We had the good fortune of connecting with Veronica Csiza and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Veronica, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
Work life balance for me has changed since I have started my own business over the last 9 years and throughout my entire career evolution. I have always been very work driven and focused on being successful. Life balance is also very important. For me I have learned the two go hand in hand and can compliment each other. It is not always easy to find the right mix. But as a Libra I am always striving to feel balanced. I have the libra scales tattooed on my body to constantly remind myself. When I first graduated from college with my degree in business finance I dove right in to my career. I got a job at a broker dealer in San Diego and put everything into my work. I did well, learned a lot, and enjoyed many aspects of my job. After several years I saw it take a toll on my physical well being. I was giving everything and not taking enough time for myself. That is when I decided to go a different direction and go back to school for cosmetology to be a hair stylist and the ultimate goal of owning my own salon. I went through many struggles and I still worked very hard to make this dream come true. I did realize in order to provide my best self and services to my clients and my business I also needed to find the balance that would keep me happy and healthy and in turn show through in my work. Doing something I am truly passionate about really helped create this balance as well. I now take the time to go on vacation or take a long weekend to camp with my dogs and friends and family. When I come back I am refreshed and excited to return to work and share my adventures and journey in my own self care with all my clients. I am more inspired at work when I create that balance in my life.

What should our readers know about your business?
When I decided to be a hair stylist my goal was to eventually open my own salon where all clients would feel welcomed as if they were going to there best friends house for wine or coffee. I wanted to create a warm environment for people to come and treat themselves. I went back to cosmetology school when I was almost 30. I worked full time during school and for the first several years of my hair stylist career. It took many years for me to shift fully over to my hair career. I am glad that I did it that way because it gave me the luxury to slowly build the exact type of business that I wanted. It also allowed me to educate myself on the financial, planning and organization of owning a business. There are always challenges that arise in owning a small business but it’s how you choose to deal with them and move forward that really matters. It’s extremely important to build a good community around you as well. I have an amazing group of stylists that I work with and the clientele we have are more like family to us. We display rotating local artist at the salon to keep that community connection alive and to support local artists. Its a wonderful way for us to support each other and cross network.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I love being outside in nature, so I would take my best friend for a hike with my dogs possibly in Alpine so that on the way home we could stop to eat and grab a beer at Alpine brewery. There are so many local restaurants and bars that are unique and delicious in San Diego. I live in OB, so a day at the beach and swim in the ocean would be called for. Followed up with lunch with views of the pier at OB surf lodge (we would have to order the Brie stuffed French toast)! Another day would consist of exploring balboa park and catching some live music, a glass of wine and food from panama 66 (all dog friendly). I would love to be able to catch a show at Humphreys by the bay and have pre or post sushi at sushi lounge in Point Loma. A bike ride through liberty station doing some local shopping through the market and snacks along the way would be a must!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to dedicate this shout out to my biggest supporter, inspiration and mentor, my mother Dr. Linda Csiza. She has always shown me how to work hard for your dreams even if others do not support or agree. She is one of the most intelligent, educated, driven, and generous person I know and yet is so humble about her self accomplished success. She has always been my rock!

Website: http://sheargratitudesalon.com/
Instagram: I’m on Instagram as rcsiza. Install the app to follow my photos and videos. https://www.instagram.com/invites/contact/?i=19oxk4tvppl0x&utm_content=q2dg8b
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShearGratitudeSalon/
Yelp: https://yelp.to/qTKq/CUzXdMW5e7