Issue link: https://www.ahpindiestylist.com/i/1528796
advertisement wasn't seeing a path for growth. By that time, as a single mom with two kids, I needed more." She interviewed at Ulta Beauty, saw the career potential, and immediately started connecting her financial and artistic possibilities. LIFE HAPPENS: THE BEAUTY OF BENEFITS "Within my first year with Ulta Beauty, I had saved all my tips and took myself and my kids on our first real vacation." A few years later, thriving on education and systems Ulta Beauty provided, Godinez was promoted to salon manager. Eventually, she returned her focus full time to services behind the chair, and the creative, lucrative arc she thrives upon as an Elite Stylist. "Our vacation pay is our average service sales based on the previous 12 weeks," she says. Taking time off and continuing to get a paycheck equal to what you would have made if you were working behind the chair, along with all the other benefits like health insurance and 401k for retirement, make it easy to stay at Ulta Beauty, Godinez says, because life throws curve balls. "A few years ago, I had a sudden embolism and stroke," she says. "en I broke my wrist and had what I thought was career-ending surgery." With Ulta Beauty support and financial security from short- term disability and accrued vacation, she was able to make a strong comeback. "When I returned, I hit my goals and held my spot as the top stylist in my region," she says. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE OTHER STYLISTS? "Set goals for yourself, set goals for your clients, and celebrate yourself every step of the way," Godinez says. "Success doesn't happen overnight. It happens through consistency." at's why she constantly seeks education and uses all the tools and resources Ulta Beauty offers. Everybody needs to practice the 6 Points of Service, according to Godinez. "Engaging the guest at every point of the service journey is the key to success behind the chair for all of us. After previewing 6 Points of Service at Celebrate U, I went through the video training. It's amazing content and helps me remember to close the circle with my guests every time." LIVING HER DREAM, MODELING SUCCESS Godinez says her personal why—the reason she's so driven to succeed in her career—are her two kids. "I want to be the example of the idea that loving what you do and doing it with integrity brings great rewards," she says. "When my son hears me talk about my targets for the year, he always says, 'You can do it, linda, I believe in you!' at alone fuels me to crush my yearly goals." And, as a domestic violence survivor, Godinez says it's important she shows her daughter that all women are worthy of greatness. "Ulta Beauty gave me the tools I needed to achieve all my greatness, including paying for Redken Color Certification, which elevated my skills and made me the colorist I am today. at's how @alexthecolorist was born. Ulta Beauty is always going to be my home." Spa day! Godinez and family with eye masks, two months after she underwent wrist surgery. Celebrate U 2024. (Photos: ISP Creative) ULTA BEAUTY