Today we’d like to introduce you to Cassie Giali.
Hi Cassie, 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.
I am a born and raised California girl! Born in December 1990 in North Orange County to a former professional ballerina and a self-employed video producer. I have also been a person who’s naturally inclined to help others. Selfless to a fault. I have always loved to make people feel seen and uplifted and definitely wanted to find a career where I could share my nurturing nature with everyone I came across. After 7+ years doing ballet, thinking I would follow in my mom’s footsteps, I decided I wanted to take a different path, thinking I would maybe go into psychology. I went to an out of state university out of high school and studied Communications but after 2 semesters, I wanted to come home to pursue a career in hairstyling.
My first in-salon experience was working the front desk at Unity Salon in Downtown Fullerton ahead of starting cosmetology school at Fullerton College. It was a great experience learning the ins and outs of how the salon run, how to schedule clients and a new angle of customer service I hadn’t experienced yet. It made me so excited to start school and jump into this amazing career.
After 11 months of cosmetology school, I took my board exams and received my professional license October 2012! One of the best feelings in the world! Now, here I am, almost 12 years later, reflecting on how grateful I am for this career. Being my own boss, meeting so many different people, making lifelong friends. Most days, it doesn’t feel like work! I’ve laughed, cried, celebrated, and mourned with people from all different walks of life. The growth I’ve experienced as a stylist, as a friend and as a business owner has been so fulfilling and I can’t wait to see what the coming years will bring.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Absolutely not a smooth road!
After graduating from cosmetology school, like most of my peers, I went to work as an assistant at a salon in Long Beach. During that time, I was going through some personal trauma (including a car accident and break up) and was supplementing my income with other jobs. Over time, I started to doubt whether I could support myself doing hair full-time, and I continued to work part-time in various odd jobs, while attempting to build a client base by taking clients at my apartment. But as many stylists will tell you, you have to dive in and fully commit. My now husband eventually pushed me to go full-time, and I slowly but surely developed a client base and began mastering my craft. However, taking that jump of faith was really unnerving and unpredictable!
In many ways, finding the right salon has also been challenging. I’ve been fortunate to work at some of Long Beach’s best salons in terms of talent, but not all of them have fostered an environment where stylists are able to best serve their clients. I’m really lucky to have joined Commune Hair Salon in Seal Beach, where I can be experimental, offer a wide variety of services, and make clients feel beautiful and comfortable to come as they are!
Lastly, starting my career in the growing age of Instagram and TikTok has been a wild ride. When I graduated Cosmetology school, Instagram wasn’t too significant for developing clients. These days, maintaining an image on Instagram is perhaps the most important variable, and it’s been interesting trying to balance that. Your Instagram is your portfolio, and how you present yourself can make or break booking that new client!
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?
Ironically, one of my specialties is that I excel as a generalist. Whether it’s difficult color corrections, personalized haircuts, or enhancing someone’s natural beauty, I am regarded as someone who can do it all! When you look at my Instagram, you’ll see a diverse clientele of many styles, ages, colors, and hair types. My portfolio is a testament to the many unique people who chose to sit with me and create something we both love.
Over the past few years, I’ve become really proud of my ability to ensure clients have a seamless and effortless “grow out.” One of the hallmarks of my color work is that clients often return to me, sometimes a year later, with hair color that has evolved into something just as beautiful. Not only is this intentional, but I approach color with an eye towards longevity, growth, natural fading, and the wear and tear of everyday life.
One thing that has really pushed me forward is my policy of doing thorough pre-appointment consultations. This approach provides the client with space to discuss what they want and allows us to collaborate on a desired end result. Over the course of the appointment, I also try to communicate my thought process. This helps my guests understand what is happening overall and allows them to better explain what they want in future appointments.
What’s next?
It’s only up from here! One of the things I most love about being a hairstylist is that I always have the opportunity to grow and learn more as a professional artist. I am looking forward to traveling more, experiencing different cultures, and allowing that to influence my work. I want to continue to meet more amazing people that I can share my talents and heart with. In the coming years, I see myself becoming an even stronger professional and growing my small business!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://communehair.com/hair-cult/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goodhair_day/
Image Credits
Heather Shane Photo
