## From Single Mother to Successful Business Owner

WYOMING, Mich. — March is Women's History Month, and recent data shows roughly one-fourth of U.S. businesses are owned by women. That includes Pure Vanity Salons, located right here in Wyoming.

Paloma Maldonado is a mother, a stylist, and the business owner of Pure Vanity Salons. She has had her shop for nearly two decades, doing everything to get it off the ground.

Maldonado has been a hairstylist for 28 years now, learning from her parents.

"I was a business owner, I was a hairstylist, I was the receptionist, I was like, everything. I was the accountant, I was everything," Maldonado said.

She is one of many women in Kent County who own their own business. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2022 there were 2,083 women-owned businesses in the county, with 1,158 in Wyoming and 586 in Kentwood.

"I grew up in a salon that my mom owned in Mexico. So this was my life. You know, I was raised in it, so I felt like, that's where, like, the passion for it started watching my mom," Maldonado said.

## Overcoming Challenges as Single Mother

Even though building her business came with challenges, Maldonado has persisted.

"She has owned Pure Vanity Salons for 17 years now," the business has served thousands of clients in the Wyoming and Grand Rapids area.

"I was raising three kids as well, and I was a single mother, so it was very challenging for me. But like I said, my mentality was, I took a risk, and I can't fail," Maldonado said.

Amid her success, Maldonado hopes to keep inspiring the next generation.

"When I started, you know, in the industry, nobody really helped me. Like everybody was always competition," Maldonado said.

"I always said, if I always came across the opportunity to be a business owner, I would not carry myself that way. I would try to do the best that I can to help other stylists."

## About Pure Vanity Salons

Pure Vanity Salons is located at 3 Oakes SW in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The salon offers a range of beauty services including haircuts, coloring, extensions, and more.

The business continues to thrive as Maldonado looks forward to Women's History Month and beyond, serving the Kent County community with nearly three decades of hairstyling experience.