As long as I can remember, I have been a part of the beauty industry. At the age of 2, I was introduced to pageant modeling which was so enjoyable when I was younger – it helped a tall girl with big, curly hair and brown skin feel beautiful. I grew up being the only girl out of 5 children which allowed me to do beauty pageants on the weekends and play football and video games with my brothers any chance I got. My mom was a hair dresser for as long as I can remember, which is what introduced me to the opposite side of the modeling industry. I learned so many useful skills during this time. I learned how to work with many different people, bonding with them, creating friends, and also figuring out who I was along the way. What started with pageants turned into runway fashion. I found myself in this fast paced environment, ranging from commercials, to runway shows for popular brands, and small designers who were growing their talents and business. Throughout these years I was having my makeup and hair done consistently which fueled my passion for the Cosmetology industry. I was always the friend that was doing all of my friends’ hair and playing with cheap makeup.

Growing up with a single mom, she always had the drive to show us that you could be whatever you wanted. She was a hair dresser turned Chef. One of my favorite passions…cooking. Growing up the only girl, I naturally acquired all of her skills. I soon found that I just seriously enjoyed the creative part of life. Using different outlets to express myself. From changing my hair color every month, to enjoying painting, living my life through music, and cooking was like breathing. My initial career choice was to become a Chef and follow in those footsteps. I was encouraged to follow MY dreams not someone else’s. So I did that. I fixated on what brought me happiness. It was my ability to make people happy with my creativity. For my senior prom I ended up doing my own hair and makeup and friends’ as well. The rest was history.

I grew up in the Midwest, a town in Ohio, where you didn’t see many people leave or even have big dreams. Everything was slow and everyone knew everyone. So when we moved to Connecticut we had to adhere to the fast life. We had a lot of different friends upon moving here. Many different cultures, and different lifestyles. Going from a little barefoot country girl, to a pageant model is exactly what I mean by huge change.

When I graduated high school I knew what I wanted and I had a plan. I was enrolled in cosmetology school so I could become a licensed hair dresser and not just that friend that did hair. When I was in cosmetology school I took every extra class that I could. Barbering, makeup classes, wedding makeup classes, up-do classes, business seminars, anything I could get into. Since graduating, I’ve worked in full service salons. Getting to build up clientele, and gaining important experience.  I now am a licensed cosmetologist, licensed esthetician, licensed nail technician, and licensed eyelash extension artist. The job I am most proud of though is being a mom. My days have become so full of life and non stop toddler chatting and puppy barking. I worked so hard in my earlier years to enjoy what I have now. I truly advocate for mental health, making sure myself and everyone around me can also work through and balance anything that comes with the journey. You don’t always know where you’ll end up, but you will end up exactly where you need to.