Today we’d like to introduce you to Simone Montalvo.
Hi Simone, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Hello! I’m almost a Florida native having moved here at 4years old. I spent my time in the same area of central Florida I still live in. After graduating from Highschool in 2004 I ended up doing mental health for a few years before going back to school to get my cosmetology license in 2007. During the salon closures of COVID I decided to make the switch from a corporate salon to being the owner and sole stylist of Red Heart Lounge. A love child and passion project that started off as a safe space to work during weird times. It’s now become a safe space for everyone and such a comfort for me I cannot imagine leaving. I have a huge diverse clientele. But honestly I think most of my guests and I are all a bit quirky and weird in the best way. Those were always my people. I do a lot of color but will always make time for helping my differently abled, marginalized, and sick guests. Really into creating a space that can be as intimate as you’d like or as silly and carefree as the next.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It’s been a challenging journey. I started during the pandemic after losing most of my guests information so relying on grit and a small savings for the first few months. A year or so into my business, I separated from my ex husband and went through a year of health challenges. These last two years I’ve been hustling to build back something beautiful. What started off as a business has become my way into financial freedom for my son and myself.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I do hair and I strongly think of myself as a creative.
I specialize in lived in colors and cuts. Working well with the differently abled, and ASD community.
I think im most proud of the fact that I build relationships with guests, and therefore the community. So it feels like I’m part of all the best things Orlando has to offer. Allowing our new transplants the opportunity to try and realize the importance of supporting the locally owned businesses and what a difference that makes for those of us who are being out priced from the city we love and live in .
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
nights at Semoran skateway or going to the castle park.
Swimming at Downey park when the lake was up kept.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @redheartlounge
