Today we’d like to introduce you to Dunia Ruiz.
Dunia, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
To be completely honest, the job I had before I became a hairstylist had nothing to do with the beauty industry. I worked for 7 years from 7 am- 5 pm in a machine shop that focused its supply’s for the oil and gas industry. So, as you can imagine I couldn’t complain because my bills were getting paid, but my heart wasn’t there, that was not what I saw myself doing for the rest of my life.
The craving of becoming the best version of myself became more and more real the moment I was laid off late spring of 2015. God knew what he was doing, this was a wake-up call, at 23 years old, I was perplexed with the decision. I could finish community college or pursue a new career path, so I decided it was time for a change.
All of the life lessons I had experienced pushed me to the place I was in that exact moment. While working at the shop, I occasionally received messages inquiring about hair and makeup, I never really understood why. Some say it was my personal style, or that I just “looked like I did hair.” Regardless, I was convinced after finding the closest institute in the area I enrolled into the Aveda Institute of Houston to do “MAKEUP.”
Hahaha, makeup you heard right. Everything slowly started falling into place and I started a year journey to go from a girl wanting to do makeup to a woman with a purpose. I wanted to change the lives of every guest that sat in my chair. Needless to say, I fell in love with it all, from haircuts to color, to the latest trends I could find. So, I began to also train myself to perfect my craft.
After graduating from the Aveda Institute of Houston late fall of 2016, I was blessed with an apprenticeship in the best salon home with my girls at Define Hair Studio in Spring, Tx. Jen, Nichole, Alicia, Bri, and Donna were heaven sent, they taught me soooo much! From new color lines & products to let me practice my men’s cuts and color techniques on their family members.
Sadly, I wasn’t bringing in enough income to help out at home, so I had to find a way to make money in this career. I had no phone, no car, no money (barely for gas) something definitely had to change.
On my way to my 1st Discovery Dallas Hairshow, my friend Jackie mentioned a salon that was opening close to home, it sounded like the perfect opportunity but there was a catch; the salon was a booth rent setting which meant I would now be my own boss. That’s when I decided with $20 in my bank account to sign the papers, to start booth renting and establish what is now my brand XDUNIARUIZ.
I had nothing to lose and everything to gain, I reflect on it, I know God placed those obstacles to mold me into the strong driven artistic soul I am today. I may not know it all but I have overcome challenges that now allow me to stand behind the chair while offering a warm welcoming experience to each and every one of my guests.
My goal essentially is to change my guest lives even if it’s just for those 15 mins. at the shampoo bowl or after an 8-hour corrective color session. Their smile is motivation enough to continue doing what I do.
I have now been in the industry for three years, I’ve learned that you can gain new knowledge from everyone!!! Literally, everyone has something to teach, I get to learn from everyone that sits in my chair whether it be a new recipe, helping me find my dream leggings, or even dealing with daily life struggles (because let’s be real, we all have them). Each guest isn’t just money to me they are a story, a friend, and even a teacher. Conversations in my chair can escalate very quickly and get really deep, but at the end of the day, I’m an affordable therapist that will keep your mane on point through every phase in life.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Most of the struggles I faced along the way were income related. I had no car, no phone, no job and somehow I still believed I was destined to be someone greater. I was able to get small jobs here and there (due to my previous job no one would hire me, not even McDonald’s), but it was never enough. I honestly never thought hair would be my way into my dream life.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about XDuniaruiz – what should we know?
I am a color specialist in Conroe, Texas, best known for my dramatic before and after transformations. I specialize in Blonding, Balayage, and Textured Cuts. I love having creative freedom in my craft so I don’t limit myself to just one specialty. What sets me apart from others in the industry is my personality, I know, I know that sounds so cliche, but I am at a point in my life where I am ok with not portraying what’s expected and I believe each guest sees that about me.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
I would say my charisma, drive, and resiliency to learn new techniques have all helped me be as successful as I am today.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1211 North Loop 336 W. Ste B-1 Conroe, Texas
- Website: https://www.styleseat.com/Xduniaruiz?utm_campaign=SMS_profile_User
- Phone: 8325710279
- Email: ruizdunia.28@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/xduniaruiz?utm_source=ig_profile_share&igshid=1vwq3rm5oa7v4
Image Credit:
@samiephotography, Karen Lopez, Dunia Ruiz
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
