Today we’d like to introduce you to Sal Victoria.
Hi Sal, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
In middle school I became obsessed with coloring my hair. By the time I was a senior in high school. I had already had every hair color in the rainbow and hairstyle you could think of. My hair alone could’ve been casted for a skittles commercial. I guess you could say that I was well known for being able to do hair back then. I was regularly experimenting with color, hairstyling, and hair cutting on my friends and family which led to me enrolling in beauty school right after graduation in 2011.
I attended Marinello’s Schools of Beauty in Monterey, CA in the fall of 2011. Completed beauty school 10 months later. Took my state board exam exactly 1 month after, passed, and had my first official job one month after that at a Great Clips in Salinas, CA.
I moved to San Diego about 8 months later in 2013 with just my skills & no clientele and began to build up my career.
Today, I have my own private hair studio inside of Plaza Bonita Mall in National City and a platform artist and educator for Loc N hair care products. I spend a lot of time in the air flying from city to city doing hair shows & education. And when I’m not on the road I’m here in San Diego attending to my amazing clients, friends, and family who have supported me over the years.
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?
PUT YOURSELF FIRST! Take a lunch break. Take a day off. Don’t burn yourself out. For so long I struggled to schedule time for myself.There were days where I wouldn’t eat all day, take a break, or even use the restroom. Yes, my pockets were full but I was drained. If you don’t feel your best, how do you expect to give someone your best. This industry is all about trust. People are trusting YOU with their hair.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a Barber and a Hairstylist all in one. My specialty is Fades & Braids.
In this industry most people only do either barbering or just a cosmetologist. Being that I am both I can offer my clients a variety of services that most people can’t. I can go from giving someone a clean skin fade to a full head of highlight with cut & a fresh blow out. Or I can combine both. Some client get it all done in one stop. Get a fade, hair color, wash, braids, beard line up, and eyebrows done all in one appointment. That alone is something that I know sets me apart from everyone else.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Reliability, consistency, & communication are the 3 most important qualities anyone can and should have in this industry. These three alone have kept me booked and busy during my career.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @salvictoria_
