Today we’d like to introduce you to Cori Collins.
Cori, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Evolving as a young girl in Jackson, CA, I was always looking for more and dreaming of a bigger city. Inspired to do hair from the age 13 after watching my mom own a salon in town for multiple years. Wanting nothing more than to help her sweep or blow-dry there is no doubt I have a passion for hair running through my veins. Throughout the next five years, I did everything I could to make my dreams of being a hairstylist in a city happen. I decided to start serving in a restaurant at age 14 in order to save money for my big move and purchase the necessities to get me there.
As a senior in high school, I made the decision to transfer to Calaveras High School which was nearby and they offered a Cosmetology Program that was only available to students in their school district. While finishing my high school credits in the morning, I was sure to be at the cosmetology program in the afternoon and I would then commute 20 minutes to work in the evening. After a year and three months of this, it all paid off and I received what I believe to be my golden ticket! I received a high school diploma, passed my Cosmetology State Board Test, had just enough money to get started in Southern California and I was on my way with a packed car. Despite being anxious about the unknown it all came together, and here I am today, a Hair Stylist in Costa Mesa, CA at Madison Salon. I have been with Madison Salon since the day I moved, which was three and a half years ago now. I started off assisting for a year which gave me the skillset that has opened many doors since. I have styled hair for New York Women’s Fashion week in September of 2017, I am in my 3rd year of being partnered with the San Diego Charger Cheerleaders which includes cutting, coloring, and styling their hair prior to games alongside co-workers of mine. I received a certificate in hair extensions from The Hair Shop along with taking multiple classes a month to continue learning and perfecting my craft. I am so grateful for the life I have built here in Orange County and the family I am a part of at Madison Salon. I have an amazing clientele that continues to inspire me and allow me to live my dream each day. Lastly, I couldn’t have done it without the love and support from all of my family and friends. I look forward to continuing my growth in the hair industry and eventually owning a salon of my own.
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?
Of course, there are obstacles along the way. but thats what makes it fun! My grandpa once said, “The challenges are what’s fun, it’s all about the journey.” That has really stuck with me and encouraged me in times of stress. Truly, if you think about it, the things we really appreciate in life are the things we had to struggle and work hard for because they teach us grit, ambition, and resilience. I’ve struggled with things from a car that would overheat every time I drove to work, to meeting people at age 18 on my own in a new city where everyone my age was in college. I’ve had moments of doubt in my capabilities and moments of humbling, an example of one was backstage at a fashion show and realizing WOW, maybe I should’ve practiced this look more. I’ve had months of picking up part-time social media work from the salon for an added income, and I can name many more obstacles I’ve had to overcome. But, as long as you believe, and love what you are striving for, continue to stay positive, and remember it is a lesson rather than a struggle than it will grow you. It is a part of life and it can only make you stronger.
What should we know about Hair Stylist? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
As a stylist, it is a part of our job to not only make the client feel beautiful on the outside but also on the inside. Sometimes I like to think of myself as a Hairapist because we do a lot of therapy with our clients, it is very much so a mental thing 70% of the time. Apart from being a stylist is wanting your client to be comfortable while creating a masterpiece on their head, it is a type of art that breeds connection. Being in Orange County, I feel like I specialize in blondes, over 50% of my clientele are blondes, but truly, I LOVE it all. I believe that a good cut isn’t at its best without a good color and a good color isn’t at its best without a good cut. I feel most creative when using a razor to cut because it is less structured and can create amazing texture and movement in the hair. I also received a certification in extensions which I think are perfect for those clients looking to add a little fullness or length to there hair. I am sure to take two classes a month and am always building my knowledge in this industry and I feel that that is something that not every stylist does but is so important to continue growth as a hairstylist. I am proud to be in the forever evolving beauty industry.
Do you have any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general? What has worked well for you?
YES, YES, and YES! I assisted for a year and a few months after beauty school and it was the best decision I made. Of course, you are eager to go make money and put your skills to the test but patience is key because learning hands-on from someone with experience and wisdom is a value that will carry you the distance. I was fortunate enough to have found Lindsey and Helene, employees of Madison Salon, and Louis Orozco, the owner of Madison Salon. These individuals have impacted my career in a way I can never forget. I appreciated learning from multiple people because I feel I was able to pick and pull certain things from each of them that I continue to practice in my everyday craft. It is important to find someone who believes in you and wants to see you achieve and grow and can help give you the tools to continue your climb. I look forward to obtaining wisdom and knowledge in order to be a mentor to someone like myself one day.
Contact Info:
- Address: Madison Salon
445 E. 17th St. Costa Mesa, CA 92627 - Website: coricustomhair.com
- Phone: 2094185966
- Email: coricustomhair@gmail.com
- Instagram: @coricustomhair
- Facebook: coricustomhair
Image Credit:
Byron Manzo, Josh Pierce, Kayla McCabe
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