We’re looking forward to introducing you to Ivanea Lanza . Check out our conversation below.
Good morning Ivanea , we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What is a normal day like for you right now?
A normal day for me right now begins spending time with my 8-month-old baby, that gives me the energy and purpose I need for the rest of the day. Once I arrive at my studio, I focus on creating transformations for my clients, especially with balayages and blondes, which has become my signature specialty. For me, it’s never just about changing someone’s hair — it’s about elevating their confidence.
Beyond working behind the chair, I dedicate time to the entrepreneurial side of my career that often goes unseen: creating social media content, planning new ways to grow my business, and developing digital projects. My days are a constant balance between being a mom, wife, ñstylist, and a business owner. It’s challenging, but it’s exactly what inspires and motivates me every single day.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Ivanea Lanza, and I’m the founder of Soulandhair, where I specialize in blondes and balayage. What makes my brand unique is that I don’t just create beautiful hair — I create confidence and a personalized experience for every client. That’s exactly where my brand name comes from: it’s about touching both the soul and the hair.
With 20 years in the beauty industry, I recently opened a studio. Today, I balance being a mom, a stylist, and a business owner, while also growing the digital side of my brand through content creation and upcoming online projects. For me, it’s never just about hair — it’s about empowering women to feel their absolute best.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Before the world shaped expectations, I was a really creative, curious little girl who loved painting, experimenting with colors, textures, and creating anything my imagination could dream up. I was drawn to transforming ordinary things into something beautiful, and that early spark of creativity and love for expression eventually guided me toward the beauty industry and shaped the Stylist I am today.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
The fear that has held me back the most is the voice of my own self-doubt—what many call impostor syndrome. Countless times, it told me I wasn’t good enough, that I didn’t deserve success, and that I couldn’t achieve my dreams. Learning to recognize that fear, challenge it, and keep moving forward has been one of the most powerful lessons in my journey.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies the beauty industry tells itself is that hair is just hair, or that trends are more important than individuality. Another is that perfection is the ultimate goal. In reality, it’s not about chasing trends or flawless hair—it’s about creating confidence, enhancing a person’s natural beauty, and making them feel empowered in their own skin.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Are you tap dancing to work? Have you been that level of excited at any point in your career? If so, please tell us about those days.
When I recently start in the studio, it was a whole new level of excitement—everything about it! That feeling still hits me in those special moments: when a client sees their new hair and their eyes light up with confidence, or when I remember the day I revalidated my cosmetology license here in the U.S. as an immigrant that really important. Moments like receiving recognition from big brands or being acknowledged for my work remind me why I started and fill me with pride, inspiration, and deep gratitude for this journey.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @Soulandhair
- Facebook: Soul and hair
