Today we’d like to introduce you to Desiree Stevens.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Desiree. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I remember clearly waking up every day for years wondering if I will ever have a “real” career. I was almost a decade into a full-time cocktail waitress and part-time student, a common lifestyle for San Diego twenty-somethings. I wasn’t sure what my passion was, I didn’t have the mental clarity at the time to envision a future. I was too busy worrying about paying the rent and counting my tips every night hoping I could pay another bill. This all changed when my best friend and roommate at the time announced to me one day that she was enrolling in beauty school. She already had a bachelors degree and still felt the same daily angst about her future that I did. Without thinking twice, I decided to enroll as well! I had everything to gain. With the help of student loans and a Pell grant, I attended school full time and continued to cocktail to cover the bills. This was the best choice I’ve ever made! I am forever thankful to my best friend for opening the door to a career I never would have considered! I am now, ten years later, waking up every morning in complete gratitude and awe. The possibilities are endless in a beauty career, the growth never stops! The gift of making people feel beautiful has taught me the true value of self-esteem. Not only do I help others love themselves more, but I have also learned to love myself in the process!
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?
The beauty industry is not for the faint at heart. There is no room for laziness. If you want a paycheck, it is up to you to earn it. I have spent years building strong bonds with my clients. We have an unbreakable trust and I treasure this. The truth is you learn your greatest lessons in hairdressing through making mistakes and learning how to efficiently fix them. If you don’t take notes and actively predict results you will continue to make the same mistakes even years later. It is important to retain all of your experiences with your clients in great detail so you can always grow and move forward. This pertains to technical work as well as communication and personal interactions. Surprisingly, the greatest challenge I’ve had in my career is learning to say “no” and being completely honest with a guest when they have unrealistic goals or if I require more education to help them meet their needs. Also, taking time off from work to recharge and recover from the physical daily routine.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Gila Rut Salons – what should we know?
I specialize in hair color correction and extensions. I absolutely love the projects that other stylists may shy away from because they are challenged. Any opportunity to give the guest the ultimate experience and wow factor brings me happiness! I love allowing the guest to truly relax and let me take care of them during their appointment! I am lucky to work for a salon that allows me to be an educator and cultural ambassador. Gila Rut prides itself in continued education and stylists with refined skill sets.
Do you feel like there was something about the experiences you had growing up that played an outsized role in setting you up for success later in life?
I grew up in a humble North Park apartment. We were not college educated or well off financially. Finding success in this world was truly left up to me, there was no safety net to fall back on. My mother always reminded me that my creativity was valuable and I could do anything I put my mind to. She taught me to always think outside of the box. There were times in my early career where I wasn’t sure that I would be able to afford a life in my own home town. However, I was determined. I truly believe that hard work pays off! The American dream still exists and I am truly living it. I work in a thriving salon with co-workers who are family, my clients are each beautiful and unique individuals with intricate life stories of their own. I essentially make my own schedule, travel all over the world in my free time and get to be creative every day. More importantly, I get to be my true self. The beauty industry saved my life and now, I want to share this skill and inspiration with as many people as possible!
Pricing:
- Color touch up $80
- Full highlight $130
- Keratin treatment $300
- Extensions starting at $275
Contact Info:
- Address: 2015 birch road Chula Vista, CA 91915
- Website: www.gilarut.com
- Phone: 16199647037
- Email: desireestevens@gilarut.com
- Instagram: Hairprofessordez
Image Credit:
Janette Cruz, Mellissa Hoadley
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