Today we’d like to introduce you to Natasha Reid.
Natasha, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I started in the hair industry in 2003, however, I’ve always been into it. After school, I landed a job as an assistant at a great corporate style salon that offered a great deal of training and education. I worked my way up to becoming a Master Stylist and also an Educator for the salons (haircutting instructor). Within my years with the company and a few after venturing out on my own, I became a Platform Artist for two different tool companies, therefore allowing me to travel all over the US working hair shows! I met and worked with some of the most amazingly talented people during that time, and will always cherish the memories. Since then, I’ve been more focused on behind the chair, honing my craft and creating a wonderful clientele. I’ve been based out of Jean Claude Salon since we opened in 2009, and I have my own private suite that my clients really love and appreciate! While I’m not behind the chair, I work on editorial shoots, and wedding gigs, I love the creativity of the extra that I do, and collaborating with other artists to create! It has been an incredible journey so far. When I can, I mentor newbies as I remember what it was like starting out.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I have to say as with everything, there are bumps in the road, always remember your fire and why you got into the industry! Patience is required while building your clientele, and the most important part of all is education and foundation. Learning your foundation/theory for haircutting and coloring is priceless! With that knowledge, the sky is the limit. I also say never ever let anyone tell you to choose either haircutting or coloring, master both of them! Take as many classes as you can, also finding a mentor helps tremendously because you will receive one on one care and compassion while you build.
Please tell us about Hair By Natasha Reid.
I am a Master Hairstylist, I specialize in a curly textured hair of all cultural types. I utilize haircutting techniques for each individual as well as color to bring out the best look achievable for each person. I am an ambidextrous person so I cut with both hands and have a keen eye for balance. I’m known for my wizardry with curls and upstyles. At the moment, I’m most proud of some of my work that’s on display at The San Diego History Center, the display is called 90 Years in Fashion in San Diego, it was an honor to collaborate with some amazing fashion designers. I’m also proud to have so many wonderful experiences in education which has gotten me this far. What sets me apart from others is having the foundation and theory behind everything I do whether it’s behind the chair or on location for an editorial or wedding.
Who have you been inspired by?
Well, my Mom is number one, because she instilled in me from an early age to be independent, not only for taking care of myself per say, but to be independent in the mind, and to question things, go beyond what I see. My Mom told me a story about when she was little, where she grew up was still segregated at the time (we are African American)… so the post office down the street from her house only allowed whites to enter through the front door, and blacks to enter from the back door, well she decided to go through the front door one day (age 7 or 8) just to see what would happen, well she got in trouble but realized that when something isn’t right or fair, you stand up and go for what’s right! She got her Ph.D. ( the only one in her family to do so) the struggle was very real for her but she persevered and I admired that. My sister became a Civil Engineer, and that industry was completely dominated by Men, and she persevered as well. Pushing through barriers, they did, and I followed suit. The first salon that I worked at I was asked why didn’t I go work in a “Black Salon”, I was taken aback by that question and my honest answer was I love diversity. The person that asked me was a salon leader at the time and I really did feel the pushback from her, I just kept on moving forward and took it all in stride. At the time, I was the only person of color there. So, to answer the question why? Because they made me strong, in mind heart and character.
Contact Info:
- Address: Hair By Natasha Reid
(Jean Claude Salon)
3594 5th Avenue San Diego, CA 92103 - Website: Www.hairbynatashareid.com
- Phone: 858-337-8837
- Email: sassyhair12@gmail.com
- Instagram: Instagram/sassyhair_12
- Facebook: Facebook/hairbynatashareid
Image Credit:
Helen Merwin, Summer Kais Sherer, Chris West
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