Vena Louise Elizondo has been an eclectic cultural force in the southern California for a long time now. Ever since she moved to America she's been drinking in the different noises and colors from cultures that come from all over the world to clash in the streets of Los Angeles, and she's put that wealth of influence to good use in her hair artistry. There's always something a little different with a hint of something else familiar in her styles, but most of all, if you're paying attention, there's something inspirational.
Red curls by Vena
Vena was born and raised in Ensenada, Mexico which is just south of the border, not too far from San Diego, so maybe it shouldn't be a surprise that she's so in tune with California culture. She enrolled in beauty school at the age of 16 with the support of her mother then went on to assist at the J. Russel Salon in Palm Springs. It took this period of time for her to really realize, or perhaps accept, that her calling in life was hair styling.
Rooty blonde by Vena
Thankfully, when she decided her art would be in hair she jumped into full force. She went on to receive education from Vidal Sassoon, Goldwell, Redken, Paul Mitchell, Bumble & Bumble, Sachajuan, and Oribe. Vena drank in new knowledge about cutting and coloring the same way she drank in the mixture of cultures from Ensenada and LA, and she worked hard over the next 12 years to refine this wealth of influence and knowledge into her own unique style that both draws from and whispers into the flow of imagery and self awareness that is always changing in California's rich cultural tapestry.
Mint green bob by Vena
Recently she has ventured more into the world of education. While she is still a prolific creator when it comes to different hair colors and experimental styles, she spends more time traveling to run workshops and share the techniques and knowledge she has so tirelessly earned. Recently she has started collaborating with people like the Kuthause Salon and Eva Lam, helping to strengthen the hair art community.
Red color melt by Vena
For stylists at any level, Vena's work is an great source of inspiration and learning, not only from a technical aspect, but for anyone who wants to see what happens when you let different corners of the world mix into one place. You end up with artists like Vena.
You can follow her on Instagram @venalove.