" Dear Garren:
I am new to the industry. I graduated a few months ago at the top of my class. Currently I'm
working at a lower-end salon to pay my bills. I'm making good money, but I feel trapped. You see, hair is my passion and my obsession. I have high hopes and dreams. I lay awake at night thinking of ways to make it big in the industry. I want people to know my name. I want to be like you and have my face in magazines. I have all the drive and enthusiasm in the world, but how do I start myself on the road to fame and success; how do I bring out my potential and become the artist I know I can be?
-Jon, FL
Dear Jon:
I applaud your success in school and your ambition. But beauty school is just the beginning. Here is what you must do next:
Get a Job in The Best Salon in Town
You still have much to learn. Find the very best salon in your area. The one with the best reputation; the edgiest, most modern place in town. At our salon in New York, lots of new graduates come in and apply. If they have a book we might hire them, If not, we may consider taking them on as assistants. Show the owner of the salon what you can do, and do whatever it takes to get hired, even if it means working as an assistant with the intention of being a hairdresser. Then soak up everything you can. Learn from the older stylists, learn from the younger stylists. Learn how to work with different kinds of people. Learn how to work with extensions, irons, electric rollers. These are all skills you will need. Then you will probably have to move to a city that gives you more exposure. "
Until next time,
Jalena
