Today we’d like to introduce you to Victoria Valadez.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I was born with a condition called Amniotic Band Syndrome, which prevented full development of my left hand, but that has never stopped me from achieving my goals and dreams. As a child, I would cut my Barbie doll’s hair as well as my own, though my parents weren’t so happy about that, they knew very early on that I had an interest in doing hair. During my sophomore year at Somerset High School in Somerset, Tx. is when a brand new cosmetology program was opened.
Our cosmetology instructor, Holly Yates, helped guide me into the beauty industry with confidence. I learned how to adjust techniques to my specific needs and practice my craft. This led me to win the superior award for a mannequin I entered in the category of Edgy Cut and Color at the Skills USA competition in Corpus Christi 2016. Shortly after, I graduated from Somerset High School with my cosmetology license and I have now been doing hair for 6 years. I worked at corporate salons up until 2019 where I created my brand Killer Queen Hair. I now rent a station at Donna’s Hair and Nail’s in Somerset, Tx. where I run my small business.
Covid-19 brought many difficulties as all salons had to be closed for about 2 months in 2020 but that was just a setback and I’ve worked very hard towards keeping myself and clients safe any time they come in. I currently do many vivid hair colors, edgy cuts, lightening services such as balayage as well as updos. I always look forward to making my clients feel like the beautiful individuals they are because though I am just one person, I strive to make the world a better place and if that means me helping someone fall in love with themselves through their hair then that’s how I wanna do it.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
My journey hasn’t been a smooth one but the highs and lows are sure scenic! Having the confidence to get up every day and keep working at perfecting my craft is a struggle in itself because things didn’t come easy with my condition. Over the years I have tried many different techniques to achieve results that I can now say I’m very proud of.
Pushing myself to keep trying, even when it was so much easier to just give up, is why I stand where I do today. Covid-19 also hurt so many small businesses and I’m blessed to have been able to make it through the shutdown. I am stronger now than ever because of my faithful clientele.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Having a cosmetology license, there is a huge array of services I could offer, but my passion and specialty are in haircuts, and vivid colors. While edgy cuts and fashion colors are my favorite, I also do natural hairstyles as well as lightening services like ombres, balayage, and high lights. For special occasions, I also do updos for events like weddings and quinceañeras. I’m proud of my vivid color creations because ever since I started learning color theory, they’re all I ever wanted to do.
My clientele stays loyal knowing I put the integrity of their hair first. I’m very realistic with my clients, their hair goals, and the possible sessions it could take them to get the result they desire while maintaining the health of their hair.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
No one does perfect hair when they first start out! It’s important for new hairstylists to know that it takes lots of practice. I recommend trying different techniques and tools until you find the best method of achieving the result you want. Personally, what matters the most is getting out of my comfort zone. Going into this industry with my ABS condition was me breaking out of that comfort. I had fears that I wouldn’t be able to do certain services, but the more I had put in the work, the easier I found I had no limitations.
Pricing:
- Haircuts are $30 (includes a shampoo service and blow-dry style)
- Clipper Cuts are $20
- Color & Lightening Services are set at a rate of $60 an hour
- Updos start at $60
Contact Info:
- Email: killerqueenhair@gmail.com
- Instagram: @killerqueenhair
