Lessons Learned on an Unconventional Career Path: My Personal Journey from Beauty School to the Communications Field

Song of the Day: Vienna by Billy Joel / You Gotta Be by Des'ree (I couldn't decide!!)

Today, I wanted to share with you a personal story that has shaped me both professionally and personally. It's a story about facing ageism as a young cosmetologist, saving up, working on my personal credit, traveling, going back to school, and working in the corporate world.

My Experience as a Young Cosmetologist in the Beauty Industry

At around 18 or 19 years old, I attended beauty school and obtained my cosmetology license. Prior to this, I had some college experience, but that's a topic for another article. Since then, I have worked in high end salons and as a freelancer. It was a truly thrilling time for me, and I was overjoyed to be working on something I was truly interested in. Unfortunately, however, I encountered ageism in the workplace, as many people questioned my abilities because of my relative youth. I noticed that some of my colleagues, who were older than me and had a similar educational background and work experience, did not face the same doubt and skepticism that I did. It was tough, I cried a lot, but I knew that I couldn't let it get in the way of my goals.?And sure, I could've been more polished but I was young and free-spirited, which is part of who I am. Additionally, fighting social anxiety had been an on-and-off struggle for me, but I'm doing very well now, might I add.

When I first entered the beauty industry, I quickly learned that being young was not always an advantage (unless you're a model, which is in the fashion industry that overlaps but isn't quite the same). Social media was just starting to become more important than a physical portfolio, and I often felt overwhelmed by the outdated advice and rules I was given. Despite this, I continued to follow my dreams and created the website, created and passed out the business cards, and advertisements. However, I also felt like I had to choose between certain paths and encountered numerous obstacles along the way. Some may argue that it's okay to "break" someone down to build them up (actual advice I've heard since then), but in reality, it was often frustrating and discouraging, especially when gatekeeping was still prevalent when it came to opportunities and techniques.

Fortunately, the industry has become more inclusive nowadays, with greater openness to new ideas. I believe that personal and professional growth require a continuous commitment to learning and being open to new possibilities, which is why I enjoyed attending trade shows, assisting at events, and taking extra courses to improve my skills. These principles can benefit anyone in any industry.

One of the most significant challenges I faced during my early years in the beauty industry was working in upscale salons. I often encountered prejudice from clients who questioned my ability to work with specific hair textures, styles, and makeup looks, despite my proven skills, and I knew that I was (and am) good at what I did. While I was able to win over most of them with ease, there were some cases where I had to respectfully pass the client along to a coworker. Additionally, the salon experience was sometimes spoiled by gossip, unkind remarks, and breakroom drama, making it feel like an episode of Vanderpump Rules. That's why I'm thrilled to see the rise of salon suites, where individuals can work independently and create a positive and supportive environment. *Oprah Shrug*

Leaving the High School Mentality Behind and Taking a Leap of Faith to Embrace Freelancing

It became clear to me that high school was not over and that the dynamics of ageism, jealousy, and mean-spiritedness were still present among the 25+ year-olds that I was working with. So, I decided to take a leap of faith and pursue freelancing and entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurship is something that I remember saying I wanted to be a part of when I was a teenager. It hasn't been an easy journey, and I've encountered nonbelievers and doubters along the way who couldn't understand the intersections of creativity and being multi-passionate. But I've also had the pleasure of meeting some incredible people, from friends and clients to mentors and even people I've met on planes, buses, and in parks. They've all made a difference in my life and helped me get to where I am today. I want to remind you that entrepreneurship is not just about owning a business; it's about owning the work you do and providing services to others. (A transferable skill ??)

From Exploring to Envisioning a Career in Communications

So, I persevered and saved up enough money to travel and explore the city and states. I worked on improving my personal credit, and during my travels, I started to envision the big picture for my future. I knew that I wanted to pursue my passion for communications, so I went back to school and obtained a degree in communications. Yup! That's right, a non-traditional student, with a non-traditional background. Prior to enrolling in college, my knowledge of the communications field was limited to the public relations departments of well-known celebrities and corporations; it was enough to get me started but not enough to keep me going. Eventually, I fell in love with every aspect of what I learned.

