Before truly
embarking on my new adventure into the blogisphere, I wanted to first give just
a little background to help you understand where I'm coming from and what
motivates me. These next few posts will give you a little insight into what
inspired my journey as well as what my ultimate ambition is on these pages and
in the salon. Afterwards, my posts will be in pursuit of that ambition by
presenting articles regarding issues most commonly found in the salon,
discussing popular trends and how to adapt them to your style, product reviews,
offer style inspiration, as well as personal motivation.
I'd like to first
preface this article by saying hair and makeup are truly my passion. My husband
can vouch for that. Unfortunately for him (being so readily available) he has to listen when I rant and rave about my likes and dislikes on
the latest trends, my reviews of new products and techniques, ideas I have for
the salon, and so forth. He humors me and I appreciate his unconditional
support and feedback.
|
My husband & I in Denver 2010 |
This has not always been the case. I was not the girl who grew up dreaming
about doing hair and makeup professionally. I never played with my friends' hair, nor did I let them play with mine. I've
never had an updo or makeup done for a
special occasion and I was 21 before I actually started going to a professional
to get my hair cut.
Many people I knew
years ago are shocked to hear I am a cosmetologist. I was extremely involved with my
athletics growing up and many think I'd be better suited in the fitness world by coaching or instructing some activity. Most agree however, definitely not a hairstylist.
Don't get me wrong. I, like most, have always been aware of my appearance. I
however did not follow current trends but rather dressed for myself; if I liked
it, I wore it. Of course I was teased, but honestly, who wasn't in high school?
It wasn't until my
Junior year that I became aware of what my appearance said about myself to others.
For fear of boring you, I'll simply say my Junior year was hard.
It was by far the worst year I had encountered in my life up to that point and
frankly, I just didn't care. I guess my daily sweatpants and ponytail
were a billboard letting the world know "Yes, indeed, Tyree has
surrendered!" I was unaware of what my appearance said to others until one day, in the middle of class, an upperclassman pointed out how grungy I looked. He
asked me (in a condescending tone) if I have ever heard the term "Dress for Success". Being
absolutely humiliated and frustrated by this encounter, I blew him off and
discounted the entire experience as a bully just being a bully.
For the rest of the
year, I continued to wear my ever-faithful sweats and a ponytail but I'd be
lying if I said I didn't think about our dress-for-success-encounter everyday while leaving the house. Summer came and went and by the
time school was beginning again, I decided to use the phrase as a mantra
instead of letting it eat at me. I vowed that I would "Dress
for Success" every day of my Senior year. What did that mean to me? I wore
a dress or skirt EVERY DAY and I made sure my hair and makeup were
done before leaving the house. Over that school year, the strangest thing
happened; I actually felt good about
myself! By the end of the year I had earned the best grades of my entire high
school career, received a full athletic scholarship to continue playing a sport
I absolutely loved, and was voted Best Hair and Best Personality of the Senior class.
|
Senior Picture 2004 (Yes, unfortunately that is a perm) |
When people discuss
appearance (or that pertaining to) it seems so superficial. We've all heard the
saying "it's what's in the inside that counts" and I couldn't agree
more. However, I now firmly believe that when you look good, you feel good. There's
something so empowering about feeling good about yourself. You feel
unstoppable, more motivated, more energized. Think for a second about the last
time you were excited about a new hairstyle, or the way your makeup turned out
so perfectly. How did you feel? Was it different from the times your makeup
just didn't look right? or your hair just wouldn't do what you wanted it to?
The truth is, your
appearance says a lot about you. Your hair is your best accessory but is
often the most overlooked. For me, it's not about fitting in and following the
trends. It's about feeling good about myself. Feeling comfortable and confident in
my appearance.
In cosmetology school the instructors used to tell us that we had
to look the part to be successful in this industry. Again, I struggled to fit
in with the current styles and trends and honestly, I let the opinions of
others overwhelm me. I was teased about
the clothes I wore and the way I did my makeup. Most of the ladies grew up
playing with makeup and reading fashion magazines, whereas I grew up playing in
the dirt, and running around outside. They were more experienced yes, but I was
motivated. I knew that I could not be the only woman who felt overwhelmed by
the expectation to look perfect according to a certain standard and who just wanted to feel good about myself; just the way
I am!
Even after finishing
cosmetology school, I felt like an outsider looking in. It wasn't until a few
years ago that I decided to re-embrace the "Dress for Success" mantra
that brought me out of my funk years before. I can appreciate the latest trends
but frankly, I'm usually not comfortable in them. When I try to fit in, I feel
like a little girl playing dress up. I'm an impostor. I've decided to embrace
my own unique beauty and appreciate my natural appearance that is unique to
only me.
|
Officially a licensed cosmetologist 2010 |
That's my ultimate
goal! To help others realize their own unique beauty and find a style that
helps them feel comfortable, confident, and unstoppable. For some, that may be
the latest trends and I say kudos to you. If you can pull it off and it makes
you feel good about yourself, embrace that! But if you're like me, don't let it frustrate or
get you down. Instead customized the look. Make it your own but above all else
don't ever give up!
Who would have thought a mindless encounter almost twelve years ago would have helped lay the groundwork for my journey. I truly believe every experience (good, bad, or otherwise) helps mold who we are today. I must say the upperclassman I spoke of early has since become a very good friend of mine through my husband and I cherish our relationship today. These experiences helped me realize we have a choice in life; to be a victim of our circumstance or a warrior. While watching football last Sunday, the anchors referenced a Tweet from Steve Smith SR. The photo he shared was a picture of a lion and the quote attached read:
The greatest fear in the world is of the opinion of others,
and the moment you are unafraid of the crowd, you become a Lion.
A great roar arises in your heart, the roar of freedom.
I wish you much joy and freedom in your days, months, and years ahead!
be YOU. be BEAUTIFUL.
Have questions? Don't hesitate to ask! Never be afraid to educate yourself. After all, knowledge is (potential) power and that my friends is a beautiful truth.