North Carolina Client: Vanesa Merced Santiago
From a Personal Beauty Appointment to Launching a Business
Originally from Puerto Rico, Vanesa Merced Santiago’s entrepreneurial journey began with a desire for personal and professional growth. During a personal beauty appointment, Vanesa noticed how popular the microblading service had become and how much demand it generated. With a natural talent for drawing and encouraged by friends and family, Vanesa decided to pursue professional training in the technique. She recognized a gap in her local market, which led her to make the decision to launch her own business focused on eyebrow microblading and facial aesthetic services.
Starting Over in a New State
Vanesa’s path as a business owner took a new turn when she moved to North Carolina. During this transition period, Vanesa was referred to Prospera by a friend who knew the organization specialized in supporting small businesses. At the time, her business in North Carolina was still unregistered, and she had not yet established a separate business bank account. Through Prospera’s business consulting services, Vanesa received guidance on how to formally register her business and define the foundational steps needed to operate legally in the region. In July 2025, Vanesa established her business Vaneshy Studio, LLC, a women-owned facial aesthetics and microblading studio located in Cary, North Carolina. As she continues to grow her client base, Vanesa describes her business as stable and steadily expanding, with a strong foundation for future development.
Looking Toward the Future
Vanesa’s vision goes beyond growing her client list. She hopes to eventually have her own dedicated studio space where she can continue expanding her services and creating a welcoming environment for clients seeking high-quality aesthetic care. Over time, she hopes to mentor aspiring entrepreneurs and beauty professionals by sharing her experiences and knowledge as a business owner.
Advice for Other Entrepreneurs
Reflecting on her journey, Vanesa encourages other entrepreneurs to believe in their potential and pursue their goals with determination.
“It’s important to trust yourself and trust your dreams. Establish your goals, and once you have them, educate yourself and inform yourself so that you can do things the right way and grow your business legally. Without faith in yourself and in God, it becomes much harder to move forward.”
Vanesa Merced Santiago continues strengthening Vaneshy Studio, LLC with a clear vision for growth and stability. Her experience shows how preparation, business education, and the right guidance can help transform a talent into a sustainable business opportunity. As her studio continues to grow in Cary, North Carolina, Vanesa remains focused on developing her company while inspiring other entrepreneurs to pursue their own dreams.
