Age: 38
Owner, Salon Fifty Four
Rossemary Alcantara began working for Salon Fifty Four as a commission stylist, helping to manage the salon until the opportunity knocked in 2018 for her to own it. Two years later, when the world shut down during the COVID-19 pandemic, Alcantara’s business was thrown into uncertainty.
“We never gave up, even after losing five staff members and having to completely change things,” says Alcantara, who challenged her team with a goal, and “in 2021 we had our biggest year yet.”
In 2025, Alcantara bought a new building to expand the salon.
“I want to continue to provide a place that not only my staff loves to work,” she says, “but also that our guests can come to where they can feel safe, comfortable and welcomed.”
Best advice: Be patient; confidence comes with time. Be OK with feeling uncomfortable and get out of your comfort zone. Focus on your ‘why:’ why did you choose this career, etc. And when doubt and fear present themselves, lean into it and overcome it. Don’t let it win.
Biggest professional challenge right now: The economy had taken a toll on the business — people are more concerned and aware on how they spend their money. This has taken away the privilege to have luxury services or prioritize beauty services. We are now focusing on becoming more intentional with our client experience and making sure they do see the value in what they are investing by keeping ourselves educated and updated on trends and good quality products. People are willing to spend if they see the value in it. So our priority is making sure our clients are 100% satisfied with what we do.
Hidden talents: I play the drums and guitar; I love art and can draw and paint.
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