Today we’d like to introduce you to Susana Alvarez.
Hi Susana, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Hi, my name is Susana Alvarez.
What began as a side job to help me through college has evolved into a fulfilling 20-year career in the beauty industry. I fell in love with the craft, the creativity, and the way each client leaves my chair feeling renewed and confident. Over the years, I developed a deep passion for color and ultimately became a color specialist, helping clients achieve their unique hair goals with intention, artistry, and expertise.
The relationships I’ve built with my clients extend far beyond the salon chair—they truly become family. Owning my own studio has given me not only creative freedom, but also the flexibility to balance my dedication to my business with motherhood. As women, we carry so much, and I’m proud to manage both a successful career and a fulfilling family life.
My career has also opened doors to incredible opportunities, allowing me to travel for my work—from New York to Lake Tahoe, Virginia to Sedona, as well as local venues including Temecula wineries. Each destination has reminded me how grateful I am to do what I love while connecting with new people and places.
Being a woman in business is empowering. We build, hustle, create, nurture, and lead—all at once. And every day, I’m reminded that dreams grow when you show up with passion and purpose.
If you have a hair goal, we’ll achieve it together.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It hasn’t always been easy. Building a strong clientele took time, patience, and a commitment to showing up every single day. There were long hours and seasons of hustle, but the consistency, dependability, and genuine relationships I’ve built with my clients have made every step worth it.
Success in this industry is all about balance—between ambition and personal life, creativity and discipline, service and self-growth. When you pour your heart into your craft with dedication, love, and grace, the results don’t just show in your work—they show in the community you build and the opportunities that follow.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I love working with all aspects of hair—cuts, color, perms, and Brazilian Blowouts—but over time, my passion for transformation and creativity led me to specialize in color. I enjoy working with everything from natural blends to bold, vibrant tones, and nothing compares to seeing the joy on my clients’ faces when their vision comes to life.
I stay committed to ongoing education and advanced training to ensure I’m always offering the latest techniques and trends. I work with multiple high-quality product lines, allowing me to customize each service to achieve every client’s unique hair goals with precision.
In addition to color, I am also a certified Brazilian Blowout specialist. Continuing education is a priority in my career, and I strive to deliver the highest level of service, results, and care to every client who sits in my chair.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
My dedication to my clients is deeper than just a passion for my craft—it’s my livelihood. This career is how I provide for my family, raise my two boys, and keep my household running. Every day, I show up with perseverance, consistency, and commitment because this work not only fuels my purpose, it supports the life I’ve built.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.essencesalonstudio.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/essencesalonstudio/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Essencesalonstudio33
