Check Out Victoria Laessig’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Victoria Laessig

Hi Victoria , thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Everyone has an idea of what they want to do when they’re little- career wise. I 100% knew i wanted to be a hairdresser, my heart was SET! My dream was to open my own salon one day, with one chair. Nothing else struck my interest. I had a blast styling all my friends hair in high school. Since i knew what i wanted to that’s what i aimed for! I started college right after high school. My plan was to go to a Paul Mitchell school but there were a few bumps in the road and i decided to go to a local community college instead. My main focus was working behind the chair in a salon, doing the basic, haircutting, coloring…etc. Honestly, Styling wasn’t my main priority but weirdly enough, it was one of the things I was best at. College wasn’t what i expected, 40 hours a week in the class room 5 days a week was a lot! The days were long and being in a classroom with all these girls was stressful and on top of it, i was expecting my first born daughter! This is where i really had to think about my life and career!
I finished the first semester and I decided to take a break before i finished semesters 2 & 3. Years went by, I didn’t feel ready to go back. I chose to be a stay at home mom, and that kept me busy! I had another daughter 2 years later and I had no idea when i was going to feel ready to go back to college, It was hard being a stay at home mom but it was harder making the decision to go back to college. I got the courage and strength to go back and finish in the year 2019! I felt ready and i was doing it for my kids! I’m not the type of person to start something and never finish! I officially graduated from cosmetology school. I was ready to take the next steps towards my career, I did everything i needed to do to take my boards exam but unfortunately everything got interrupted in 2020. My boards application was lost, i couldn’t take my test, i wasn’t able to work anywhere because salons and businesses were shut down. So what was i suppose to do!?

During the “lock down” in 2020, Of course, I had a lot of time on my hands. I took advantage of the situation and I extended my education completing many color classes and got certified in many different color lines, products..etc.. I did what everyone else had to do, stay occupied!

After a long year, I got the call and i was able to move forward with my cosmetology boards exams in December 2020, i remember passing it like it was yesterday. It was the BEST birthday gift to myself. this was the first time i cried tears of joy. i was so proud of myself for sticking through it all. Spring 2021 came around, I was the most random thing, I tagged in an art appreciation post online which required an online portfolio, so I created a small portfolio online, i had some random canvas paintings & crafts on there and some photos of hair that i styled from high school events & i practiced updos on my daughters and uploaded them. Somehow my little portfolio made its way to people and I was being asked to do on-site hair styling that spring & summer!

A person once encouraged me to always take photos of my work; so i tried to get as many photos as i could from these events. I recreated my website for bookings, got licensed in WI, and wow, I was booked near and far, i I provided on-site hair styling services 1 mile away to 4 hours away during the Summer and Autumn months. Now that i look back at it, I’m truly proud of myself and i can’t believe i had the courage to do it.
It wasn’t until Summer 2021 that I offered make-up. I started out with a mini kit with 2 eye shadow pallets and about 6 shades of foundation. I wasn’t aware of how little of travel makeup artist/stylists there were in the area. Offering both hair styling and makeup was a high demand job in the area. Currently there is two official on-site bridal stylists in my area, including my own! This made me want to make a difference.

Autumn of 2021 I started renting a chair at a local salon, finally! I’ve been there for 4 years now! I offer haircuts,& color services; Blonding is my specialty! I gained many loyal clients over the years, & I have worked 100+ weddings all over WI, MI, I’ve traveled to TN, MN, and Lower MI! I met many amazing vendors!
I never thought that in my career that I’d book 1-2 years out for weddings or only wanting to cut hair in salon to traveling across the state to do make up! Although it was not easy, I am proud of my self and i think my daughters are, too!

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Attending college 40 hours a week, raising kids in my early 20s, and planning a career wasn’t the smoothest road. There were times when it felt overwhelming, but looking back, I’m deeply thankful for the people who stood by me during that journey. Their support made all the difference.

While life led me to pause college, my board exams, and my career plans for a time, I’ve never been bitter about it. I truly believe everything happens for a reason, and sometimes, those detours help us find a path we didn’t know we needed. For me, that path led to owning a salon business—a role that’s no walk in the park but one I’ve grown to love.

