Meet Elisa De La Cerda | Salon Owner and Blonding & Extension Specialist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Elisa De La Cerda and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Elisa, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?

My mission is to elevate the beauty industry. I want to elevate every single artist that joins my team; and not just in a superficial way but to help them get into a new tax bracket, to be able to buy a house for their family, help them feel good about their career and have the clients they want. I really want to help our industry go from ”trades people” to “professional service providers”. I want parents to want to send their kids to beauty school, rather than seeing it as a last resort.

As a salon owner, it’s not all about me. It’s about the team, and empowering them to think like leaders. We all need to adapt and evolve. Watching artists that I’ve taken under my wing grow and become successful is the most rewarding experience ever.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

For the beginner stylists- It is difficult, but it is possible.

I had no idea where my career would take me and never imagined I would be teaching and inspiring other stylists. Sure, many sacrifices are required, and yes, I’ve missed many parenting milestones, but overall, I always strive to find balance so I can do what I love, have a family and fight for success.

No matter how many difficulties you face, you can be successful if you put in the work. Extreme pressure can transform minerals into diamonds. That is true with human beings as well.

Failures teach us how to succeed in life if we are willing to take the lessons from them. I have learned a great deal through my failures and if you keep going with gratitude, nothing is impossible!

There is a huge misconception surrounding where success comes from in this industry. Experience, talent and social media do not guarantee success. High follow through, consistency and persistence is truly what it takes to make it long term. When you combine ALL of the above, then you are unbeatable!

My craft-

People would refer to me as a hairstylist but, I like to say I am an artist, or a color creator. Every client that sits in my chair is a canvas, and I get to create wearable art. It’s not just hair for me; it’s about the feeling my client gets when she looks in the mirror feeling good about themselves and teaching them how to recreate their new style.

I am a color specialist, my favorite thing to do is color transformations. I love the high pressure stuff like color corrections. I love creating unique formulas for each guest to achieve their hair goals. I never thought I would need math or chemistry in my career, but when it comes to mixing and formulating, it is definitely a science to understanding the art of color, as well as haircutting and design techniques.

Some people have never really experienced what it feels like to have good hair, and they think that it’s not possible for them. So just seeing people be happy and seeing people feel good about themselves, overwhelmed with excitement and shock that they actually look cute, they see that it’s actually possible for them to have amazing hair and look beautiful. Truly, that has to be the best thing about this industry.

As a salon owner-

My passion is helping stylists grow, it gives me chills whenever I think about it. I couldn’t do it all alone; my team is amazing. If I start talking about them, I always tear up. It’s like having kids and talking about them growing up. It’s crazy because our career takes a huge toll on our bodies both physically and mentally. It’s just amazing that they all want to learn so much, and they are all so motivated with the desire to show up and work. We inspire each other and it creates a fun, breathable and creative environment. I have a simple word for my salon, TEAM: Together, Each Achieves More. It sounds cheesy, but it’s true, and I believe a positive team that works together – helps each of us achieve our goals quicker. I am motivated by giving and receiving inspiration. When something inspires me, I’m motivated to share that with my team.

The pandemic also made me realize that it’s important in taking control of your own life. Don’t waste time blaming other people or circumstances for something you didn’t get. Instead, I believe that if you have a dream, and life isn’t giving you any opportunities, go create your own opportunity. Hello Beautiful Salon is just that- an opportunity to create, to be an educational platform that will elevate the industry.

Reflecting on my past, I’ve had a roller coaster, as most people have. I am honored to be where I am and I realize that , when our glass is full, we can pour into other people, and I had an awakening that helped me realize that. I am super grateful for where I am and remind myself of that every day.

LOVE/GROW/SHARE

Love. Act from a place of love and good things will happen.

Grow. Stay focused on becoming the best version of yourself.

Share. Help others succeed by openly sharing what you know.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
As a entrepreneur, I have so much respect for local businesses. I love their stories and the impact they give to our community. Owning and operating a business is not easy. So I would definitely take them to local faves such as Brandani’s Restaurant, Bean Here Coffee, the Warehouse Boutique, Cru, Feather and Nest, Alex’s Kitchen or Little City has so many hidden gems, I would definitely take them on a shopping spree or food binge.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

My parents 100% deserve all of the recognition. My family unfortunately had fallen into extremely hard situations and I had no choice to grow up quickly. I get my strong work ethic from them. My mom was a nurse for five years, but it wasn’t her passion; she eventually became a successful beautician and even worked with celebrities and eventually opened her own salon. She always encouraged me that you had to work hard and not to depend on anyone (including herself) to create my destiny. My father taught me the importance of values and professionalism, that you need to be confident in yourself no matter what people think of you, to be a go-getter and follow your heart and dreams, to always keep trying, and to never give up; despite what people say about you and always show kindness.

My parents divorced when I was 11 years old, my mother raised my siblings and she put us through college as a beautician and as a single parent. Growing up I would help my mom at the salon after school so I had some knowledge of the industry.

Fast forward, I made a career change from a news anchor to a cosmetologist when I moved to Texas, it wasn’t because of following my passions, it was more to be able to be a provider for my daughter. If my mom can do it, so can I as a single parent.

I worked several jobs while I was trying to build a clientele- from being a barista, a babysitter, a housekeeper, a receptionist at a hotel and a waitress at a couple restaurants. I would work three jobs at the same time to make ends meet, until I was able to rent a suite,

It’s always important to be kind, and sometimes being around the wrong people can bring your spirit down. I worked at a salon that taught me a lot about the beauty industry but eventually, I had to leave. I always say rejection is God’s protection. Long story short, I opened my own little suite, it was 600 sq feet. I dedicated my time, working 7 days a week sometimes 15hr days. I did everything to build my career. I truly appreciate the support of my community. I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.

Flash forward I was blessed to have the opportunity to train an apprentice, Triston, and she made me fall in love with being an educator. This sparked my desire to open a salon to be able to mentor other stylists, to elevate them and give them the hope of a compelling future in this industry.

I am also truly thankful to my husband Leo and my daughter Audriana for being supportive, and putting up with the crazy hours and lifting my spirits when I had a bad work day. They encouraged me to open the salon, even though it was during such a scary time during the pandemic. I had amazing support, even when the whole world is coming down around us, it gave me a new hunger and appreciation to build a better life for my family.

I have had some incredible mentors, over the years who have educated me , who have been so kind to share their knowledge and their hair journey. As well as my authentic experience of always trying and never giving up, that is what makes me who I am. I’m truly grateful for my background, my education, every experience I’ve gone through, the good, the bad and the ugly.

The words I live by are “Life is not happening to you, it’s happening for you,” so every experience I’ve gone through has helped me become a salon owner in 7 years.

Website: www.hairvibetribe.com

Instagram: @stylesbyelisa and @hellobeautifulsal_

Facebook: Hello Beautiful Salon by Elisa