Today we’d like to introduce you to Richelle Wallbrett.
Richelle, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My journey to hair started early. I was obsessed with styling my dolls and Barbies, giving them makeovers with accessories and coloring on their faces for makeup. I graduated high school and immediately started cosmetology school. I finished hair school in 2004 and quickly attained a job at a top salon in La Jolla. It was here I learned that education doesn’t stop with school.
In fact, I realized school only gives you a fraction of the tools you will need to become a successful stylist. The owner provided a ton of continuing education for us. Fast forward many years and I decided to go back to school to accomplish a goal of being in the medical field. I took a break from hair to do this, finished my plan, and worked in the hospital for a bit.
I quickly realized I needed back into the salon where my heart belongs. I found my way into yet another amazing salon in La Jolla called Belle Sirene Salon. When I’m in the salon with clients work doesn’t feel like work. I still believe in continuing education and attribute the constant learning to all of my successes behind the chair.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
No, definitely not a smooth road. The beauty industry is competitive, there are stylists and salons everywhere you look. It’s also an industry that has ebbs and flows, the economy and even the seasons affect the flow of clients. The tricks to these bumps are to stay educated.
Knowing what clients are looking for, providing the services in a way they won’t find elsewhere and attracting and keeping clients all require frequent re-evaluation. For the ups and downs, I say plan and save, know what you need and how you’re going to get there. Setting attainable goals helps keep you on track while aiming for more.
We’d love to hear more about what you do.
Being a hairstylist for so many years now, I have worked in a few different salons throughout La Jolla. I can say with confidence my current location is by far my absolute favorite salon thus far. Belle Sirene Salon is full of well-educated stylists who continue to inspire me daily.
The salon itself is the perfect combination of luxury and comfort under one roof. It is within this space I get to do what I love most. My signature looks include soft, lived in color, a bright blonde and those chocolate and caramel brunettes. I truly enjoy pampering and getting to know the person sitting in my chair. No matter the color or style, I live for making my clients feel like the best versions of themselves.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I think success looks different for everyone, but it’s important to know what your version looks like. For me, personally, a successful day is one where my clients leave feeling better about themselves than when they walked in. It’s not just about pretty hair, I have had clients come back and tell me that what may have just been a haircut to me led to a life-changing event for them.
I have goals in mind for each portion of my business, amount of extra education, number of clients, days worked, days off to have a sense of work-life balance and whether or not my clients are getting something from me that they can’t find elsewhere. If I’m hitting these points, I consider my days and my business successful.
Contact Info:
- Address: 7838 Herschel Ave. La Jolla, CA 92037
- Website: Bellesirenesalon.com
- Phone: (858) 454-1607
- Email: hair.and.other.tales@gmail.com
- Instagram: @hair.and.other.tales
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