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Facing Challenges in the Communications Industry

As I gratefully started my career in the communications industry after graduating, I quickly realized that my previous work experience wasn't always easy for others to understand or appreciate. Unfortunately, I even encountered instances of ageism, or perhaps my relatively youthful appearance led some people to underestimate my professional capabilities or experiences. Additionally, some questioned whether I was in the "right" area of communications because of my willingness to share details about my past work. However, I've learned to not let these opinions weigh me down and to keep pushing forward.

It was evident that many people, including some postgraduates and industry veterans, had a limited understanding of the transferable skills I had gained from my previous work experiences. This was a familiar challenge, but in the beginning, it was a bit difficult for me to articulate and convey my unique journey in a way that could establish common ground and build connections. As a communications professional, I worked hard to overcome this by refining my wording and visuals to help others understand. I knew that I needed to find a way to make my life easier. So I drew on my previous experiences navigating interesting dynamics with different people and my personal life to learn the art of patience and foresight, enabling me to address concerns at the right time.

Despite the initial frustrations, I remained focused on my goals and surrounded myself with people who believed in me and kept my faith. Over time, things have gotten easier, and I've been presented with many wonderful opportunities. Through it all, I've learned that staying true to myself and my experiences is key, even if it means working a bit harder to help others understand where I'm coming from.

Fun Fact: Nothing I do is ever completely random because I have always had a passion for the arts and have always been involved in public relations and makeup for school plays growing up and into my young adult life, as well as being on stage.

Valuable Lessons and Personal Growth

As I reflect on my journey so far, I realize that the lessons I've learned have not only helped me professionally but also enriched my personal growth. One of the most important things I've learned is that passion and hard work speak for themselves. You don't need to justify your journey to anyone. But that doesn't mean you have to go it alone. Carefully find people you can trust and confide in, who can offer a fresh perspective, help address your concerns, and celebrate your wins with you. These people can be the spark you need to keep going. And remember to be that person for others, too.

Another valuable lesson I want to share is that I learned it's okay to take things personally, but it's essential not to let them affect your personal life. We spend so much of our time and energy at work that it's easy to take things personally. However, it's crucial to hold others accountable for their actions and not let work issues consume your personal life.

We all have different experiences and perspectives, which can sometimes result in conflicts at work. But you are in control of how you respond to these situations. Sometimes, it requires standing up for yourself, while other times, it may mean setting boundaries and learning from them. As you navigate your professional journey, you will learn how to honor yourself while maintaining professionalism*. Your mental and emotional well-being is just as important as your professional life. So, don't be afraid to take things personally, but also don't let them affect your personal life. Remember, to focus on what you can control and what's important in the long run.

Lastly, I've learned the importance of balance. Burnout is all too common in our fast-paced world, so it's crucial to strike a healthy balance between your professional and personal lives. This means taking time to recharge and pursue your passions outside of work, as well as prioritizing self-care. I'm actually overdue for a vacation as I type!

Embracing Limitless Opportunities and Pursuing Your Dreams

To all the young professionals out there facing ageism or other challenges, I want to offer some encouragement. Don't let obstacles discourage you. Keep working hard and following your passions, and you'll find people who believe in you and support your goals. Remember, your journey is uniquely yours to navigate, and you are capable of achieving great things.

I know firsthand that doubt and the time it takes to reach your ideal vision can be daunting, but it's important to never give up on your dreams. In this newsletter, I'll be sharing more of my own moments and life lessons that have aided my professional growth. My hope is that through my experiences, you can find inspiration and motivation to keep pursuing your passions and creating a life you love.

So, to all my readers, let's continue on this journey together, with an open mind and a determination to grow with the changes that come our way.

Quote of the Day: "Don't ask for what you need, tell people and the right ones will come into your life." - Jae

Oh, and whether I'm making people look fabulous or helping businesses in tech look good, my past and present roles have taught me that success demands a unique set of skills: impeccable communication, masterful relationship-building, obsessive attention to detail, unparalleled organization, and the ability to thrive in fast-paced, ever-changing environments. It's like being a chameleon, adapting my skills to fit any situation. Who knows, maybe one day a tech mogul will need a bold new hairstyle or a unique storytelling idea!