Today we’d like to introduce you to Desiree Stevens.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Desiree. So, let’s start at the beginning, and we can move on from there.
I was waking up every morning as a full-time cocktail waitress and part-time college student wondering if I would ever have a legitimate career. I grew up in the San Diego public school system and graduated high school with honors, but I lacked the guidance and self-esteem to focus on education and future career goals.
I was more worried about just paying for my rent, groceries and my books and tuition for school than what the long term future could hold. One day my roommate and best friend told me she was going to enroll in beauty school. She has a bachelors degree in business marketing, but it wasn’t bringing her success or happiness. She inspired me to try something I never considered. I enrolled in beauty school and applied for financial assistance before I even had time to think it through, I knew it was something I just had to do! This was easily the best choice I’ve ever made in my life.
Within two years, I was already building my own loyal clientele in a field that gave me space to be creative, social, nurturing and more importantly: my true self. Nothing I’ve ever done has come so naturally and just felt right. I am able to take and teach classes throughout the year via the amazing salon I work at. Gila rut has helped me grow and keep growing. Now I’m almost ten years into my hairstyling career. I have learned to love myself and gained self-esteem through helping others feel beautiful from the inside out.
The honest and loving connection my clientele has given me over the years is a relationship I treasure and thank them for every day. I will never regret following my best friend’s lead and jumping head first into perusing my education in the beauty industry.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The beauty industry is not for the faint of heart. You have to be comfortable being uncomfortable, so to speak. The simple fact is you only improve your skills by making mistakes and learning how to efficiently fix them. Eventually, you will streamline your skills to the point of being able to predict and prevent these mistakes.
You have to be open to suggestions, continued education and contestant humbling growth if you want to make a living. Honestly, this sort of self-improvement has helped me in my personal life as well. Vulnerability actually breeds stronger human connection and business integrity.
Gila Rut Salon – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I am an Aveda hair color and extensions specialist. I am comfortable with color corrections and tough projects that many stylists may be afraid of. I pride myself in learning how to make tough challenges solvable!
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
The proudest moment of my career so far has been supporting the team I work for as an educator, mentor, and cultural ambassador. It is amazing and so rewarding to see you’re new stylists blossom and find their own success.
Pricing:
- Color touch up $80
- Full highlight+toner $165
- Blow out $65
Contact Info:
- Address: 2015 Birch Road suite #1604 Chula Vista Ca 91915
- Website: Www.gilarut.com
- Phone: 16192995750
- Email: desiree@gilarut.com
- Instagram: Hairproffessordez
Image Credit:
Janette Cruz
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