Issue link: https://www.ahpindiestylist.com/i/1528796
86 AHP Indie Stylist Volume 5 Issue 2 Wrangling Success Award-winning stylist Alex Godinez chases education, crushes goals, and loves her life advertisement Stylist Alex Godinez (@alexthecolorist) doesn't let grass grow under her feet. When advanced education sparks her interest, she makes time to attend, even if it means driving across her home state of Texas. But she also makes time to touch grass at the ranch she owns with her husband, where they raise a son, daughter, and an assortment of farm animals. It's hard work and there have been setbacks, Godinez admits. So how does she wrangle it all and still achieve goals that place her among Ulta Beauty's best of the best? HER SECRET SAUCE IS EDUCATION "I stay hungry, always willing to learn more," Godinez says. She goes to at least three trainings a year in addition to the core curriculum—Texture Mastery and Trendspiration—Ulta Academy provides. "Over the years I've taken lots of classes with Sam Villa and Rodney Cutler, became part of the Deva Curl team, signed up for extra classes in extensions, assisted at New York Fashion Week with Alterna, even gone behind the scenes with Ulta Beauty Design Team stylists and the Pro Team at industry shows," Godinez says. She applies what she learns to elevate the guest experience while giving them fast, efficient services. ese skills and passion have propelled her career. Godinez was recently honored as number two in sales per labor hour among more than 7,000 Ulta Beauty stylists at the annual Celebrate U gathering for top- performing services professionals. GETTING STARTED Curiosity about Ulta Beauty as a career destination began early for Godinez. "As a teenager, I shopped at an Ulta Beauty store and would see stylists working and think, 'is is the place I want to be,' with so much artistic energy and the ability to lift someone up." Godinez even had a family connection to the salon world. "My aunt went to beauty school in Mexico but never worked in the field," she says. Godinez started working in finance and accounts receivable. "I managed to grow a career but wasn't fulfilled. Looking for that penny every month wasn't feeding my soul. I saved up my money, said a prayer, and enrolled in beauty school." After earning her license, she tried working at three salons—one hourly and two commission-based. "I loved working with clients but Top: Winning and learning together at Celebrate U 2024. (Photos: ISP Creative) Bottom: Taking care of her other clients—life on the ranch!