From Family Tradition to Beauty Innovation
See how our family’s legacy in hairstyling has transformed into a cutting-edge salon where tradition and modern techniques blend seamlessly.
Our Story
Where Every Client Feels at Home
At Illusion Real Beauty Studio, our story is rooted in a passion for creating a safe, inclusive space where every client feels both beautiful and valued. As a Latina entrepreneur, Briana founded this salon with a vision to break down barriers and celebrate diversity in all its forms.
Why I Started This Business:
A Safe Haven for Women: My goal was to craft a sanctuary where women could truly relax, let their guard down, and embrace their inner and outer beauty.
Celebrating Diversity: I wanted to build a space that welcomes clients of all backgrounds, with different hair types, textures, and color being celebrated and expertly cared for.
Commitment to Education and Growth: We are dedicated to continuously learning and evolving as hairstylists. Our team stays at the forefront of industry trends and techniques to provide you with the best and most innovative services.
Expertise You Can Trust: With years of experience in hairstyling and a deep commitment to personal and professional growth, I bring a blend of skill, understanding, and passion to every client’s experience.
You can trust that at Illusion Real Beauty Studio, your needs and comfort are our top priority. We’re committed to making you look and feel your best in an environment where you truly belong.
Where it began...
It all began with Leticia Ortiz, who emigrated from Moroleón, Guanajuato, to California at the age of 12 with her younger siblings. Driven by a relentless pursuit of the American Dream, Leticia enrolled in cosmetology school while still in high school, discovering her passion for the beauty industry. Working tirelessly while her parents juggled multiple jobs, she set the stage for her future.
Leticia’s career gained momentum when she joined her uncle Miguel at "Miguel's Beauty Salon," where she honed her skills and built a strong clientele. Aspiring to create something uniquely her own, she eventually rebranded and opened "Illusion Real Beauty Studio" in 1995. The salon quickly gained prominence on 27th Avenue and Van Buren, becoming a well-known Mexican-owned hair salon. At its peak, Leticia managed a team of 25 stylists, 2 receptionists, and 4 assistants, expanding to a second location in Mesa and starting her own cosmetology school.
However, the 2008 economic downturn severely impacted the business. Leticia relocated the salon several times, eventually moving to 35th Avenue and Glendale in 2010, while closing the cosmetology school. By 2016, the team had dwindled to 8 stylists. The situation worsened when four long-time stylists left to open their own salon, doing so secretly and taking resources. Leticia discovered their plans through a client and was deeply hurt by their lack of transparency, despite her belief in supporting others' dreams.
After 28 years in business, Leticia decided to close her salon, feeling it was the right choice through prayer and reflection. Starting over with her remaining clientele and faith, Leticia began a new chapter. During this transition, Briana, Leticia’s daughter, supported her mother throughout. Witnessing her mom’s journey from success to rebuilding, Briana chose to leave college and commit fully to hairstyling. After two years of working in different salons, Briana became frustrated with the frequent relocations. Then, her aunt offered a new location opportunity. Through her hard work and diligent saving, Briana was able to fund the new salon debt-free, marking a fresh start for both her and Leticia.
Briana is now the proud owner of Illusion Real Beauty Studio, honoring her mother’s legacy by naming the salon after the original. In 2018, at just 20 years old, Briana opened Illusion Real 2.0, carrying forward the vision and spirit that her mother had established.
Reflecting on her journey, Briana shares:
“I am deeply grateful for everything I have achieved, thanks to my mom’s experiences and sacrifices. She has been the cornerstone of my success. Without her, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Each year, I face growing pains, but I grow stronger and more skilled as an entrepreneur and salon leader.
At Illusion Real Beauty Studio, our story is deeply rooted in a passion for creating a sanctuary where every client feels both beautiful and valued. As a Latina entrepreneur, I founded this salon with the vision of crafting a safe haven where women can truly relax and embrace their inner and outer beauty. My goal was to celebrate diversity by building a space that welcomes clients of all backgrounds, honoring different hair types, textures, and colors. We are committed to continuous education and growth, staying at the forefront of industry trends to offer the most innovative services. With years of experience in hairstyling and a dedication to personal and professional development, I bring skill, understanding, and passion to every client’s experience.
Opening Illusion Real 2.0 in 2018 allowed me to honor my mother’s legacy and carry forward her vision. My husband, Vincent Sanavongxay, supports the salon’s operations, enabling me to stay engaged with clients, while my mom enjoys a flexible schedule with her loyal and new clients. My sister Nataly supported me for over 8 years as my assistant, my brother Jesus manages our social media, and my dad Javier helps with renovations. My family contributes to the success of my salon. When you walk into Illusion Real Beauty Studio, you enter a dream made real—a space where your needs and comfort are our top priorities, and where you truly belong. We are deeply grateful for your support, as it is you who makes this journey possible.“
Leave feeling beautiful and confident
At Illusion Real Beauty Studio, our mission is to provide you with an exceptional hair experience tailored to your unique needs. Here’s how we ensure you leave feeling beautiful and confident:
Personalized Consultations
We start with detailed consultations to understand your vision and preferences. This way, we tailor every service to your exact needs, ensuring the best possible outcome.
Expert Advice
Benefit from our ongoing education and expertise, ensuring you receive the latest in hair care and styling techniques.
Tailored Solutions
From color corrections to luxurious extensions, we provide customized solutions that address your specific hair challenges and goals.
If this sounds like you, you're in the right place.
You’re a Self-Care Enthusiast: You prioritize luxury and take time to indulge in top-notch beauty treatments.
You Love Personalization: You seek customized hair services that cater specifically to your style and preferences.
You Appreciate Expertise: You value working with skilled professionals who understand the latest trends and techniques.
You’re Passionate About Quality: You demand high-quality products and exceptional results in every service.
You Believe in Supporting Local: You prefer working with businesses that are committed to positively impacting their community.
