerxsalonsuites/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewerxsalonsuites
