Carlsbad cosmetologist VL Fanai has found a bright future and is helping others do the same.
After her divorce from an abusive husband, she and her four daughters were left homeless. Now she’s the owner of a successful Carlsbad Village business, (formerly VL Beauty Center), where she’s known, of course, as the “eyebrow guru,” and is the creator of a popular skin care line.
And she’s using her success to help other victims of abuse. Six years ago, she started the Bright Future Foundation, or BFF, to benefit women and children living in domestic violence shelters. She now donates 10 percent of all her profits to BFF. She also gives a free “day of beauty” each year to domestic violence victims at an Escondido shelter.
At her Carlsbad shop, Fanai, who just goes by VL, is best known for eyebrow threading, an ancient method of hair removal which originated in parts of India—her home country—and the Middle and Far East. Her latest skin care product—VL No9—is the new craze in her shop.
VL No9 is a face mask made from nine ingredients, including turmeric powder. Each ingredient comes from a different part of India. When mixed together, the coloring is gold. The mask is purchased in powder form in a bottle. The user simply adds a bit of water so it forms a paste. It can be used as a cleanser or a nine-minute exfoliating face mask.
Clients say it’s radically changing their skin. “My cousin had pimples all over his face,” said Angel Bonila. “After using VL No9 every day for 30 days, they are all gone.” Constance, our product tester in the video accompanying this story, says, “The first time I used it, I could feel the stress coming out of my face.”
VL says she chose to call it VL No9 and use nine ingredients for a reason. “Nine is my favorite number. It is the final number of accomplishment. Even when I was homeless with my four daughters after my divorce, the nine Fruits of the Spirit [Galatian 5:22] have always been in my heart to keep me focused and strong.”
The large container of VL No9 is $39 and the small shaker is $29—less than a dollar per use. VL says if Carlsbad Patch readers mention this article and buy both products, she will also give them a complimentary bottle of her VL Rose Water.
