We had the good fortune of connecting with Vanessa Flores and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Vanessa, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?

I have worked in an office position since I graduated highschool and I never found a day where I was excited to go to work or even loved what I was doing. I knew something was missing and wanted more out of my career. So I thought to myself what do I love doing the most and my answer was hair. I will have the ability to create , meet new people , work in a fun environment and best of all become my own boss. So I quickly pursued a career in the beauty industry and became a hairstylist. One of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

Then recently we (my best friend and I) started a podcast called Chisme Therapy which is another outlet to being creative and  having fun while doing so. It has always been an idea of my best friend and we finally decided to go forward with and it’s been amazing.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a professional hairstylist my business name is VeeHairRoom and a co host to a podcast called Chisme Therapy. Growing up I feel that I always struggled to find what I was good at. Once I graduated I remember just going to college because it was what your were “supposed” to do. But people would ask me what I wanted to be and I never had an answer. So as years went on I just fell into the corporate world working my regular 8-5 and having no interest in any of my work. So I knew something was missing and it was passion. I realize I was just running out the clock every day for work. So years later when I was 29 I decided to make a change and I thought about what I loved the most and it was doing hair. I didn’t hesitate I quickly enrolled into Paul Mitchell and was determined to graduate and start my new career.

It was definitely a change for not only my self but for my marriage. I had to continue working to pay for school so my schedule was hectic.
Going to work at 8am until 4pm then go to school 5pm-10pm I would get home around 10:30 by that time my husband would be gone to work. He worked nights so seeing each other was very rare. I remember there would be times we were driving on opposite sides of the freeway and we would call each other and see us drive past each other and that would be the only time we would get to see one another that day. We lived together but never saw one another because I was working and going to school. It was hard getting used to such a busy schedule but I just reminded myself that it will all be worth it in the end. When I was attending school I was loving it , I felt that this is the place for me. Learning anything and everything about being a hairstylist thrilled me. Then unfortunately Covid came along , what was hands on learning quickly became videos and questionnaires we would fill out. I felt that I lost my drive and passion it was really tough. But my husband, family and friends were such great supporters and would always remind me that this is just a small bump in the road , bigger things were coming. So I kept pushing and graduated. I quickly found a position as an assistant in a salon and learned from my mentor as much as I could and then started taking my own clients. I learn more and more everyday. Every person to me is like a blank canvas and I get to be so creative , being in the salon atmosphere has taught me so much. I am not only just a hairstylist I am some peoples therapist, shoulder to cry on , someone to help find your self confidence again.

I make sure that anyone who sits in my chair feels comfortable, knows they are being listened too and feels amazing after their hair appointment.
I love to see the joy on my clients faces after seeing their hair goals come to life but I also love the interactions we have. You never know what someone is going through and if I can shift your energy to a positive one I am so happy to do so! My biggest advice to anyone is that it’s never to late to go after your dreams. Don’t ever be afraid of change.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

One thing about me is I am a big foodie and always down for a good time ! I definitely love trying new breakfast spots but my all time fav is Red Oak Cafe so I would recommend taking her to eat breakfast there. Also love taking pictures so visiting the TFTI the Houston’s #1 selfie museum so we can take pictures and use all the fun props! Then taking a stroll through midtown to do a bike tour and stop at all the bars along the way for a nice cold margarita or ranch water . Hang around all the bars and stop at 8th wonder brewery. Then having dinner at Otsuka Ramen Bar to enjoy some amazing ramen & sushi. We would always definitely have to float the Texas shaped pool at the Marriott down town with their amazing pina coladas! I’m a big on trying new things so anything that pops up that I have never done or seen before I just go full force. We only live once and I want to experience as much as I can !

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My number one supporter is definitely my husband. He has always been there for me . Especially when I decided to stop working in the corporate world and go back to school and completely change my career path. Without his support and him believing in me I don’t think I would be where I am today.

Instagram: @ VeeHairRoom @Chisme_therapy @vee_flo_

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutHTX is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.