Today we’d like to introduce you to Katarina Guzman.
Katarina, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
It’s funny because I wasn’t your typical person who grew up dreaming of becoming a hairdresser. I did, however, grow up in the salon because my grandma was a hairdresser and I loved being in there. I still remember wanting to always sweep the hair and loving the smell of hair products. Fast forward, I was searching for something I could do that would make me feel proud of myself. I eventually decided to enroll at Paul Mitchell the School because my friend’s sister had attended and I thought it looked fun (totally laugh when I think back to this) it’s not like this was a hobby. It’s crazy because I was in a really dark place mentally and I believe everything happens for a reason. My husband was really supportive and pushed me to just do it and don’t look back. I just wanted more in life and wanted to be something great. It’s crazy how everything falls into place because I fell in love with doing hair it changed everything for me. It was my therapy. I applied myself 110% like I never had before and it was so worth it because it landed me my first job in the industry. At A Robert Cromeans Salon, I was extremely humbled that I was able to work here and learn from the best. I was taught things that I still utilize to this day in the salon. Then, life happened and I ended up starting a family. I eventually went down to working very part-time at a small salon in San Diego. Time went by and I decided the place I was at had no growth for me as a hairstylist so my friends who are nail techs and I decided to open our own studio. It was the best decision I’ve made, thus far, it’s made me grow a lot in being my own boss and managing my own business. It’s been six years of being in this industry and I never plan on stopping from accomplishing my dreams.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I solely believe life is full of struggles and it’s the ultimate test when you face them. I’ve learned you have to trust your struggle. A quote I’ve lived by “& so rock bottom was the foundation on which she rebuilt her life.” I feel I literally had to hit the rock bottom to find my purpose. If I didn’t, I would’ve never enrolled myself into cosmetology school. I’ve definitely had my share of challenges from day one in school it was pushing through and showing up. It was working full time as a waitress after school and still going home and studying or practicing what I had learned that day. Pain is temporary the end result is rewarding. Keep going through the motions you’ll get there. A lot of times even when we’ve been in the industry for a while, we still face struggles of comparing ourselves to other hairstylists and all I can say is remember everyone’s journey is different no one is YOU and that’s powerful. Becoming successful doesn’t happen by chance for us it happens by practicing over and over and investing in education. If you’re reading this, I hope it keeps you going don’t throw in the towel on yourself.
Please tell us about Hair By Katarina.
In the salon, I offer most services haircuts, blowouts, all over color, blonding, and corrective color. I specialize in corrective color, blonding, and short hair cuts. I’m proud of how far I’ve come and I owe it all to the continued education I’ve invested in. The main thing that sets me apart is I’ve never stopped evolving in this industry I’m constantly trying to stay on top. I’m very into paying close attention to detail and being very meticulous with my work. My job is to make sure you love your hair. I hope to make everyone feel beautiful about themselves!
Do you think there are structural or other barriers impeding the emergence of more female leaders?
In general, I feel the biggest barriers we women have to be leaders is that society thinks we can’t. We are powerful. We are resilient. I think to many times we are told that’s not possible so we don’t do it, but in reality, anything is possible for us women. When there is more of us showing up and showing out, then they’ll understand what we women are about!
Contact Info:
- Address: 1281 9th Avenue San Diego, CA 92101
- Phone: 619-301-1058
- Email: hairbykatarina@yahoo.com
- Instagram: Hairbykatarina_
- Facebook: Hairbykatarina_
Image Credit:
Katarina Guzman
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