Today we’d like to introduce you to Toya Denise Godette.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Toya Denise. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
My love for the beauty industry started straight out of the womb! But I always thought If I made a career out of it- I would lose my passion for it. I was afraid to stop loving what I have been so passionate about if I was doing it as a JOB. Well, I was wrong! I took a chance on myself and my love for the industry – scheduled an appointment to tour Paul Mitchell the school San Diego and absolutely fell in love. Immediately I knew, this wasn’t going to be a JOB, this was going to be my career! After finishing school and receiving my cosmetology license, I immediately applied to salons as a stylist. Fresh out of cosmo school – often people want to assist first. For me, I felt I had already wasted so much time and I was ready to start growing and building my clientele. I worked st a salon in Mission Valley for about 3 1/2 years and built a very loyal and diverse clientele. In the 3+ years there I figured out the kind of stylist I want to be and the kind of experience I would like each of my guests to have- I felt there was more room for growth for me and that I could be giving these beauties a truly extraordinary salon experience – so I took a chance on myself again and I went in to business for myself! I reached out to Sola Salon Studios and scheduled a tour – once again (like touring the school) it was love at first sight! I envisioned myself there growing as a stylist and business owner, the magical and luxurious experience I could now give to each guest. Plus, making my salon a happy place, a creative space that’s cozy and fun and relaxing. I was in control of that now. If you’re unhappy with the salon that you’re at – that plays into everything. If you want to the best stylist you can be- you have to also love where you’re at, be happy in your salon home. I’ve created such a beautiful creative space in Little Italy, where I am inspired everyday. I also managed a salon in the Gaslamp and I realized that my desire is to be behind the chair in my own salon, listening to people’s wants and doing my very best to achieve it. Making people feel welcomed, completely pampered and at home and giving them the best hair they’ve ever had! Giving them this confidence they need to go out into the world and SHINE! My hair studio is not just my happy place – what makes this so special is that it’s my clients too.
The road has not always been easy throughout this journey – there have been many bloods, sweat, tears, stress and curveballs and ‘Seriously? I give up’ moments that life throws at ya, BUT it has all been worth it. Studio CUToure is my dream come true and there I make peoples “hair dreams” come true.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
No, definitely has not been an easy road. First, if you’re thinking about starting in this industry- be prepared to work your butt off. Be prepared to fully commit. Starting with school- it’s very easy to get off track. Stay focused on your goal. Second, the salon environment you’re in plays a huge role in you as a stylist. If you’re unhappy with your salon environment – it shows. Finding the best salon home for you – whether it’s working for someone or for yourself- is very important. That cannot be downplayed.
What should we know about Owner & Hair Wizard of Studio CUToure? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Struggling along the way is pretty much a guarantee – if you’re thinking you just come in and start making tons of money… LOL, you’re not. It can take a few years to start making money. Just like it takes time to perfect YOUR SKILL. Eventually, your skill is why people are picking you to do their hair. Invest in yourself and continue your education so that you’re never missing a beat and you’re staying on trend.
My journey has not been easy, some of the hardest times have happened at this time. You have to be prepared mentally and physically for this industry. You have to CHOOSE to be positive, CHOOSE to be happy and CHOOSE to keep going. It’s not always rainbows and sunshine but your guest is not paying for you to depress them too, you know? So, whether you have to take some time off, or find a healthy way to destress- the industry doesn’t stop for you. Continue to work on your skill as a stylist and your growth as an individual. Find what makes YOU happy and it will show through your work.
Also, be prepared to stand for hours, not get lunch breaks, be a therapist, black to be your favorite color, accept constructive criticism. Accept that not everyone will like you or what you’re doing. Remember that you’re always going to be your toughest critic – as long as your doing your best, that’s all you can do. And that’s enough.
I am in awe of what I do, I am so flippin’ proud of myself and after almost 8 years- I am still in love what I do, still learning and still inspired. It truly is so gratifying and I am so thankful for my talent and my beautiful clients who CHOOSE ME!
Who do you look up to? How have they inspired you?
There are so many women that inspire me. I come from a family of a lot of women and WE make things happen! The mothers in my life- my mom, my best friends mom, my sisters as moms… my friends as moms. First and foremost, the mothers because they do it all. They’re responsible for so much and they just amaze me.
As far as my industry though, whoa! There are so many inspiring women on soca media. Social media is everything! Every mentor I have now – I have found on social media. Instagram to be exact. I spend hours looking at amazing people and their work in this industry. And the inspiration is endless, every class you want to take and even artist you want to witness in action- it’s all available to you through social media! It’s at the tip of our fingertips!
Contact Info:
- Address: 1550 Front St.
San Diego, CA 92101 - Phone: 619-600-7236
- Email: studiocutourebyldg@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/studiocutoure
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Studio-CUToure-820752224688574/
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