Today we’d like to introduce you to ERICA VILLA.
ERICA, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I decided to go to beauty school at 26, genuinely believing I was WAY too old to start a new career—which is hilarious to me now!
Getting through beauty school was a family effort. I had a baby at home whom I was still breastfeeding, so I pumped during my hour-long commute each way. My husband worked extensive overtime to keep things running while I focused on school. It wasn’t easy, but my family believed in me and made it possible for me to take that chance.
After beauty school, I worked at two salons that taught me so much and shaped me as a stylist. At my last salon, I met Morgan, an amazing woman who immediately believed we could succeed on our own. I closed my eyes and let her lead the way—and she was right. I wouldn’t be where I am today without her push.
After my first year owning a salon, I began teaching eyebrow and facial threading. Education has become a passion because I love teaching people the correct, safest techniques—not just how to perform a service.
Today, I work from my own salon suite with a clientele of humble, kind-hearted women. My clients are one of the best parts of my career. We’ve laughed, cried, celebrated milestones, and made countless memories together. It’s so much more than doing hair.
And because I apparently can’t do just one thing, I co-opened FLASH HAUS AZ, a photography and content studio in Mesa. It’s given me a new creative outlet and another way to help people bring their ideas to life.
That baby is now 11, and our oldest just graduated high school. My boys have grown up watching me build something from the ground up, and that makes me incredibly proud.
Looking back, it’s funny that I thought I was “too old” to start over at 26. That decision completely changed my life—and I’m still finding new things to create along the way.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Absolutely not, haha! When I decided it was time to go out on my own, it definitely wasn’t all rainbows and sunshine. I finally started to feel like I had found my groove around year two—and then COVID hit. The world changed overnight, anxiety levels were through the roof, and I found myself working harder than ever, both physically and mentally.
Once the dust settled, though, I was able to get back to building and enjoying the career I had chosen for myself. Every challenge along the way has taught me something and pushed me to grow, not only as a stylist but as a business owner.
Something that isn’t talked about enough is how expensive it can be to work for yourself, especially in a salon suite. I always joke that I literally have to pay to go to work! But at the end of the day, the women I get to interact with, the relationships I’ve built, and the connections I make every day are absolutely worth it. Creating a space where women can come in, feel comfortable, laugh, talk, and leave feeling amazing is one of my favorite parts of what I do.
As you know, we’re big fans of Kalonstudioaz. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I’m a hairstylist based in Chandler, Arizona, specializing in blonding, balayage, and extensions — and I always say, “Balayage is my jam!”
One of the things I’m most proud of is the relationship and communication I have with my clients. I ask A LOT of questions! I want to know about your hair history, your daily routine, what products you’re using, how much time you actually want to spend styling your hair, and what your long-term hair goals are. Creating beautiful hair is important to me, but maintaining the integrity and health of your hair will always come first.
I’m also an education-based stylist, which means your appointment isn’t just about leaving with great hair. I want you to understand your hair, how to care for it at home, and how to keep it looking its best between appointments. You’ll almost always leave my chair having learned something new about your hair!
More than anything, I’ve worked hard to create a true girls’ girl environment in my chair. My salon is a place where you can come as you are, laugh way too much, feel comfortable asking questions, and leave feeling confident and beautiful. We have FUN in my chair!
I want every client to feel like their appointment is more than just a hair service — it’s their time to relax, feel taken care of, and leave feeling like the best version of themselves.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
I would say my ability to connect and communicate with people has been the biggest part of my success. I genuinely love getting to know my clients, asking questions, listening to what they want, and making sure they feel heard and comfortable in my chair.
One of my mottos has always been, “It’s your hair—you pay for it!” Of course, I’m always going to be honest about what is realistic and what will keep your hair healthy, but ultimately I want my clients to feel like themselves. I’m not here to push my personal preferences onto someone else’s hair. My job is to listen, educate, and work with them to create something they love.
I’m also always willing to learn and grow. The beauty industry is constantly changing, and continuing my education allows me to bring new techniques and knowledge back to my clients.
At the end of the day, people may initially come to me for their hair, but I believe the experience, trust, and relationships we build are what keep them coming back.
Pricing:
- Balayage 200+
- Blonding 230+
- Hair extensions 190+
Contact Info:
- Website: Check out my personal website https://ericavilla.glossgenius.com/
- Instagram: https://ericavilla.glossgenius.com/
