Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Dulaney.
Hi Michelle, 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 had a rough upbringing. Growing up, my parents moved around a lot from Compton, Los Angeles, to San Diego. It wasn’t until I was 9 my father went to prison. My mom, sister, and I settled in San Marcos. My mom worked all the time, so my grandmother would come and help my mom. When she visited, she would make hair bows and sell them to people in the neighborhood. She had my sister and I be her hair models. That was where my curiosity and interest in the hair and beauty industry began. Growing up, we lived paycheck to paycheck, so the salon was a luxury. It wasn’t an option for me. I’m the only one with curly, kinky hair in the family, so after a few home cuts by my aunt and grandma. I learned very quickly how to style and do my own hair. I would get creative and make my own bows and headbands to add to my hairstyle. I eventually learned how to do braids and a twists. It grew into a skill and hobby for me.
There’s so much that shaped my journey to where I’m at today. I believe everything happens for a reason. I was a stay-at-home mom at the time I made the choice to go back to school. I was in the end of my 2nd surrogacy journey and just gave birth to my surrogate baby. I was reflecting and thinking about what was next for me in my life. I wanted to do something I was passionate about. I enjoy doing hair and makeup, I love helping people and making them look good. I decided to take a chance in my career and get into the Beauty Industry.
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?
It wasn’t an easy road for me. As a teenager, I was in and out of group homes for bad behavior. I really struggled to find my way. I had my 1st child when I was 18. I was working various retail jobs throughout the years to support myself. It was hard.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I just completed cosmetology school. My goal is to specialize in Hair Extensions and textured hair.
I believe sky’s the limit. Once I established a solid client base, I’m going to open my own salon.
We’d love to hear about what you think about risk-taking.
Deciding on going back to school was a major risk for me. I have children that depend on me. I want them to see no matter the life obstacles they have, they can overcome them.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @hairbydulaney
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552662165985&mibextid=O4c6Bo
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-dulaney-5098b4142?trk=contact-info
Image Credits
Jm_photography
