Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Ana Ita of West Valley

We recently had the chance to connect with Ana Ita and have shared our conversation below.

Ana , it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned about your customers?
One of the most surprising things I’ve learned about my clients is that it was never just about the hair. When I first started, I truly believed people came to me for length, shine, and fullness and of course, TAMED delivers all of that. But what I didn’t expect was how deeply it would touch their confidence.

Over time, I started hearing stories that stayed with me. Clients would tell me TAMED helped them fall back in love with their natural beauty, that it restored their confidence after years of damage, or that it simply made them feel seen, cared for, and worthy again. Those moments made me realize that what TAMED is doing goes far beyond haircare, which relates to another thing that surprised me—I have learned from my clients that TAMED isn’t just a product or just about creating beautiful, healthy hair—it’s about self-love, healing, and helping every woman walk through life with her crown held high.
You know the saying? “When you look good, you feel good”.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Ana, I am a licensed cosmetologist, make up artist, and the founder of TAMED. I went from being a tomboy who loved sports to being in the beauty industry. My passion has always been helping others feel beautiful inside and out, and encouraging people to reach for the stars.

I then created TAMED, these products are special to me because it goes beyond being a product line—it’s about the experience and transformation that happens both inside and out. What started as a passion for restoring and protecting hair and skin has grown into a brand that represents self-care, confidence, and growth.

I am wanting to expand but for right now, I’m working on growing TAMED into more than just products—it’s becoming a lifestyle. I want women to feel empowered, cared for, and unstoppable, not just when they leave the salon but every single day.

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who taught you the most about work?
My parents have been my greatest teachers when it comes to work. Growing up, I watched them sacrifice, hustle, and build a new life for our family from the ground up. They faced challenges head-on but never gave up, and that resilience really shaped the way I approach my own goals. Their determination, discipline, and pride in doing things the right way taught me that success doesn’t come overnight—it comes from consistency, hard work, and believing in yourself even when things get tough. Their example is a big part of why I’m so driven today.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me lessons that became the foundation of TAMED. Going through my own challenges—whether it was setbacks, self-doubt, or starting from nothing, this taught me strength, patience, and purpose. It showed me that growth takes time, just like healthy hair does. Success never taught me how to rebuild, but struggle did. TAMED was born from that process, turning pain into passion, and creating something that helps others feel confident, strong, and beautiful through their own transformations.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends would say that what matters most to me is loyalty, growth, and staying true to myself and others. I’ve always believed that where you come from doesn’t define you—it’s what you do now to build your future that really counts. They’d also say I value being genuine—treating people with honesty, kindness, and real intentions. They’d tell you I care deeply about my goals, my relationships, and staying authentic no matter what life throws my way!

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What will you regret not doing? 
What I would regret most is not believing in myself enough to bring TAMED to life and watching that vision fade away. TAMED represents more than just a brand—it’s my story, my passion, and a reflection of everything I’ve learned through struggle and growth. I’d regret not pushing through the fear and doubt to create something that helps others feel confident and empowered in their own skin. I never want to wonder “what if” when it comes to my purpose. I want to know I gave it my all—not just for me, but for everyone who connects with the message behind TAMED: strength, self-care, and transformation.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Anastylez.com
• Instagram: @_anastylezz
• Facebook: https://Facebook.com/ana.ita.9