Meet Coley Ortega | Master stylist & Salon Suite Owner

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

Hi Coley, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
This is a wonderful topic because I believe, like so many things in life, you have to understand that it requires a lot of reflecting and adjusting to meet your current needs. I am a working mom and wife, and a healthy work-life balance is one of the hardest things to accomplish; all of the time. I heard this saying, “Moms should work like they don’t have kids and have kids like they don’t work”. This is the mindset I had when I began running my business at only 20 years old. When I first launched my business, I would sit and wait for hours just to get one cut or color. Yet I would feel so accomplished once I did. That then turned into sending out mailers, sponsoring a local high school team, any type of marketing I could do just to get my name out there. Putting the extra effort into my work at the beginning; in hopes that the reward would show later. At the beginning I was working very long hours and dumping all of my life force into making this business successful. This did come with a price. I wasn’t able to spend as much time with my kids as I’d have wanted to. Thankfully I had a very devoted husband who was our rock. Fast forward and here we are! The balance I can now manage and maintain because of all the sacrifice and hard work I put in at the start. I have been running my own salon for over ten years. I have finally found a good balance for us. I am able to work three days a week, 3 very long days! Which allows me to volunteer at my children’s school once a week, be home regularly with the family for meals and activities. I also stopped working on weekends because I wanted to be involved in my children’s sports. I feel there will never be a perfect balance between work and life, but I do feel there is a sweet spot that we can all find where we can enjoy the work, we do without sacrificing the time with our family!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
In this industry it feels like everywhere you look there is a hairstylist on Instagram or Tik Tok. I think in this very noisy world I like to slow down and support the women in my chair. One of my points of difference is that when you come to my salon this entire appointment is about you. We talk about what products you are using, how your hair is feeling, and what kind of hot tools you are using. All of these things to make your hair healthy and perfect for your lifestyle. One of the things I am most excited for is when I do big Transmation’s! Usually in my salon this is a brand-new set of extensions and that blonde my clients have always wanted. There is something about having that perfect mermaid hair that makes you do a double take in the mirror when you walk by. I think one thing I want people to know is its ok to stop and take some time for yourself. As a busy mom I know how big of an ask that really is, but if you do you will be so thankful you did. Whether that is getting that hair you have always wanted or taking that vacation you have been waiting to take for so long, it is ok to put yourself first.

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?
One of my favorite places to take my friends or my dogs is Castlewood Canyon! This is one of the most beautiful hikes you will ever go on. There are so many trails to choose from and they are great for adults or kids.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to shout out my mom. She is also a small business owner and has shown me through the years that you make your own path in life and if you really work hard, you can enjoy your success. When I was starting in my career, she would help me navigate all of the hard background things that come with running a business. She showed me how to do taxes, how to market, and how to be confident in my skills. Anything I couldn’t figure out she was always a call away. Not only was she my mentor she helped me with my family. She was the best grandma that I could have ever hoped for. If I couldn’t be there for one of my children’s concerts or sports games, she would be. This made me feel like even if I had to put in those extra hours, I knew my little boys were in good hands. She was book that helped me write my story.

Website: https://www.coleyortega.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coleyortega/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Coleyatblisssalon/

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/coley-at-bliss-salon-littleton