Today we’d like to introduce you to Gena Watson.
Gena, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I started doing my mom’s hair when I was ten years old. She would bring home boxes of perms and tell me to follow the directions. Then, when I got into HS, I would color my friend’s hair with boxes from the grocery store. I never thought of being a hairstylist, I actually wanted to be a therapist. I didn’t go to beauty school until I was 23 years old. I did beauty school in ten months and worked in a salon as a receptionist while going to school. After graduating, I slipped right into booth renting six months later. I worked very long days to build my clientele in a short time. Two years later, I got into education and worked for Joico. Ten years after that, I started working in schools and became the advanced color Educator. Through those years, I had three children and eventually opened my own salon. I now own Gena Watson Hair Studio. I have been licensed since 1998.
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?
Nothing is easy. I spent a lot of time building. I worked in a very busy salon starting out and I was always the first one there and the last one to leave. I gave away a lot of free services just to get my name out there. My advice is to always be talking to new people. Pass out your cards, offer free stuff. Stay confident in your work and never give up.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Gena Watson Hair Studio – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I am a color specialist, specializing in blond hair. I feel like blond hair is the most popular hair living in San Diego. When a blond finds a good hairstylist, they stay committed. I focus mostly on the health of the hair and I won’t do anything that will compromise that. I also specialize in extensions. Most of my clients are just looking for fuller hair sometimes with a little extra length. Having extensions if cared for properly allows my clients to grow their hair and do less work to it.
There’s a wealth of academic research that suggests that lack of mentors and networking opportunities for women has materially affected the number of women in leadership roles. Smart organizations and industry leaders are working to change this, but in the meantime, do you have any advice for finding a mentor and building a network?
You can never stop learning. I have a ton of experience, but to this day, I still feel I can learn even more. Everyone has their own unique style and I love staying connected with as many stylists around me so that I can continue to get more ideas. I love teaching as well and always willing to share all my ideas with anyone around me.
Contact Info:
- Address: 3007 Clairemont Dr
92117
Sola Salons Studio #16 - Website: https://genawatson.glossgenius.com/
- Phone: 619-922-8711
- Email: 4everbeautiful@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/genawatsonhairstudio/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/genawatsonhairstudio/
Image Credit:
Gena Watson
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