Today we’d like to introduce you to Toni Rose Larson.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I was 16 years old and lived in FL. When I was inspired by a friend to join a team of hair stylist & salon owner to get involved with the beauty industry. I work at my first salon part-time while going to school. Shampooing salon clients, attending hair shows and learning how to become an artistic hair designer, I worked under the salon owner for two years until my friend and I branched out on our own.
When I decided to move to CA. I was 23 years old and found myself back in school having to get more hours under my belt to work in the state. I competed in hair shows often and won several competitions which led to a lot of job opportunities I took my first job in CA and worked under an amazing mentor that molded me into the professional stylist I am today. In 1998 I opened my first hair salon I loved it, educating stylist has been extremely important in my life as a stylist and I continue to educate myself in doing so it keeps me up on the current trends. I have had three different salon locations since arriving in CA.
Ten years ago I found my self bored and uninspired I had to find a way to reinvent myself so that I could continue to do what I have always loved. I received a call for a vivid color (Bright Color) and it took off from there. I fell in love all over again! The first Vivid Color I created went viral through social media and shortly after I my work was published in Hot On Beauty magazine, this inspired me to work harder, create crazy over the top art on heads! I was asked to travel, educate & show my work, the magazine publications continued, as I began to take on girls new to the business and teach them what I have learned and taught myself. It inspires me to continue to give back and share my knowledge as it was given to me. Thirty-six years later, I continue to love what I do.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Staying inspired thru out the years can be challenging at times. The new stylist needs to get a mentor when getting into the business.
what should we know about ColorDollz? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Vivid Color is my love! ColorDollz is known for bright colored hair, we also do natural hair color. I’m proud of my ability to give back my knowledge to our upcoming hair artist.
Do you have any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general? What has worked well for you?
I searched my mentors and worked under my first one for a year while in FL. My second mentor I worked you see for two years. I went into salons and watched them prior to choosing.
Pricing:
- Vivid Color Design starting at $250
Contact Info:
- Phone: 760-805-3117
- Instagram: Instagram.com/ColorDollzbytoni
- Facebook: Facebook.com/ColorDollz
- Twitter: Twitter.com/Dollzbytoni
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