Despite Tough Economy Partners Open Second Salon and Have Eyes On More

‘We want to keep growing’
By Sandra Baltazar Martínez The New Mexican
4/27/2009

At a time when the struggling economy has many worried, Álvaro Holguín Valdéz and Javier Barraza Rodríguez decided to go against the odds to fulfill a dream. About one month ago, they opened their second beauty salon.

The couple has operated Salón d' Muah at 3569 Cerrillos Road for eight years and had planned to open a second hair salon sometime in the near future.

"The opportunity presented itself," said Holguín Valdéz, who is managing the new salon — by the same name — at 3022 Calle del Cielo. "You can't be scared of the economy, because if we all think that way, it'll never get better."

Barraza Rodríguez, a cosmetologist for 20 years, said he's confident they made the right decision.

"We know this isn't the best time, but we're going to give it our all. Confidence and trust in oneself is important," Barraza Rodríguez said.

Leveo Sánchez, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce president, said that recessions periods don't always have to mean shutting the doors of opportunity.

"I think they're right. Often during recessions, it's an opportune time to start a business," Sánchez said. "If it's a good time for an investor to invest in stocks right now, (the) same is true for a business. It's a good time to venture."

According to a study published by the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in February — Baseline Demographics & Economic Data Report on the Hispanic and Latino Population in Rio Arriba & Santa Fe County, New Mexico — small businesses in Santa Fe County increased income, earnings, wages and employment for the total population between 2000 and 2006. By 2006, small-business owners had increased full-time and part-time employment by 11 percent, or by 90,883 workers.

Holguín Valdéz and Barraza Rodríguez said they plan to hire people once their second business picks up more clients. For now, they will each manage one of the salons. At the new location they will also offer manicures, pedicures and waxing.

"We want to open doors for others, like once someone did for us," Barraza Rodríguez said, referring to the first business they owned, in Juárez, Mexico. They opened up their salon after working a combined 20 years at the General Motors plant in Juárez. "After this, we want to keep growing and maybe open another salon in a town like Española," Holguín Valdéz said. "The important thing is to progress, to not come to a standstill."

The 1,600 hours each completed at Vogue Beauty College in Santa Fe and their years of experience in cosmetology shows, clients said.

Eduardo Ramírez, 73, said he visits Salón d' Muah every three weeks for a haircut.

"They are very efficient and very active in all aspects," Ramírez said while Barraza Rodríguez colored his hair and thick mustache. "They are also very respectful. I see them as part of my family."

Jasen Barbarich, 66, said she left her stylist of 15 years when she found Salón d' Muah. "These are people with much personality and much dignity," Barbarich said. "They are gifted and exceptional."

Salón d' Muah is open — both locations — from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. except Wednesdays;
Walk-ins only.

The number for both is 310-9788.
Reach Sandra Baltazar Martínez at 986-3062 or smartinez@sfnewmexican.com