Meet Yolanda Pineda | Bella Vida Beauty Salon Owner
We had the good fortune of connecting with Yolanda Pineda and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Yolanda, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
After over 25 years in the hair industry, I decided it was time to turn my lifelong passion into something of my own. In February two years ago, I opened a full-service hair salon in San Marcos, CA with the goal of creating a welcoming space that reflects my dedication to beauty, creativity, and exceptional service. Over the years, I noticed gaps in the client experience and in the overall care and attention given to both hair health and personal connection. I wanted to build a salon where both clients and stylists feel genuinely valued, inspired, and supported. Owning my salon has allowed me to shape a positive culture, offer curated services, and bring a fresh, elevated experience to our community. It’s been incredibly rewarding to watch that vision come to life every day.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’ve faced many challenges balancing motherhood, work, caregiving, and personal growth, but those experiences have shaped me. They’ve taught me resilience, compassion, and how to stay grounded in my values. I’ve learned to adapt, persevere, and never lose sight of my purpose.What I want the world to know is that my brand is built on heart. My story is about more than hair it’s about transformation, healing, and human connection. Whether I’m serving someone in recovery, a parent of a child with special needs, or someone simply needing a confidence boost, I’m here with kindness, creativity, and care. My salon is more than a business it’s a safe space, a place of beauty, and a reflection of everything I’ve overcome and stand for.
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?
Enjoy a coffee on the coast, Pacifica Del Mar for lunch with a great view.
San Marcos also has many hidden gems. Hike in San Elijo, enjoy an amazing Italian dinner at Lake San Marcos. Delightful chocolates for dessert.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My journey wouldn’t be what it is today without the love, support, and inspiration I’ve received along the way. First and foremost, I want to dedicate my shoutout to my daughter. Being a mother to an autistic child has shaped me in ways I never imagined. It’s taught me deep empathy, patience, and the power of true connection. Through her, I’ve built meaningful relationships with other parents and caregivers navigating similar challenges, and those connections have been a source of strength and perspective.I also want to recognize the local community that’s embraced me and my salon. I’ve been honored to be featured in a community magazine, and I make it a priority to give back however I can—especially through recovery, transformation, and celebration events that support people rebuilding their lives. Helping others feel seen, supported, and cared for is at the core of who I am, whether that’s through hair or human connection.At the salon, I always strive to create a welcoming environment for everyone. I go out of my way to accommodate clients with special needs or unique circumstances because I believe everyone deserves to feel at home, safe, and beautiful. So many people have poured love and energy into my journey, and I’m forever grateful for every single one of them.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bella.vida.salon_?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
Yelp: https://m.yelp.com/biz/bella-vida-beauty-salon-san-marcos
Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSoCal is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
