Today we’d like to introduce you to Sim Bilben.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Sim. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Since I can remember, I’ve always wanted to be an interior designer. My major was in Arts/Architecture. While attending college, I worked in a high end salon in La Jolla and immediately fell in love with the industry. Let’s go back into my childhood for a minute. I was raised by a single father and even though I had woman close to me (aunts and grandmother), I never knew what or how to do my hair, shape my brows or apply mascara correctly. I had a unibrow! And super thick brows that I ended up shaving the center of brows because I didn’t own a pair of tweezers. Fast forward to working in the salon. I was fascinitated with all things beauty and fashion of hair , makeup, nails, skin. I promoted quickly in the salon and had become the manager of this amazing full service salon while still going to college pursuing my passion of becoming an Interior Designer.
After awhile of working with so much talent in the salon, I spoke with our top stylist about becoming a stylist myself. She encouraged and educated me on the process, schools and the apprentice program for cosmetologists. What I never shared with her was how she inspired me above and beyond. If it wasn’t for her , I wouldn’t be where I am today. I love completing the entire look head to toe. It’s pretty incredible to say everyday that I’m blessed to have this career , this life on making people feel beautiful, sexy, and confident.
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?
I never thought of it as being smooth or bumpy. Hmmm, I decided to go with the apprentice program when making the decision to be a stylist. For me it made the most sense. I worked for a great salon with a Sassoon background, so I was confident on the education I was going to recieve. I was able to work on clients immediately while building a business for myself when I completed the program. When I started the program, I was newly married and halfway through my apprentice program, we moved out of state and it wasn’t available there. So, I had to put it on hold but I always knew I would continue that journey. I soon was pregnant with twins and after their birth my husband and I knew we’d move back to SD. We came back to SD and though the opportunity to work with my colleagues again from the salon was available, I wasn’t ready to get back into the salon yet as they were so young. When they were toddlers, the opportunity was there and I jumped on it. This was a busy time for me. And, this might be that challenge you asked about. For a 1 1/2 years, I worked 40-42 hours in the salon along with 1 day a week doing the theory classes for the program as my twins were toddlers. Even though it was a sacrifice at the time, for them and myself, it has been totally worth it. I love this industry.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into Sim Bilben story. Tell us more about the business.
I’m a stylist/makeup artist in Solana Beach. I’ve done color educating for Kemon which is an amazing color line that was one of the first lines to have an ammonia free color. I truly believe in continuing education. I’m continuously taking classes and have been to Italy for some and on my way there again for another this May. I’ve had my work published in print, I’ve done hair and makeup for weddings, special events, fashion shows in LA and SD. As I mentioned, I love completing the entire look head to toe. What I mean by that is styling the hair, makeup, wardrobe, and shoes for a client. I’m a true believer in a thorough consultation. I’m always honest with my clients and if a style or color isn’t in the best interest of their lifestyle or integrity of their hair, I’ll let them know that.
It would be great to hear about any apps, books, podcasts or other resources that you’ve used and would recommend to others.
You know, I don’t get to do much reading but there are a couple books that I love. Contagious, The Travelers Gift and The Slight Edge. As for apps, I do enjoy Instagram, Pinterest, Houzz and Who, What, Wear. Mostly happy feeling materials related to fashion and design.
Contact Info:
- Address: Sim Bilben
Jule Salon
341 South Cedros
Solana Beach, CA - Email: sim@julesalon.com
- Instagram: Simbilben
Image Credit:
Head shot: Fetu Escoto-Dyke with StarArts.
Shannon Henry of Studio Carre
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