The Journey of Becoming a Cosmetologist: Passion in Every Cut

Ever since I was a young kid, there was something about playing with hair that captured my imagination. From cutting Barbie doll hair to helping my mom with styling, I found an undeniable love for the salon culture. But it wasn't until my high school years that the path of a career in cosmetology truly began to take shape.

Early Start and Practice Opportunities

During my high school days, the pressure to determine a career path loomed large, but the one constant interest was, of course, hair. Visiting salons and seeing the fun environment and variety of people gave me an idea of what it could be like to pursue a career in cosmetology. That's when I decided that this was what I wanted to do.

The early steps were small, but significant. My long-haired cousin across the street helped me hone my skills. She asked me to trim her hair, and I did—resulting in a haircut she liked. Soon, other high school friends were asking me to trim their long hair too. The 1970s seemed like a perfect setting for such endeavors. Within a few months, I was ready to take the next step and quickly enrolled in a local community college course.

Professional Training and Beyond

After the course, I started cutting hair professionally, which not only provided me with a steady income but also helped me through college and even law school. Over the years, I've continued to develop my skills and passion for cosmetology, even as my career evolved into something more relaxed in my later years.

Familial Tradition and Growth

My passion for cosmetology is deeply rooted in a long line of hairstylists in my family. My grandmother, mother, three aunts, two uncles, and even two sisters are all involved in the beauty industry, along with several cousins. Growing up in such a salon environment, the decision of what I wanted to be when I grew up was not a hard one for me.

My mother, recognizing my natural aptitude, even encouraged me to pursue cosmetology. Initially reluctant, she eventually signed me up for a cosmetology school through a promotional sale, viewing it as a temporary solution. But it ended up being more than just a brief diversion; it became a lifelong career. My deep passion for this field only grew stronger over the years, making it a rewarding career to pursue.

Challenges and Growth

One of the challenges early in my career was the lack of knowledge about how to manage curly hair. As someone with unique curly hair, it was difficult to find a stylist who knew how to work with it. That's when going to school became not just a job, but a necessity to enhance my skills. I learned how to effectively manage and style wavy and curly hair, turning a personal struggle into a professional strength.

My journey is one of discovering passion, overcoming challenges, and growing in a field I love. It's a journey of continuous learning, from simple haircuts to advanced styling techniques, and it continues to be a fulfilling career path for me.

Conclusion

From childhood days spent playing with dolls to an adulthood filled with clients from all walks of life, becoming a cosmetologist has been a journey of passion and purpose. No matter what, my love for hair and the craft of styling has remained unshaken, making every cut a meaningful experience.