As a salon owner in a small county with only three stoplights, life can be unpredictable. Some days are bustling with clients, while others are quiet and slow. Late spring, fall, and December tend to be my busiest seasons behind the chair, which works out perfectly since I love to travel in the summer and early fall. It’s a delicate balance, and though it’s not always smooth, I’ve come to appreciate the ebb and flow.

One of the scariest parts of this journey has been the unpredictability of bookings. In a small community, there’s no guarantee of a packed schedule. But I’ve learned to adapt, manage my expectations, and make the most of slower periods. Those moments allow me to focus on marketing, improving my craft, and even recharging so I can give my best to my clients when things pick up.

Living in a small town has its challenges, especially when it comes to running a business. But it’s also taught me to cherish the relationships I’ve built with my clients and community. The slower days remind me to stay patient, and the busy seasons keep me on my toes. It’s a rhythm that’s grown on me, even when the uncertainties feel daunting.

I’m proud of the journey so far—from navigating the chaos of my early 20s to building a business that reflects my passion. Every step has been a lesson, and I’m excited to see where this road leads next. For anyone out there juggling multiple roles or facing unexpected turns, know this: the road may not always be smooth, but it can still take you exactly where you’re meant to be.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As a stylist, I find immense joy in the creative process, especially when working with “lived-in color” and blonding hair techniques. These styles not only bring out the natural beauty of my clients but also align perfectly with my skills and preferences in the salon. One of the reasons I enjoy these services so much is the practicality—the supplies are easy to restock, I’m incredibly comfortable with the techniques, and my speed has improved significantly with practice. Over time, I’ve developed favorite go-to hair formulas, but what keeps this work exciting is the endless possibilities. Every client’s hair is a blank canvas, and a small tweak in the formula can create something uniquely stunning.

What sets me apart in this competitive industry is a combination of factors: my pricing, talent, and my willingness to travel for wedding parties. In my area, I’m one of the few stylists who offers on-site hair and makeup services, which is a game-changer for brides and their entourages. My pricing strikes the perfect balance—it’s neither too low nor exorbitant, reflecting both the value of my work and careful thought I’ve put into running my business. Having started as a chair-rental stylist without much guidance, I’ve learned through experience, and that independence has shaped my journey. Today, I’m proud to receive consistent positive feedback, whether it’s from loved ones or strangers. Hearing that my work is being talked about never fails to make me giddy—and most compliments revolve around what I specialize in: hair coloring and bridal styling.

Another area I excel in is makeup, particularly the “elevated natural” look. This style has become my signature, and it’s easy to see why it’s my most requested service. I describe it as “glowy” and dewy, the kind of makeup that enhances your features while looking effortlessly natural. My approach involves full-coverage foundation that appears flawless and airbrushed, even though I use a brush or disposable makeup blender. I balance the look with just the right amount of blush and contour, tying it all together with attention to the eyes and lips. It’s a look that’s versatile yet polished, it’s a perfect bridal look! My #1 request!

In everything I do, whether it’s crafting the perfect shade for a client’s hair or creating a stunning bridal look, I strive to bring out the best in each person who sits in my chair. My work is a reflection of my passion, creativity, and dedication to making my clients look and feel amazing. There’s nothing quite like the thrill of transforming a blank canvas into a masterpiece and knowing that my clients leave with confidence and a smile.

Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
Maybe one day, but not yet have I married! but 12 years together is probably the same thing! I feel lucky having someone being supportive through my journey in the beauty industry. I feel very blessed knowing he works as hard as he does to keep a roof over our heads and has fun with our daughters over the busy summer months when I’m traveling for weddings, I feel fortunate that I am able to take my family with me when i travel, it makes my work trips more special and they are able to explore the area while I’m busy dolling up a Bride and her girls!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.victorialaessig.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/victorialaessig
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/victorialaessighair
• Other: https://tiktok.com/victorialaessig

Image Credits
Madison Dahlquist Photography