Daily Inspiration: Meet Ronnie Cruz

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ronnie Cruz. 

Hi Ronnie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I became a mobile hair stylist about 2 1/2 years ago, during the pandemic. Previous to the mobile experience, I was a 19-year-old college student working at a well-known kids’ hair salon called “Zoey & Joey.” It was such a fun job; I’ve always been really good with kiddos. It almost felt as if I was playing hair salon with kids for a living. Who wouldn’t have fun doing that!? At that time, I was working towards a major in Occupational Therapy & minor in Behavioral Therapy. Although people would mention seeing me owning a salon one day, those weren’t my intentions at the time. I didn’t think that such a fun career would get me where I wanted in life. Throughout my time at Zoey & Joey, I developed relationships with clients and their kids that were memorable and impactful to their growth and my own as a stylist. I was exposed to a community that needed patience, comfort, and awareness when it came to sensory, spectrum, and kids in a salon setting. I’m sure many can relate that it’s hard to find a salon environment that provides that balance. Naturally, I have been able to provide that balance. From baby’s first haircuts to first-grade haircuts. From home haircuts due to (sensory) to their first professional haircut. Then, covid hit, and it all disappeared. After 4 years of building and growing through fun and hard salon experience, I wasn’t sure what to do. My career plan was shifted, I continued to study and picked up a part-time job at a barbershop. I felt disconnected as if I still was able to do what I love and cut hair, but it wasn’t quite the same anymore. Then one spring morning, I received a Facebook message from a previous Zoey & Joey client. Asking if we could possibly set up a home hair appointment outside, masked and safe. Of course, I agreed; I had nothing to lose. Then one client turned into 10, 20, even 50, and now almost 300. I was shocked, excited, and scared at the time. I never planned on having my own business! I was scared to fail. Covid shifted that! I doubted this shift for a couple months. I kept my part-time job, finished my degree, and became a Behavioral Therapist part-time while doing mobile haircuts here and there. I was scared to make a jump and focus on starting my business. It was during a burnout episode in result of working three part-time jobs that I decided to fully committee. I began researching the steps to starting a small business. I applied for an LLC, built a social media platform, networked with other small business owners, and built a booking system. Soon enough, word of mouth spread the news like wildfire! 

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?
It hasn’t been a smooth road; I struggled with almost everything at the beginning. I was learning the foundation of building a small business, personalizing it, and the legal ins and outs. There isn’t a “how to start a small business manual.” I watched hours of videos on how to apply for an LLC in my state, filing taxes as a small business, and opening a business bank account. I also brainstormed on how to travel to clients with tools effectively and bring the salon environment to the comfort of their own homes. I reached out to other small business owners for guidance and advice on branding, booking, and communication with clients. I used my resources and reminded myself to take breaks. There will always be obstacles along the way, but I look at them as growth opportunities. 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a mobile hair stylist that specializes in haircutting. Specifically with kids, sensory, disability, and spectrum awareness. I’m well known for quality cuts, short and long, natural styles, and following growth patterns like cowlicks and curls. I am most proud of the positive impact I leave on my clients/community as a stylist and business. I have a variety of clients who are homebound due to disability or are overstimulated by the salon environment. Salons can be overwhelming with sounds, smells, and lighting. I provide an experience that not only caters to the comfort of clients but also their needs. Having the ability to be my authentic self with all of my clients is not only fulfilling for my clients but also myself, which sets me apart from others. 

We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you.
Three years ago, I would have said the pandemic was bad luck for my career; today I’d say it was quite the opposite. I never have really had a relationship with the word luck. I feel as if everything in my career and life has happened for a reason, shaping me to become who and what I am today. Taking experiences as they come and go on good or bad, just as they are. 

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ronnievmobilehairexperience.as.me/
• Instagram: ronnievcutz
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ronnievcutz
• Other: https://g.page/r/Cdp90CVC-3WCEAI/review

Image Credits
Alex Layden