Vanessa became infatuated with everything "hair" at a very young age. Growing up with a mother who owned her own salon and shared Vanessa's passion was definitely a bonus. Her mother nurtured and encouraged Vanessa's creativity from the very beginning. When Vanessa was old enough she moved away to begin her formal training.

She began in Scottsdale, Arizona at Toni and Guy Hair Dressing Academy. Toni and Guy taught her precision, discipline and the skills it would take to make it far in this ever changing industry. Vanessa then moved to the city of Las Vegas and studied there for another year. In Las Vegas she was introduced to the challenging and inspiring world of hair extensions. After leaving Las Vegas Vanessa returned to her home town of Rohnert Park in the Wine Country.

Back home in Rohnert Park Vanessa began her professional career at Essence Hair Studio which is coowned by her mother. Essence specializes in multi-cultural hair so Vanessa was able to perfect her curly hair skills. At Essence she learned how to do relaxers and pressing. Vanessa's passion for learning would next take her to San Francisco.