BUSINESS OWNER: Rosangela & Mario Ramirez 

BUSINESS NAME: Artifex Haus

MAIN PRODUCTS/SERVICES: Salon Suite Rental & Boutique 

LOCATION: 600 4th Street, Suite 1000, Sioux City, IA 51101 (10th floor of HoChunk Center)

WEBSITE: Artifexhaus.com

Short description of your business:

Artifex Haus is a vibrant creative space where beauty industry professionals come together. Located with stunning views of downtown Sioux City and the Missouri River, we offer uniquely designed salon suites tailored to our artists’ needs. In addition to these spaces, we’re home to Amareda, a boutique for women, and Art by Jazz. Our talented professionals provide an array of services, including permanent makeup, hair styling, tattoos, piercings, barbering, nails, and more.

What motivated you to start your business? What drives you each day?

I started as a permanent makeup artist with my business, Alchemy PMU Salon. Over time, I expanded to Alchemy Beauty Collective, where I collaborated with Marilyn, our tattoo artist, and Shaylee, an esthetician who now owns our previous location. As we outgrew that space, I craved something bigger and more challenging. When I toured the location, I was captivated but overwhelmed by its size and potential. My husband, Mario, encouraged me to take the leap, saying I’d always wonder what if I didn’t try. Each day, I’m driven by my family and my ever-active mind that thrives on new challenges and creativity.

What’s unique about your business?

Salon suites aren’t new, but what makes Artifex Haus stand out is our intentional design and the supportive community we’ve cultivated. We don’t just lease suites—we partner with our tenants, offering guidance to help them succeed. It’s not just about filling spaces; it’s about building a family of thriving professionals.

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve overcome as you grow your business?

Securing funding has been the most challenging hurdle. Being self-employed makes traditional financing options more difficult. Additionally, I’m naturally introverted, so recruiting and building a team pushed me out of my comfort zone. Despite these challenges, seeing our tenants succeed and thrive has made it worthwhile.

  What has been your greatest reward?

Seeing our suites fully occupied has been one of my proudest achievements. I love walking into Artifex Haus and witnessing the energy and creativity of our artists. While the business is still growing and not yet profitable for me, the sense of accomplishment from creating a space that people love and use every day is incredibly rewarding.

How have you benefited from the startup community in Sioux City and the region? What resources did you use?

I was unaware of the startup community and the resources available when I started. In hindsight, I wish I had taken the time to network and build connections within the community—it could have made the journey smoother.

Why is it essential for the community to support startups and small businesses? What more can be done to help them?

Supporting small businesses is crucial because every visit, share, and purchase directly supports someone’s dream. In today’s competitive world, small businesses rely heavily on community support. Raising awareness about local businesses is key—every referral, social media share, or kind word can make a difference.

What is one thing you know now that you wish you knew when starting your business?

I wish I’d known about all the resources and networks available to startups. Running a small business is one thing, but managing a collective space like Artifex Haus brings a whole new level of responsibility—not just for my success but for the success of others who depend on me.

What advice would you give to someone looking to start a business?

Do thorough research and prepare for the best and worst-case scenarios. Things won’t always go as planned, so flexibility and perseverance are key. Be ready to make sacrifices, including financial ones, to ensure your business has the foundation to grow.

How can the community continue to help your business?

Referrals are one of the most impactful ways to support us—tell your friends and family about our services! Stop by to learn more about what we offer. Every conversation and visit helps us grow and support our artists.

What are some future goals for your company?

With most of our suites now leased, we’re shifting our focus to advertising and building recognition for Artifex Haus and our tenants. Our priority is ensuring everyone here has the tools and opportunities to grow their client base and succeed in their craft.