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THE MUG 10
TEN QUESTIONS THAT UNLOCK REAL STORIES OF SUCCESS.
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AT A GLANCE
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I am able to make my patients feel comfortable and well cared for while using my analytical brain to give them the best dermatologic care possible.
I can read between the lines. I help clients figure out what they want and what they don't want so they can leave happy.
WHAT IS YOUR
UNIQUE GENIUS?
how did you become interested in this career?
I WANTED TO EXPRESS MY CREATIVITY.
When I graduated high school, I went to art school. I had a natural talent and that's what everybody told me to do. I started my second year and realized that I didn't feel stable in that decision—I'm not a competitive person and it didn't feel right to me anymore. The next thing I knew, I left and enrolled myself in beauty school.
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IN WHAT WAYS IS THIS JOB
A PERFECT FIT FOR YOU?
I'm intuitive
I'm artistic
I enjoy making people happy
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It felt like the most stable option to have a creative outlet, to socialize, and to have an exciting career where every day is different, but still have a paycheck at the end of the day.
WHAT SKILLS DOES IT TAKE TO BE SUCCESSFUL AT YOUR JOB?
KNOWLEDGE OF COLOR THEORY
The biggest thing that came with me into the beauty industry from art school was my knowledge of color theory. If I had known then how much it would help me in my career as a hair colorist, I don't think I would have believed it. Every day I use that knowledge and I feel like I understand color theory so deeply.
I am able to make my patients feel comfortable and well cared for while using my analytical brain to give them the best dermatologic care possible.
WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU KNEW WHEN YOU WERE YOUNGER?
DO WHAT IS BEST FOR YOU, AND ONLY YOU
Not every career is traditional and not everybody needs to go to college. Even though I went to college and I loved it, I found a much better fit for me in trade school. I wish people were a little more open about the options you have.
I am able to make my patients feel comfortable and well cared for while using my analytical brain to give them the best dermatologic care possible.
IN YOUR BODY OF WORK, WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?
TAKING NEW OPPORTUNITIES IN THE INDUSTRY
I am most proud of everywhere my career has taken me. When I first started Beauty School, I really just wanted to be comfortable. But this industry has taken me so many places. I started a podcast for other stylists in the industry and I've connected with some really incredible people. These are things that I never imagined were true—everything is available to you in this industry.
WHAT'S THE COOLEST PART OF YOUR JOB?
MEETING NEW PEOPLE
The coolest part about being a hairstylist is that I get to talk to all different kinds of clients from all different walks of life. I get to learn all about their different professions and their lives. I really love learning about other industries and other careers because all I've ever known is styling hair and it opens my eyes to what's out there in the world.
WHAT'S 1 THING PEOPLE DON'T KNOW OR UNDERSTAND ABOUT YOUR JOB?
HAIR STYLING INVOLVES SCIENCE
One thing that most people don't know about hairdressers is that we're actually really smart. You have to know a lot of chemistry and you have to know a lot of color theory in order to be good and successful.
You also have to have a really good business mind and you have to understand what makes a good business and what creates good customer service.
WHAT WAS A DEFINING MOMENT OF YOUR LIFE?
MAKING PEOPLE SMILE
I was working on a client of mine who I've been doing for a few years. She's a 17 year old girl and I didn't do anything different, but she's in her senior year of high school and getting ready to go off to college. She wanted to go blond for her senior photos. At the end of the service, she started crying happy tears because she loved the way she looked. To be able to give that to a 17 year old girl was an amazing feeling.
INDUSTRY STATISTICS
HAIR STYLIST
PROJECTED GROWTH
Projected Growth: 11%
Projected Openings: 87,200
AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY RANGE
$23,960 - $59,070
TOP SKILLS FOR THIS JOB
Cosmetology skills
Decision-Making
Problem-Solving
Developing Relationships
Selling or Influencing
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Independence
Face-to-Face Interactions
Stress Tolerance
Standing for Long Periods of Time
TRAINING + DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
Certification or license varies by state. Annual continuing education hours are usually required.