How I Got Started in My Industry+

People always ask me if I always knew I wanted to do hair…..

The answer to that is absolutely not. I had NO idea what I wanted to do, or what I cared about- much less found passion in.

I took classes at a community college after high school & cried my way through a math class that wasn’t even worth a college credit. I have ZERO patience for things I’m not 100% dedicated to. I felt like what I was doing was useless- I had no end goal, so disciplining myself to school was impossible to do. & the stress from my impatience wasn’t worth it. So I just quit. I dropped all my classes. I felt like it was a waste of time to study aimlessly when I knew I would never be capable of working a 9-5 and taking orders from someone. It just isn’t in the cards for me.

After working at Ulta as a cashier and drowning in hair, makeup, skin and nail products, I started trying EVERYTHING. I loved experimenting with new makeup and finding hair products that worked the best. The more I played with all these toys, the more I learned. The more people who came into the store with their own experiences with different items, the more I learned. I talked to my coworkers in the salon there, and also started learning about their side of the industry.

It took me a few months to really decide what direction I wanted to take with my life. (I can be super indecisive, to say the least) Looking back, it was hard to commit to a long-term decision at the time. Present Day Kristen would just tell myself to stop hesitating and go do it.

“Time will pass anyway, you may as well start now.”

I finally signed up for cosmetology school. I had no intentions of doing hair. None whatsoever. I wanted to focus on makeup. My mom and teacher talked me into going to get my entire cosmo license instead of just doing the shorter program (to be an esthetician). Okay, okay.

“I’m never going to work in a salon though” was my exact response. (LOL)

To be honest, I thought hairstylists didn’t make much money. Because that’s the reputation society gives us. People spend 4 years working hard in college & make $100,000 a year, and then all us hairstylists do is stand on our feet miserably for 10 hours & make minimum wage.

Halfway through school, I realized I LOVED this job. I loved meeting and educating others, developing countless relationships with people from every walk of life, and having an endless outlet to express my creativity.

It didn’t occur to me that not every choice I made had to be permanent. But if you at least dive in and give it your best shot, you give yourself a chance to love something- and be good at it.

And I think that’s what’s so great. No matter what path you choose, you will reap the results of your efforts. If you put your heart into your job, it won’t be a job anymore. If you find something in life that you are enthusiastic about, find a way to build off of it and earn your income that way. If you love what you do, you will naturally work towards perfecting it, with your own individuality, and success will come to you.

I can’t tell you if hair or makeup is right for you, but I encourage you to try!

I am so thankful to all of my clients who continually show me your loyalty and support by making appointments with me! I am so motivated by the encouragement I get and the positive feedback through social media and in real life. Blessings to you all ❤️

To see more of my work or to schedule an appointment, please visit my Instagram!