Beauty Salon Owner Celebrates Life in Sewickley

Sewickley resident and shopkeeper Connie Valladares is a woman who believes in taking a chance on a business, giving back to the community and retaining great faith in the goodwill of others.

Seven years ago, Valladares and her daughters were drawn to for its school district. Three-and-a-half years later, she is a business owner here.

Vita Hair for Life is not only cozy, Wi-fi and pet-friendly, but has a hot drink ready for patrons who sit by the fireplace. A local artist’s work graces the walls where funky art is for sale, with no commission to the house -- just a way for Valladares to share her good fortune. Find inspiration in her story.

 Q. You are a single mom who decided to open her own business. How scary was that?  

I worked for a competitor for 25 years, and a series of events left me unemployed.  During the summer of being unemployed various people and situations took place that led me to consider starting up a business of my own.  Of course, being the single mother of two and one heading to college the following year I had doubts and concerns. The doors began to open, and everything started to fall in place. Business Builders was instrumental in directing me to what I needed to do and how to use resources that were available to educate me in a start-up business.  After looking at my business plan, I knew I could do it.  

Q. With so many other salons in Sewickley, were you worried about the competition?  

I have never looked at competition in anything I do. I feel that takes away from focusing on what your goals are and takes away from who you are and what you want to achieve. Spend time focusing what is in your home and not your neighbors.

 Q. What makes your salon stand out?  

I feel we have a great networking environment. We enjoy connecting people and helping the community. I like to think outside the box and using my business not only as a salon, but also as a catalyst for so much more.  

 Q. You do a lot of giving back to the community. Can you give some examples?  

We have done “hair raisers” in the salon where we gave 100 percent of donations to different causes, including Hurricane Katrina, Girlfriend Recovery Club, Pittsburgh Youth Network, Mission Trips to Honduras,  Children’s Hospital Oncology Department, Allegheny County Medical Society Foundation, and Hog Heaven Rescue Farm.

 Q. What motivates your charitable spirit?  

I have been so blessed that I love helping others that truly need help. This is what the true meaning of Life (Vita) is.  

 Q. Are you worried about the current state of the village, with open storefronts?  

I see the village is going through a rebirth. It's a time of change locally and nationally. Going through the labor pains is never easy. There are many people behind the scenes that are trying to make things happen. It will take some time to get through this transition.  But in time it will boom again to a different beat.

 Q. As a small-business owner, what would you tell the community about the importance of spending locally?  

I am part of the 3/50 project.  This encourages people to pick three stores a month spending a total of $50. We need to keep as much of our spending at home so that our community continues to be a place that can be self-sufficient and provide a community that is becoming obsolete in America.

Q.  Anything else you would like to add?  

From day one I have tried to promote my business outside of Sewickley, bringing others into the community so that it would help the entire village.