YEDaily: Leo Tioseco

Leo Tioseco launched Vancouver’s Style Lab Salon six years ago with the goal of making people happy, something he’s definitely achieved through his business. What was the inspiration behind his career route? Find out in today’s YEDaily…

Elevator Pitch: Describe Your Job in a Nutshell.
My job in a nutshell is to make people feel beautiful and give them a look that best suits them. Nothing beats the smile that reflects back at you after you’re done. The happiness they exude is the seal of a job well done.
 
Why did you start working at your company? What was the inspiration for this career route?
The company started about six years ago. Style Lab Salon was born in Vancouver out of necessity. The studio I was previously working out of went up for sale and I was forced to look for another space to work out of. Luckily, the photography art gallery next door was closing and I was able to lease it and so this journey began.
 
Style lab Salon started out with three hairstylists and after a couple of years grew to 11 stylists. The opportunity to open up Style Lab headquarters came up two and a half years ago due to an overflow of stylists at the original Style Lab. Currently, Style Lab headquarters has 16 hairstylists who all work independently out of the space. They all rent chairs and conduct their business as self-employed entities. I chose this route instead of a commission-based salon because I wanted to give hairstylists a chance to grow and create their own successful businesses under the umbrella of style lab. I wanted to give them a chance to flourish in their careers and to fully enjoy the fruits of their labour. I am proud of how quickly Style Lab has grown due to the amazing talent and fantastic people that I get to work with everyday.
 
What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part? 
The best part of what I do day-to-day is the joy I get from making people happy. The look in their faces when they look in the mirror and like what they see…a more beautiful version of themselves that I see.
 
The most challenging part is always keeping the salon running smoothly.
 
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Hopefully still doing hair and having my business grow into a couple more salons…fingers crossed!
 
What does success look like to you?
Happiness. Being happy is the ultimate goal.
 
What is the most memorable milestone of your career?
The 1-year anniversary of my second salon…it was the moment I knew that everything was going to work out fine. I can do this. All the hard work and perseverance has paid off.
 
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Love what you do and work hard at it. Success will follow 🙂
 
Do you support any charities? If so, why is that important to you?
I have a lot of clients that are involved in numerous charities. Whenever they ask for a donation, I always give it. I think all charities are important. Helping others is important.
 
What is notable to you?
Honesty, integrity and love.
 
iPhone, BlackBerry, Android or Other?
iPhone.