Today we’d like to introduce you to Dice Moreno
Hi Dice, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My path has been anything but straightforward. After a long career in higher education, a Master’s degree in Education that seemed like a detour, and a stint in case management, I took the leap and enrolled in hair school. The idea of entrepreneurship appealed to me, but I hadn’t seen a path until 2020. When I met my wife, I saw a successful business owner who built a career around helping others. She inspired me to be a steward of service in this new venue, mentored me, and pushed me to grow myself in immeasurable ways. Since then, I have had the opportunity to build deep relationships with my clientele, work on film and commercial photography shoots, met two Presidents, and cultivated an entirely new skill. As a student at Paul Mitchell, I was in awe of the educators’ fortitude, passion, and love for the game and students. In 2024 I started instructing back at my Alma Mater– a true full circle moment. Finally, I was putting my education degree to use. Finally, I was confident enough in my skills to start sharing with others. The passion from these students fills my soul.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road is never smooth for anyone. Mine has been circuitous, and at times I couldn’t see what was around the bend. Hair has continued to challenge me mentally, physically, and spiritually. While it seems clear to me now that I am where I’m supposed to be, every day is a new adventure.
I am blessed beyond measure, but the facts remain that change is hard, new skills are hard, starting over is hard. This is still the start of my second career. I always tell my students we have room for several in our lifetimes. This career, despite all my education and experience, is a wild combination of needing to be a stylist, a business person, a therapist, an electrician and plumber at times, a chemist, and more. Nobody is good at ALL of those things, so some days feel easy and some feel like square one.
For anyone considering entrepreneurship, my advice would be: just start. Even part time, even one lesson at a time.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Our salon is focused on serving the community through self expression and affirmation. While everyone is welcome, we wanted to be in the heart of Hillcrest and serve our people. I think stylists in general are givers and want to pull the very best out of their clients, but for LBGTQ people, finding a good fit can be tough. Outside the chair, I do competency trainings for salons, schools, any professional setting that serves the community. In that training we cover history, cultural norms, and best practices. I am most proud of the personal growth that we are able to cultivate in others. Behind the chair it’s about bringing out their true self and making their vision become reality. BEYOND the chair, it’s about building a world where people are culturally competent, and empathetic.
What sets me apart is the depth of experience I am able to bring to the conversation. Having worked all manner of service jobs and served alongside all manner of educated people, I feel comfortable in lots of spaces. In our shop, we pride ourselves in seeing the person inside.
Something I’m proud of is having a “say yes” mentality. I credit that to my success.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Existentially, what makes me happy is the blooming of the lotus. I love to see it in myself and I strive to bring it out in others. Practically, it’s small acts of kindness, sharing of knowledge or burden, gratitude for the many blessings that continue to unfold.
Nature has always been my healing place. I think in these shifting times, trees and breath work serve me well. Thank you to Kate Sessions, who devoted her life to nature and bringing it to the people. Balboa Park continues to be a happy place for us.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://geofox.studio/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/geofox.studio/
Image Credits
The cover photo was taken by @aryo_murtono on instagram. The love wall photo was taken by @carpe.lux.rowan on instagram. The rest were taken by Veronica Moreno.
