The Unexpected Hairdresser
You’re probably wondering why I titled this article “The Unexpected Hairdresser.” Well, take a seat and follow my journey into hair. One thing about me you’ll quickly find out: I'm a storyteller. I like to take the scenic route when I share life experiences, whether they’re mine or someone else’s. My husband always tells me, ‘Don’t build a clock, just tell me the time.’ One of my friends reminds me to ‘land my plane.’ But that’s just not me!
I love taking my listeners on the journey exactly as I remember it. And here’s the thing, being dyslexic and forgetful means I’ve got to start from the beginning so I don’t miss a thing. So if you love a story full of detail, you’re in the right place!
So, let’s jump right in. I’ve always had a knack for doing good hair, but I never imagined becoming a hairdresser. It’s been 29 years now, and what a journey it’s been! Like many in creative fields, my gifts were passed down from the generations before me, specifically, my grandmother. Unfortunately, she had to cut her hairdressing career short due to severe allergies to hair products, but she stayed involved by assisting a well-known stylist (whose name I, of course, can’t remember!).
Side note: I never thought to talk to that stylist after my grandmother passed. She probably knew my grandmother better than I did! Maybe I’ll try to find her—although I doubt she’s still doing hair at this point. Anyway, back to me!
I suppose I was an entrepreneur from the start. At 9, I formed a girls club with my sister, best friend, and her sister. We raised money through dance competitions, plays, and bake sales so we could go shopping for matching outfits and do fun things together. My mom helped structure it, and my older sister deemed herself our “manager” (and hairstylist!). She’d braid our hair in beautiful cornrows with intricate beadwork, inspired by the popular singing group in the late 70’s, Sister Sledge and later Bo Derek. We called ourselves “The Angels Club,” inspired by my favorite tv show, Charlie’s Angels…and I was always in charge.
Fast forward to my first job at 16, working at Harkins Movie Theater. I started in concessions and worked my way up to management by 18. But after graduating high school and becoming a young mom, it was time for a better-paying job. I worked for a wholesaler in the service department, and while it wasn’t for me, I worked hard, and it paid off. I became the department head’s personal assistant and moved up to the front office with my own desk! That was a huge accomplishment for my little 19 year old brain.
After a while, I knew it was time to level up again. Single moms know the drill, the bills keep coming. I worked for Arizona State University for the next decade, starting as a secretary and moving up to supervisor of admissions. I had a great mentor in my boss, Gailynn, who pushed me to grow and supported me even though I was miserable in my job, or at least the last couple years. I worked hard but knew it wasn’t my passion and thankfully she did to. It’s rare to have a boss who will help you defect.
One day after months of coming home in tears, my then-husband asked, “What do you want to do?” Without hesitation, I said, “I want to own a business by the time I’m 30, and I want to do hair!” But I was 26 and it was too late to start beauty school, especially knowing that it would take me twice as long going part-time. He told me, “Over the next 2 years, you can be 28 and still miserable, or 28 and a licensed cosmetologist. Which do you want?” That was the push I needed!
So there I was, 26, seven months pregnant, and ready to take the leap. One evening, I pulled into the beauty school parking lot I had passed so many times on my way home and thought, “It’s go time!” I cringe at the thought of once believing hairdressing was ‘beneath’ me. I was dead wrong. Hairdressers are professionals. Salons are real businesses. And I’m proud to have spent the past 29 years proving it.
From being a young single mom to owning two successful salons and now a thriving salon suite, my career has been nothing short of amazing. I’ve gotten divorced, remarried, and now have two grown sons, two grandchildren and two bonus children. And let me tell you, I’ve got enough client stories to fill a football stadium!
This was just a glimpse into how I found my way into this incredible industry, and I’m proud of myself for being able to keep it brief. Shocker. 😂 There’s so much more to share, and I hope you’ll stick around for the journey.
If you can relate, I’d love to hear your feedback!
Check out the Podcast and YouTube show, ‘Trendy with Kim Allison,’ where I share personal stories and opinions on current trends. I also chat with some of the most talented artists in the beauty world, showcasing their journeys and gaining amazing insights to inspire beauty enthusiasts from around the globe.
Until next time…
