Today we’d like to introduce you to Valeria Porter.
Hi Valeria, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I will start by saying this…GOD WILL BLESS YOU, EVEN IN A PANDEMIC! I am a licensed Master Cosmetologist and a licensed Cosmetology Instructor. I have been in this industry since 2015. After working in various open floor salons, I decided that I wanted to be in a more private setting. I found Lawrenceville, GA to be the perfect location to branch out and start my own business. On May 15, 2018, I leased a private suite from a local studio owner. June 1, 2018 was the day I opened Virtuously Gifted Salon. It was in the year of 2019 that I had an epiphany to go bigger. Without going into all the details, I had no idea that I was going to be forced to make that move a lot sooner than I had anticipated. All I can say is God works in mysterious ways. When the world shut down due to the pandemic, I decided not to renew my lease. November 30, 2020 was my last day. So I came up with a plan to build out my very own private salon studios. My husband, who is also my business partner, was all in. He often calls me Mrs. VG (because of Virtuously Gifted) so I decided to take that name and coin VG Salon Studios. We both had crazy, radical faith. It took nearly two years to get up and running but I don’t regret it at all. A lot of sweat, tears, and pain (physically) got me to where I am today. I am still shedding tears…tears of joy that is. VG Salon Studios officially opened for business December 17, 2021.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Not at all! This was my first time doing something of this magnitude so there were a lot of lumps and bruises along the way. It certainly wasn’t easy but I learned a lot during this process. The hardest part was finding a space that didn’t already have a salon on the property. Of course, finding reasonable contractors wasn’t a walk in the park either. My business partner went above and beyond the call of duty to help make my dream come true. He wore a lot of hats from project director to maintenance manager. He handled a majority of the negotiations and made sure things got done in a timely and cost-efficient manner.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about VG Salon Studios?
VG Salon Studios is a place designed specifically for licensed professionals within the beauty industry and their clients. Our studios come equipped with the tools and the support needed for independent stylists to run their own business, create their own unique brand, and personalize their own space. The atmosphere at VG Salon Studios is pleasant, relaxing, and inviting. Clients can come and enjoy a safe and private 1-on-1 experience with our studio owners.
Here’s a list of what you will get when leasing with us:
+ Furnished studios
+ Onsite laundry
+ Free Wi-Fi
+ Smart TV
+ Breakroom
+ 24/7 access
+ Secured premises
What sets us apart from others in this business is our unique marketing approach. My marketing manager is the absolute best. He has developed a strategy that is proven to generate leads and target specific clientele. I can personally testify to how effective it is. He grew me from having zero clients, as a stylist, to owning and leasing out my very own salon studios. We aim to do the same for others. We grow by helping others grow!
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The most important lesson that I’ve learned along my journey was to not give up. Yes there were hurdles, but I didn’t quit. Yes, there were setbacks, but I didn’t stop building. Yes there were mishaps, but I didn’t lose focus nor did I lose hope. Things happen for many reasons. So I analyzed those reasons, learned from them, and shifted my way of thinking and doing. Now I know what it takes to start location number 2, and 3, and 4, and so on. I am grateful for everything that I had to go through to get to where I am today.
Contact Info:
- Email: valeria@vgsalonstudios.com
- Website: www.vgsalonstudios.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/vgsalonstudios
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100067994646446
Image Credits
Jonathan Porter
