Today we’d like to introduce you to Natalie Toillion.
Natalie, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I was born and raised in San Diego and graduated from Paul Mitchell The School, here in downtown. I went into cosmetology school right out of high school, as I knew many other hairstylists that had taken the same path. In cosmetology school is where I truly found my passion for this craft, and wanted to learn all things in the beauty industry. Right out of beauty school, I found the amazing salon that I currently work at now in Mission Hills. Tops Salon has been located in Mission Hills for over 30 years and is highly rated on Yelp and throughout San Diego. I trained with 2 incredible stylists for about a year, before I began building my own clientele. Those of which were trained by Vidal Sassoon, and even in practices all the way from Scandinavia. I have to commend Christina Selkamo and our owner Doug Yeagley, for those days of teaching me and guiding me into the stylist I am today. This is when I also became certified in Brazilian Blowouts, and perfected techniques of balayage and fashion colors, which we all utilize in our business today. I consistently attend continuing education classes, to stay up to date on current color and cutting trends and techniques that are growing in this industry.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Always go with your gut feeling! If something doesn’t feel quite right, speak up for yourself! Be confident in what you do and own that hair! I have found that people respect you more when you are true to what you do, and have the facts to back it up. I’ve had people question my work and my techniques, but if you know your craft and have the knowledge behind it, you will blow people away with your finished result. Going into this business, you have to have some thick skin. There will be days where you feel like a total failure, worked to the bone, and exhausted. But other days, you will feel like a hair genius and that you can accomplish anything! And those are the days that are so worth it. And remember, “your vibe attracts your tribe”. Meaning, you have the power to build your own clientele and work with the clients that you want to work with. At the end of the day, you’re not going to please everyone, and that’s okay. Try to steer clear of those who bring you down or cloud you with negativity. Because it can be draining. But those are also the clients that challenge you and can help shape you into the stylist that you want to become. So, accept the challenge! Sometimes, pleasing even the most difficult client, can be the most rewarding thing in your career. Just own it! You are educated and YOU are the stylist behind the chair. People come to you for your knowledge.
Please tell us about Beauty By Natalie Toillion.
I am specialized mainly in color, cutting, and Brazilian Blowouts. But I also pertain to men’s haircutting and grooming (beards, eyebrows, etc.) I am skilled in balayage techniques, traditional highlights, color, and fashion colors. Blonding takes over the majority of my work, but my clientele is vast with brunettes, redheads, and other colors alike. Curly, extremely curly, straight; I will take on anyone’s hair!
Are there any apps, books, podcasts or other resources that you’ve benefited from using?
At our salon, we utilize an app called Vagaro, which is excellent for maintaining your books, schedule, and income on a daily basis. Being an independent stylist, I also recommend using Quick Books or any other helpful app to keep a consistent record of your sales and other expenses that will help you during tax season and throughout the year. Always know your numbers! It will overall help you and your career for the future. I follow a lot of people that have inspired me, hair-wise on Instagram. Also, hair education YouTube channels that put out consistent material, also help me to stay up to date on current style trends and techniques, which I watch on daily. In between clients, get some more education in!
Pricing:
- Balayage $125+
- Highlights $115+
- Haircuts $45+
- Brazilian Blow-outs $140
- Men’s Haircuts + grooming $30+
Contact Info:
- Address: Tops Salon
4040 Goldfinch St San Diego, CA 92103 - Website: topssalon.com
- Phone: 858-666-5404
- Email: toillionnatalie@gmail.com
- Instagram: @beautybynatalietoillion
- Facebook: Beauty By Natalie Toillion
Getting in touch: SDVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
