The Rewards of Being a Hairstylist My Story

Becoming a hairstylist has been a cornerstone of my life. Eleven years ago, at the age of 29, I found myself without a clear direction. Despite attending college and achieving high academic success and college degrees, my poor life choices left me unemployed and living at home.

I decided to enroll in beauty school, and now, looking back, I see it was the beginning of making better choices for my life.

Personal Connections

Initially, communicating with guests was challenging for me because I hadn't experienced typical life events like buying a home, getting married, having children, or pursuing a career.

Today, the connections I form with my guests are my favorite aspect of my job. I regard each of my regular guests as friends, and every time they sit in my chair, I cherish the bond we have created.

Not only do I have the opportunity to be a part of their lives, but I also get to uplift them and brighten their day by offering self-care and boosting their self-confidence.

Creative Expression

When I began beauty school, working with hair was fun

, and it still is. Don't get me wrong, there are services that make me nervous, but I always have the opportunity to be artistic and creative. I learn new things, try new techniques, and with each service, I encounter a different boss. This allows me to challenge myself and grow with each guest.

Financial Rewards

When I graduated, I wasn't earning much; my first job paid $7.50 per hour, and I did 25 haircuts per shift. It was challenging, but I'm grateful for that time to hone my craft.

As my career advanced, I left that job and joined one of the leading Aveda salons in Des Moines. After a few years, I became the top-selling stylist there. Today, I'm self-employed, have doubled my income, and plan to own my own salon.

Flexibility and Independence

Today, I create my own schedule, coming and going as I wish. I make all my business decisions independently and am grateful for all the experiences that have brought me to this point in my career.

Conclusion

If you're thinking about becoming a hairstylist, go for it! It has given me more than I could have ever dreamed of. I've built genuine, lasting relationships with people who care about me, achieved the financial independence I've always desired, and have a fun, challenging career where I have the opportunity to learn and grow.