Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Victoria Laessig. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Victoria, so happy to have you with us today and there is so much we want to ask you about. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others developed certain skills or qualities that we are struggling with can be helpful. Along those lines, we’d love to hear from you about how you developed your ability to take risk?
Growing up in a rural area—with just a couple of stoplights, one gas station, and the closest shopping mall two hours away—life felt pretty small. But that quiet upbringing made it more exciting to explore. Most people I knew stayed close to home, but as a child, I told myself I was going to see more. That drive to experience the world helped shape my willingness to take risks.
As a teenager, I had big plans: attend the Paul Mitchell Academy in Michigan and eventually move to L.A. to open my own salon. That path shifted along the way, but I’ve learned that life has a way of teaching you things exactly when you need to learn them. I didn’t end up going to the school I envisioned, but I stayed local and
It wasn’t easy. Being in class eight hours a day, five days a week, surrounded by strong personalities and daily drama was tough—but I kept my head down, focused on my goals, and pushed through. Halfway through the program, I found out I was pregnant with my first daughter. That was a huge turning point. I suddenly had to face questions like: Should I take a break from school? How can I balance motherhood and education? It felt like everything was happening at once—but I took the risk and trusted myself.
I did take a break, but I never gave up. After four years, I returned to finish the last two semesters, now as a more mature woman, a mom of two, and someone even more determined to succeed. That time away actually fueled my drive—being older, more grounded, and motivated to be a role model for my daughters gave me the courage to push past the noise and keep going.
One of the most nerve-wracking risks I took was stepping out of my comfort zone to help my sister, Cassy, with bridal hair and makeup. Walking into strangers’ homes to glam them up was intimidating for a shy introvert like me—but I did it. And that’s when everything started to shift.
Fast forward to today: I’ve now been in the industry for about five years. I travel for weddings and events, work behind the chair, and even opened my own business after 2020. Launching my website and renting a booth at a salon were huge leaps—but I’ve never been afraid to try, even if it meant trial and error.
Taking risks didn’t come naturally to me at first—but growing up with limited opportunities made me crave something more. Life threw challenges my way, and I used every one of them to grow stronger, more capable, and more fearless. Every risk I took brought me closer to the version of myself I always wanted to become—and I’m proud of that journey.
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?
Hi! I’m Victoria — a licensed cosmetologist, business owner, mom, and nature lover living in a small town in Northern Michigan. I specialize in bridal and event hair and makeup, and during the spring, summer, and fall, you’ll find me traveling throughout Wisconsin, providing beauty services for weddings of all sizes—from large bridal parties to intimate elopements.
When I’m not on the road, I rent a chair at a local salon, running my own small but mighty business. I love the balance of traveling for weddings and building connections with my regular salon clients. In my free time, I’m usually outside soaking up all that nature has to offer—whether it’s hiking or sitting by a fire along Lake Superior.
One of the most exciting parts of what I do is the rush I get every time I receive an inquiry for a new gig. I don’t know if it’s the chance to hit the road, the creativity, or my deep love for styling—but I genuinely feel like a kid in a candy shop. Starting a business wasn’t easy, but like anything, it becomes more manageable with time and passion. And yes, there are days where motivation dips—that’s when I have my “Red Bull days,” as I call them. A little caffeine, a good playlist, and I’m back in go-mode!
What makes this work so special to me is how personal it is. I get to be a part of someone’s most important moments, and it’s amazing to know that my work can help them feel confident and beautiful. Whether it’s seeing their reaction in the mirror, hearing the photographer’s camera snap away, or simply soaking in the joyful energy—those moments make everything worth it.
As for what’s new: I recently launched online booking for my salon guests, and it’s been a hit! I’m constantly refreshing my kits with the latest products and tools to offer the best experience possible. Looking ahead, I’m hoping to expand into my own salon suite—somewhere with an open floor plan where I can combine my office and styling space, crank my own music, and eventually offer additional services like extensions, body waxing, and a blow-out bar. It’s been a dream of mine for years, and I can feel it getting closer.
If you’re a bride, someone looking for a stylist, or even just curious about what I do—I’d love to connect. This journey has been full of learning, risk-taking, and growth, and I’m so excited for what’s next.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Resilience-Life doesn’t always go as planned—and that’s okay. I became a mom while in school, took a break, then came back years later to finish what I started. There were definitely hard days, but resilience kept me grounded. I’ve learned that it’s not about having the perfect path; it’s about showing up, pushing through, and continuing on even when it’s uncomfortable.
If you’re early in your journey, expect roadblocks. You don’t need to have everything figured out. Just don’t quit. Take breaks if you need to, but come back stronger. Resilience is like a muscle—the more you practice it, the stronger it gets.
Adaptability- In the beauty industry—and life—you have to pivot. Whether it was shifting my business after becoming a mom, learning how to work with different personalities, or stepping into bridal gigs I never imagined doing, adaptability has helped me grow in ways I never expected.
Don’t be afraid to try things that aren’t in your original plan. Stay open-minded. You’ll learn so much about yourself and your craft when you step outside your comfort zone. Every challenge is an opportunity to evolve.
Self-Motivation- Being a business owner and booth renter means no one is holding you accountable but you. I had to be my own cheerleader, even when I felt unsure. That drive to keep going, improving my skills, updating my kits, or building my online presence—none of it happens unless you’re self-driven.
Set small, realistic goals. Celebrate your progress. Motivation isn’t something that magically appears—it’s something you build through routine, passion, and persistence. Remind yourself why you started, and use that as fuel.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
When I feel overwhelmed, I’ve learned to pause and breathe—literally.
I used to power through everything at once, thinking that was the only way to get things done, but it often led to burnout. Now, I take a step back and break tasks into smaller, more manageable pieces. Whether I’m in the middle of a packed wedding weekend or balancing mom life with business goals, I remind myself: you don’t have to do it all today.
I’m reminded weekly to take things one day at a time. It could be something as simple as coordinating a bride’s details, finding the right time for a client haircut, sorting out childcare, or just staying on top of yard work and laundry—it all adds up. Life is full, and it’s easy to feel like you’re being pulled in five directions.
What’s helped me the most? Walking away when I need to.
When it feels like too much, I shut the laptop, put my phone on silent, and do something that brings me peace—whether that’s going for a jog, sitting by the lake, or putting in earbuds and finding my own little zen moment. It’s a total reset.
Self-care should be recognized more.
It’s not selfish—it’s necessary. Taking care of yourself doesn’t just benefit you, it positively impacts everyone around you. You show up better for your clients, your family, and your work when you’ve taken the time to recharge.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.victorialaessig.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/victorialaessig
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/victorialaessighair
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/victorialaessigsalon
Image Credits
@madison_dahlquist_
@katlynkretzschmarphotography
@sophiahelenphotography
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