Today we’d like to introduce you to Lexi Hoback.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I moved to San Diego from Denver 18 years ago to attend college. I always knew I wanted to do hair. However, I wanted to have the college experience before I started my career. I chose to study fashion design. I felt like it was a good stepping stone into the beauty industry. In fashion school, I learned about what looks good on people, shapes, and shades, etc. I love to make and create and this allowed me to use my creativity.
After I finished fashion school, I enrolled in City College Cosmetology. The cosmetology program has guess artist come and teach some of the classes and this is how I found dk hair. Three of the dk team members came to the school to do a demonstration and tell us about the salon and their training and assistant program. They informed us that they are an educationally based company and put a high demand on ongoing classes and education.
Dk hair was a departmentalized salon when I applied for the assistant program, meaning everyone focused on either cut or color. I applied for the cutting department and I got the job! That was 11 years ago. The assistant program was really demanding. Two classes a week with models on top of working full time! I started taking clients after 10 months of training. It was so exciting to be a part of this team, collaborating with talented colorists, and to finally be a hairstylist.
I realized after all my training that I was very inspired by the learning process and wanted to become a part of the educational team at dk. I have always had a huge appetite for learning. I attended (still do regularly) cutting/styling classes all the time and the world from a renowned stylist. Three summers ago I had the opportunity to spend 4 weeks at Vidal Sassoon in Santa Monica. At Vidal Sassoon, I really honed in on my skills and teaching style. This was perfect timing, as I then took over the educational/assistant cutting program at dk. I reworked the program and am proud to say that I am 2 for 2 on graduates out of my program!
I have also been so blessed to be able to attend classes in New York many times at the House of Bumble. Bumble and Bumble is the product line that dk works with. They having a plethora of classes as they are also an educationally based company. I am the Network Educator for dk hair.
This summer, I will be going to Croatia to attend a creative cutting class at ZGat. I am so excited for this adventure. Another new and exciting adventure in my life as a stylist, as of one year ago, dk is no longer a departmentalized salon. Here I come color!!! This is so fun and exhilarating and I welcome the change and the challenge. The beauty industry is always changing and I too have to change with it and welcome all it has to offer.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
This is life and life is a bumpy road. It’s how you handle the ride that can make it a fun and exciting journey.
You should always try to do your best and beat yourself not the person next to you. I feel confident that I can improve upon someone’s haircut but the real challenge is how do I improve upon my own if every time if I give it my best. After 11 years of hair cutting, there isn’t a haircut that I don’t watch walk out the salon doors thinking to myself “what can I do better next time and how much more can I improve on what I just did.”
Always put your full self into your passions and you will be fulfilled. No matter how much instagram/social media you see that can make you feel like your work is not as good. If you try with your true self each and every time you will be a success. Not measured in likes or “friends” but in real true life happiness.
Just remember the ones that matter most are the clients in your chair not the ones behind their screens.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about dk hair – what should we know?
I specialize in hair cutting. I have a very diverse clientele. I really enjoy making people happy with their hair and showing them how to wear it, style it and love it.
I am also an educator. I love to teach. I love to share my knowledge and in return gain knowledge from my students. My passion is education and I will never stop learning and be attending classes. Dk is known as an educational salon. We are all required to attend class throughout the year. We also host classes and workshops at the salon. Not many other salons require ongoing education but we value it. In fact, a percent of the products we sell go into an educational fund that can be then used for attending classes so it’s not all out of the stylists pocket. Buy local, support small businesses!
Dk hair is a small boutique salon. We don’t have walk in’s and our client base is mainly referral. This is one of the best compliments I can have as a stylist. You telling your friends and family about my work and your confidence in me.
Do you recommend any apps, books or podcasts that have been helpful to you?
I have a handful of hair mentors that I really look up to and am inspired by. I follow their Instagrams, take classes from them, and chat with them whenever possible. Learning from the people who you look up to most as always made me want to be better.
There is a team of highly educated hairdresser that is part of a company called Hairbrained. They are leading the industry in education and stylish support. Join their app and attend their “Teach In” classes you won’t be disappointed. They have the leading educators from leading companies and independent rockstar stylists. Find a brand that meets your styling aesthetic, follow their trend vision or collections they put out. Try to discover what it is you love about them and then use it to inspire your work.
Pricing:
- Haircut $85
- Styling Up-do $75+
Contact Info:
- Address: 123 W. Washington St.
San Diego, CA 92103 - Website: dkhair.com
- Phone: 619.546.4550
- Email: lexihoback@yahoo.com
- Instagram: lexilindsaystylist
Image Credit:
Lexi Hoback
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.
