Issue link: https://www.ahpindiestylist.com/i/1528796
Explore your benefits at associatedhairprofessionals.com 49 shocked when there are people in classes who I've taught and they have been doing hair as long as I have but they are so closed off and stuck in their ways. at's going to be my next goal: bringing the community together with stylists and opening people up to keep learning from each other. IS: So, what's next? AF: I've really been working on the business side of things, like teaching business classes. I didn't come from a business background—I've learned the hard way. I've been on my own for eight years, but I just got my LLC this year and I just hired a bookkeeper to get all my stuff organized. I've taught a few business classes because I learned quite a few things from my downfalls. I want to spread the word to help other stylists not go through the downfalls I went through. No one helped me with business, and I didn't go to college. I learned on my own. I've learned to make really good profits and make good money. So now I feel like I'm really gearing my career toward the education side with business and color. I know I can't stand behind the chair forever. and this is a way to make money doing what you love to sustain a family and take care of yourself. IS: Do you keep in contact with the grant winners? AF: I've kept in contact with two of them. e fourth year, [we opened the event up to students who are] estheticians, nail techs, and lash techs. at year, we gave the money to a girl who was going to go to lash school. Her story was so amazing because she was a dancer and has an autistic son who she was trying to take care of. at year, we raised enough money to pay her whole school. She now has a business of her own [and I've kept in contact with her]. IS: Education is clearly something you're passionate about. If you could go back to school and be a student again, what would you do differently? AF: I was super young when I went to school. I would be more confident in making friends, networking, and keeping those connections instead of just focusing on getting out of school. If I could talk to my younger self, I'd tell myself to not be so afraid of opportunities that were coming my way. IS: You also teach! What have you learned from your experience teaching that you may not have learned by being behind the chair? AF: I've learned that not everyone is open to learning. I've been For more information about Atalaya's "Cut-a-Thon by a Blonde" event, go to cutathonbyablonde.com.