Meet Victoria Alvarado

We were lucky to catch up with Victoria Alvarado recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Victoria, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

Ever since I was little, I knew I wanted to be a hairstylist. My mom was a stylist, so I grew up in the salon—sweeping floors, folding towels, and watching the way she made people feel. It wasn’t just about doing hair; it was about giving people confidence, joy, and a place to feel seen. That’s where my love for this career began.

But the truth is, it hasn’t been easy. In the beginning, I struggled a lot. There were days I cried, days I doubted myself, and days I wanted to give up—not just on my career, but everything. I didn’t feel good enough. I felt stuck. But something in me wouldn’t let me walk away. I kept showing up, even when it was hard, and little by little I began to grow.

I’ve had incredible mentors who believed in me when I didn’t fully believe in myself. Their support, along with my mom’s encouragement, reminded me why I started. Recently, after going through a personal break, I hit a point where I had to make a choice: give up—or find myself again. And I chose me. I decided to step into new challenges, even though I’m not someone who’s always comfortable with change. But I’ve learned that everything happens for a reason. Sometimes, the hardest moments push you to grow in ways you didn’t know you could.

Now I’m rediscovering myself—not just as a stylist, but as a person. My purpose is to make people feel beautiful and confident, but also to keep proving to myself that I can rise, no matter what. This journey isn’t perfect, but it’s real. And I’m proud of how far I’ve come

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 a hairstylist, but to me—it’s so much more than just doing hair. I grew up in this industry, watching my mom transform people’s confidence with just a chair, a cape, and her hands. That early exposure showed me that behind every haircut and color, there’s a story, a moment, and a person who deserves to feel their best. That’s what I get to create every single day.

What makes this career so special to me is the impact. It’s not just about how someone looks when they leave my chair, but how they feel. I love creating looks that bring out people’s confidence, helping them see themselves in a new light. It’s a form of art, but it’s also a form of connection—building trust, listening, and growing with every client who sits down.

My journey hasn’t been easy. There were moments I wanted to give up, moments I doubted if I was enough. But those challenges shaped me into the stylist I am today—stronger, more grounded, and more passionate than ever. I’ve learned to embrace change, trust the process, and never stop growing.

Right now, I’m focused on continuing to build my brand—not just as a stylist, but as someone who creates experiences. I want my chair to be a space where people feel seen, valued, and beautiful. I’m stepping into new opportunities, continuing education, and pushing myself to reach new levels in my craft. This is more than a job for me—it’s my purpose. And honestly, I’m just getting started.

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, the three qualities that have made the biggest impact in my journey are consistency, resilience, and openness to growth.

Consistency is everything in this industry. There were many times I didn’t feel confident or didn’t see results right away—but showing up every day, giving my best even when I didn’t feel my best, is what built my foundation. Success doesn’t come overnight; it comes from small steps, repeated with passion and purpose.

Resilience has been just as important. There were moments I wanted to give up—times I felt lost or unsure of myself. But every challenge I faced taught me something valuable. I learned that setbacks aren’t the end; they’re redirections that make you stronger. You have to believe in yourself even when it feels like no one else does.

And lastly, being open to growth—through education, mentorship, and change. I used to be afraid of change, but I’ve learned that stepping outside your comfort zone is where real transformation happens. Every class, every new technique, every mistake even—it all shapes you into a better artist and a stronger person.

My advice for anyone just starting out is: be patient with yourself. Stay consistent, stay teachable, and don’t let fear stop you from learning. Growth takes time, and it’s okay to not have it all figured out. Trust your journey, because every challenge is preparing you for something greater.

Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?

The people who’ve helped me the most throughout my journey are my family—my parents and my four brothers. They’ve been my rock through everything. My mom was the reason I fell in love with this career in the first place, and both my parents have always shown me what hard work, faith, and strength look like.

My brothers have been my biggest supporters in their own way. No matter how many times I doubted myself or felt like giving up, they were there reminding me that I’m stronger than I think. Even in the moments when I couldn’t see my own worth, they never stopped believing in me.

I wouldn’t be where I am today without them. Their love, support, and belief in me gave me the strength to keep going when things got hard. I’ll forever be grateful for the way my family stands behind me. They’re a huge part of why I am who I am.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Victoriasecrethair
• Facebook: Torii Alva

Image Credits

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