NV361 Salon Opens Its Doors to Colton

By: Breeanna Jent

Staff Writer

Photo Courtesy of:

Breeanna Jent

Photo Description:

From left: Colton City Police Chief Steve Ward, Council Member Frank Navarro, Colton Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Laura Morales, 6-year-old Sebastian Ocampo, salon owner Natalie Ocampo, Council Member Susan Oliva, Colton Chamber of Commerce Assistant to the Executive Director Chetay Catalano and Field Representative for Assemblymember Cheryl Brown’s office Josue Castillo.

Colton welcomed its newest business to the community when NV361 Salon officially opened its doors with a ribbon cutting ceremony at the salon site on Monday, July 29, at 361 W. Valley Blvd. in Colton. Salon owner Natalie Ocampo and hairstylist Bernadette Aldama were joined by family, Colton City council members and Colton Chamber of Commerce members to celebrate the grand opening Monday morning. The salon is the dream of Ocampo, who purchased the property where the salon is located five years ago when it was being sold as residential property. She lived in the home with her son Sebastian, 6, and her husband, Johnny, before converting the space into the salon. Two years after beginning to renovate the salon and having the project approved by the City, it is now open for business. Decorated elegantly in black and white with a splash of bright blue, the salon is instantly welcoming to its customers, with plenty of space to sit and relax while waiting to be seen. The salon had a soft opening earlier last month on July 1, and sees anywhere from three to five customers a day, said Ocampo. Ocampo, an Etiwanda High School graduate, began pursuing her career in beauty during her high school years, when she took Regional Occupational Program (ROP) courses at her high school. Immediately after graduating, she got her license in cosmetology. She also has her license in hair styling, which she has been practicing since 2005. After the long wait and hard work, Ocampo shared her elation to have her own salon. “It’s very exciting and I’m anxious to see how it grows. Now is the time to see that it is successful,” said Ocampo, who worked as a hairstylist at Genesis Salon in Grand Terrace for five years before becoming an independent business owner. She lives in Colton with her husband, son Sebastian and her 10-month-old son Santiago. Growing up in the city was the inspiration behind opening her own Colton-based salon, she noted. Family members who were out for the day also shared their hopes for Ocampo and NV361 Salon. “I am very proud of her and very happy for her,” said Ocampo’s aunt, Adriana Gonzalez. “I want to let her know that I’m also willing to help with anything.” Colton Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Laura Morales welcomed Ocampo and her business officially to the City of Colton, and Ocampo was presented with a certificate of recognition by Josue Castillo on behalf of Assemblymember Cheryl Brown. The Colton City Council also congratulated Ocampo on her accomplishment and awarded her a certificate of recognition, presented by council members Frank Navarro and Susan Oliva. The salon specializes in hair service and facial waxing.