Today we’d like to introduce you to Ramona Mulligan.
Ramona, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I was born and raised in Los Angeles. Right after high school I attended the Vidal Sassoon Academy in Santa Monica. My first job was at the giant Umberto Beverly Hills salon, assisting a successful celebrity stylist, who became a wonderful friend and mentor. I learned everything about professionalism, having a strong work ethic, and handling very demanding clients working for him. Once I finished apprenticing, I worked as a stylist at Umberto, and moved on to work in a few of the top salons in Beverly Hills and West Hollywood at the time. I also started doing freelance work for photo shoots, music videos, and film.
After 12 years, I was feeling very burnt out on the industry, and I took an indefinite break. I got married, moved to Austin, and had two kids, before moving to San Diego in 2011.
I was ready to go back to a salon and I started working in Pacific Beach and was there for over three years. I wasn’t in a big hurry to move salons but I had my radar up for any that were hiring, just in case something caught my eye.. one day I came across an ad for a nail salon for sale, I had never considered having my own salon, but the size and location, plus the price made it too good to pass up! I contacted the owner on a whim, and everything picked up momentum quicklyf!
Has it been a smooth road?
The first year of owning the salon was one of- if not the most- difficult of my life. Financially, it cost about 3 times more than I anticipated, the building was essentially an office. Fluorescent lights, bad paint job. My husband did all the beautiful renovations, but it was very stressful. There was a lot of arguing! I barely saw my kids for more than an hour everyday and all of it really took a toll on my family. By the time we actually opened, my personal life was what you would call “in turmoil”! Also, four stylists from the previous salon moved to the new space along with me and it was a struggle for us to establish our working relationship now that I was the owner. We ended up parting ways with two of the stylists the first year. One of them had been a very dear friend. That was very hard. So many things happened personally and professionally in such a small window of time,and everything happened so fast. It’s all a learning curve. As I go along I’ve definitely learned to roll with the punches!
So, as you know, we’re impressed with The Hair Cooperative – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
It’s important for the salon to be as environmentally conscious as possible, and I’m constantly striving to improve. We kept that in mind when we remodeled the space. We also use products that have minimal impact on the environment, (Including hair color.) We recycle and conserve water whenever possible, And all our products are cruelty-free.
The space is a collaboration of 8 established beauty professionals. The five stylists each have our own approach to the craft, and bring something different to the table. We specialize in color but we really do it all! I do a lot of hair extensions, and we have a stylist who specifically focuses on men’s hair. We have a massage therapist, an eyelash extension artist, and an esthetician who uses organic skincare. It’s really a one-stop shop.
Probably what I’m most proud of, is all the great feedback, and the way we’re establishing our place in the community. Many people in the area have become clients, and recommend us to all of their friends, which is the best compliment. Even our neighbors who aren’t clients will stop by and say hi when they’re out walking their dogs. We’ve connected clients to each other, too for things like realtors, babysitters, etc. We really feel like a part of the neighborhood. I absolutely love that.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
What I like best:
There is a very relaxed, beachy vibe about San Diego, even when you’re inland, that I love. Coming from L.A., I love that you can still avoid traffic here at specific times of the day, and It’s awesome that you can drive 15-20 minutes and be in Mexico. I find people San Diego are really friendly. Of course, Balboa Park is amazing. The best Mexican food in the entire country. It’s just a beautiful city.
What I like least:
Like everyone, I wish it wasn’t so expensive, Also, besides very specific neighborhoods, the city isn’t the most racially or culturally diverse, so I‘d to see more diversity. And restaurant’s that stay open past 10:00! But I think it’s slowly changing!
Contact Info:
- Address: 4970 Cass St
San Diego, CA 92109 - Website: https://www.thehaircooperative.com/
- Phone: 8584364526
- Email: thehaircooperative@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/thehaircooperative?utm_source=ig_profile_share&igshid=pfgrypwq7bcq
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehaircooperativepb/
- Yelp: https://yelp.to/qTKq/MxrjYrhpQS
- Other: https://www.vagaro.com/thehaircooperative
Getting in touch: SDVoyager 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.
