We were lucky to catch up with Victor Scotti recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Victor, really appreciate you joining us to talk about a really relevant, albeit unfortunate topic – layoffs and getting fired. Can you talk to us about your experience and how you overcame being let go?
In January 2023, my life took an unexpected turn. After over a decade of building a career in tech at companies like Google and Netflix, I was laid off. It was a moment I never saw coming—a sudden end to what I thought was a stable, lifelong path. At first, I was overwhelmed by uncertainty and grief. But as I sat with the silence, I began to hear a quiet call, one I could no longer ignore.
For years, I had felt a pull toward something more creative, personal, and fulfilling. Though I had never dabbled in the beauty and wellness space, it called to me with an undeniable clarity. I’d always loved the idea of transformation—not just external, but internal—and creating spaces where people felt seen and celebrated. After years of the universe telling me, “not yet”, it was finally telling me, “now is your time”.
In April 2023, I made a bold decision: I enrolled in cosmetology school. Transitioning from a corporate tech leader to a beauty school student was humbling and exhilarating. I traded data analysis and strategy decks for shears, foils, and formulas. Every day brought new challenges, from mastering precision cutting to perfecting hair color techniques. But more than that, it awakened something deep within me—a passion for making people feel beautiful, confident, and whole.
By mid-2024, I graduated with a renewed sense of purpose and a clear vision for the future. I knew I wanted to create a space that went beyond beauty services. I wanted to offer something holistic, inclusive, and luxurious—a place where every person, regardless of background, could feel safe, celebrated, and cared for.
In October 2024, I opened Our S.P.A.C.E. Studios in Arlington, Virginia. The name reflected my mission: creating a sanctuary where beauty and wellness intertwined. From grounding stones and affirmation cards to eco-friendly products and expression-neutral services, every detail was designed to make clients feel seen and supported. My studio isn’t just a place for hair—it is a space for transformation, inside and out.
Starting my own business is no small feat. I am leaning on the skills I honed in tech—managing budgets, crafting strategies, and building inclusive spaces—to navigate this new chapter. But unlike my previous career, this isn’t just work. Every moment, from welcoming my first client to witnessing their joy after a service, reminds me that I am living my purpose–on purpose.
Looking back, the layoff that once felt like a loss became the catalyst for my greatest transformation. It forced me to stop waiting and finally listen to the call that had been there all along. Today, Our S.P.A.C.E. Studios is more than just a salon—it’s a testament to the power of reinvention. My story proves that life’s disruptions often lead us to our truest path, and when you answer your calling, you might just create a life beyond your wildest dreams.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I’m the founder and Creative Director of Our S.P.A.C.E. Studios, a holistic beauty and wellness salon that centers inclusivity and sustainability in everything we do. At Our S.P.A.C.E., we offer personalized services in a serene, healing space where beauty and wellness come together. What sets my studio apart is our commitment to providing luxurious, expression-neutral experiences that prioritize the health of our clients’ hair, the environment, and their well-being. We offer a range of services that go beyond the traditional salon visit—each client receives a grounding stone, an affirmation card, and their choice of beverages with a snack pack, ensuring they feel seen, comfortable, and valued.
What excites me the most about Our S.P.A.C.E. is our emphasis on holistic beauty, where every aspect of the experience is designed to nurture not just the physical appearance, but also the spirit. It’s a safe space for all identities and a place where clients can reconnect with themselves through a blend of therapeutic and beauty services. Whether it’s through scalp massages, conditioning treatments, or the use of eco-friendly, non-toxic products, we’re creating something deeply restorative.
We also prioritize inclusivity with services that are affirming and tailored for all hair textures and identities, ensuring that everyone who walks through our doors feels welcomed and appreciated. This inclusive philosophy extends to our commitment to sustainability—we use products that are safe for both our clients and the planet, and Our S.P.A.C.E. is certified by several organizations committed to safe beauty practices.
Currently, I’m excited to announce that my Hair & Beard Oil, my first product of V. Anthony Cosmetics, is now available. This oil was formulated with the intention to nourish and protect, especially for clients with textured hair, and I’ve received such positive feedback about its benefits. Additionally, I’m an Educator for epres, the future of high performance hair care. Moving forward, I’m also looking to expand my clientele at Our S.P.A.C.E., as well as host events and workshops aimed at empowering stylists and clients alike in creating spaces for wellness and healing in the beauty industry.
Ultimately, what I want folks to know about Our S.P.A.C.E. is that it’s more than a salon—it’s a community. It’s a place where beauty meets care, where individuality is celebrated, and where we prioritize long-term health, wellness, and confidence in every service we offer.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back on my journey, I’d say the three qualities that have been most impactful are resilience, empathy, and strategic thinking.
Resilience: In both my corporate career and my transition to the beauty industry, resilience has been essential. There have been many setbacks, challenges, and moments of self-doubt, but the ability to keep going and find new solutions has always helped me push forward. Building resilience involves embracing failures as learning experiences and not letting them define your next steps. My advice to those early in their journey is to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. The more you encounter and learn to overcome, the stronger and more adaptable you’ll become.
Empathy: My work in DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) and my current work at Our S.P.A.C.E. both require a deep understanding of and connection to people’s experiences. Empathy has been the cornerstone of building relationships, whether it’s with colleagues, clients, or team members. To develop empathy, I recommend listening actively and approaching situations with a mindset of curiosity rather than judgment. Try to walk in others’ shoes and understand their needs, especially in a service-based industry like beauty. Empathy will help you create deeper, more authentic connections.
Strategic Thinking: Moving from roles at Google and Netflix to owning my own salon required a shift in how I think about business. Strategic thinking has been crucial in identifying market gaps, creating a unique brand, and planning growth. Whether it’s setting financial goals or finding ways to stand out in a competitive industry, being able to think ahead and plan for the future has been key. My advice here is to always stay curious and ask questions. Whether you’re new to an industry or building a brand, constantly evaluate what the market needs and how you can meet those needs in innovative ways.
For those just starting out, my best advice is to stay patient with yourself and your growth process. Develop a routine for personal reflection, learning, and adapting. Focus on building foundational skills, seek mentors who can guide you, and never stop improving on the qualities that make you unique. The journey may be long, but each step contributes to shaping who you’ll become.
How would you describe your ideal client?
My ideal client is someone who values wellness, authenticity, and sustainability in their beauty routine. They are individuals who not only want to look good but feel good, prioritizing health and self-care as much as aesthetics. This client understands the importance of personalized care and is looking for a space where they can be their most authentic self—whether they’re exploring new beauty treatments, embracing their natural texture, or seeking a safe, affirming space for self-expression.
I also work with clients who are drawn to inclusive services—those who appreciate that I create a space where all identities are welcomed, respected, and celebrated. Whether they are looking for affirming services for their specific hair type, texture, or identity or are in need of a holistic, restorative beauty experience, the ideal client sees the value in the tailored, thoughtful approach we offer at Our S.P.A.C.E. Studios.
Additionally, my ideal client is someone who supports and believes in sustainable beauty practices—they care about what goes into the products they use and how those products impact their overall health and the planet. They are conscious consumers who appreciate that we use non-toxic, eco-friendly products and that we are committed to safe, holistic beauty practices.
In short, my ideal client is someone who seeks more than just a traditional beauty service. They are looking for a healing, inclusive, and conscious beauty experience that nurtures both the outside and the inside. They value the combination of luxury and wellness and are excited to be part of a space that supports their overall well-being while embracing their individuality.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ourspace.glossgenius.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/v_anthonyartistry/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vscotti/
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/ourspace.studios/
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