'Chica, You Got This': New Brunswick Resident's 3-Year Journey to Launch Zen Beauty Mobile

Ashley Muñoz wants to put a relaxing ahhhhhh in your afternoon - and your morning and night, too.

The New Brunswick esthetician on Wednesday cut the ribbon on her new Zen Beauty Mobile, a 22-foot-long, fully electric cargo van-turned-waxing-and-skin-care-studio on wheels.

Her unique boutique works like this: You set an appointment, and she'll arrive at your doorstep, ready to gently buff and rub away the demands of the day.

You climb into the back of the Zen Beauty Mobile, which is adorned with wood panel flooring, faux plant walls, soft lighting, a fold-out table, and everything she needs to pamper her clients.

Muñoz said the Zen Beauty Mobile's convenience is perfect for the businessperson with a hectic schedule, the senior who doesn't drive, or the parent looking for a luxurious break from laundry and play dates.

"I've had about 10 clients so far, and they all love it," Muñoz said. "I had this one mom who's a nurse practitioner, and she had three kids running around. She came in her pajamas and was nice and comfy. I pulled up into her driveway, took care of her, and she went right back in. She loved it because it was so convenient."

Muñoz envisions one day being booked by girlfriends getting ready for prom or bridal parties who want to look their best on the big night.

For now, though, she's thankful to celebrate the launch of her new business with family members, friends, local officials, and others who played key roles in getting the Zen Beauty Mobile on the road.

Mayor Jim Cahill, City Council President Manuel Castañeda, Councilwoman Rebecca Escobar, Middlesex County Commissioner Clary Azcona-Barber, Head Mexican Consul Mariana Diaz, and others took part in the celebration.

Although the Zen Beauty Mobile will be a quiet oasis in the lives of untold numbers of New Brunswick residents, it represents a resounding success for small business owners across the city.

"When you think about what's happening in New Brunswick, a lot of people think about the big, giant buildings that are being built - and they are great because they create jobs, educational opportunities, and access to health care," Cahill said. "But the real heart and soul of developing a community is in the neighborhood. It is really making small businesses tick.

"So, when you think about the thousands of jobs it has created, it's all of you. It's all of you going out, being entrepreneurs, being pioneers, and trying to make your communities better. I cannot be more impressed with the ambition and the spirit that all of you have."

This can all be traced to an offhand conversation she had with a client.

Muñoz mentioned she was unhappy working at a salon in East Brunswick.

Well, that client happened to be Jovanny Belisario, the associate director of economic development at New Brunswick Tomorrow.

"I was like, 'I can help. We can open a business," Belisario said.

Muñoz didn't quite share Belisario's vision and enthusiasm at first, but was excited about the premise of being a small-business owner and was determined to stick with the plan.

Over the next three years, there would be many hurdles to climb.

She was accepted into Rising Tide Capital's Community Academy, where she developed a business plan. She then registered her business and, after about a year and a half, received a voucher for $95,000 through the New Jersey Economic Development Authority's Green Power Mobile program.

She had her Green Power van with 477 cubic feet of potential, but turning it into a calming salon would require more money.

The van remained idle until she, with New Brunswick Tomorrow's help, was able to procure a $45,000 loan through OceanFirst Bank.

The company that ended up tricking out the interior was New Brunswick-based Business on Wheels - another business Belisario and New Brunswick Tomorrow had worked with.

And, you guessed it, another New Brunswick-based business Belisario had worked with, Garnet Solutions, printed and applied the exterior vinyl wrap. There are swirling floral designs, as well as information on how to book an appointment.

And, just for good measure, Wednesday's celebration was held at Las Maria's Restaurant on Livingston Avenue - yet another small business New Brunswick Tomorrow helped get off the ground.

All of them were there - representatives of New Brunswick Tomorrow, OceanFirst, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, and even the owners of Las Maria's Restaurant.

"Bringing this van to life has been a long journey, but it has finally become a reality," Muñoz said. "I am standing here today because of some incredible organizations and people who believed in me. New Brunswick Tomorrow, your commitment to our community is unmatched.

"I want to say a very special thank you to Jovanny. You were there for me every single step of the way. Every time things got tough, you were there to say, 'Chica, you got this.

Story & Photo Credit By:  Chuck O'Donnell