Today we’d like to introduce you to Fryda Gonzalez
Fryda, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve had quite a journey—I think a lot of my colleagues had someone in their family who did hair school, or they always knew they wanted to do hair. For me, it was one of those things where “when one door closes, another opens” type of thing. It hasn’t always been easy, but has definitely shaped who I am today. I’m a first-generation Mexican American woman, and when I was growing up, the idea of going to college always felt exciting, yet distant—like something that was just out of reach. But I was determined to make something of myself. I had to grow up fast, balancing the responsibility of supporting what I needed, while trying to get an education and working through the citizenship process.
Being in the middle of that process while also attending school and working full-time was a lot. The pressure of knowing that without much financial aid or scholarships, I might not be able to stay in school was overwhelming. I couldn’t qualify for a lot of the assistance programs that my classmates could, and that meant I had to work even harder just to make ends meet. But when you’re already balancing full-time work with school and everything else, it’s easy to burn out, and for me, it all became too much. In my final semester, I had to make the hard decision to drop out. I needed to focus on earning enough money to save up to go back to school, knowing it would take time before I could afford to go back.
During that time, I started working as a front desk receptionist at a high-end hair salon. To be honest, I never thought I’d be in that world. But something about it was really alluring to me because theres so much variety and you never truly stop learning. I started watching the stylists work and how they transformed their clients. But what I was drawn to the most was seeing the genuine connections you can build with people of all walks of life.
I had three semesters left of college when I made the decision to walk away from that path. It was a tough choice, and honestly, it felt like I was starting over. It was like admitting to myself that the plan I’d spent years working toward wasn’t the one I needed to follow anymore. But, at the same time, I felt a sense of relief because I was no longer doing what I thought I *should* do. I enrolled in hair school, and though it was challenging to start from scratch, there’s no part of me that regrets it because I made incredible friendships and met my husband.
Hair school was a fresh start. It wasn’t easy—and sometimes I felt like I would never actually start my life. But I pushed through. From there, I grew in ways I hadn’t expected, not just in terms of skill, but in confidence. And now, I’m doing something I love every single day because I believed in myself and my work ethic.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It was really hard watching my friends in college keep moving forward while I was starting over again. We were all on similar tracks when we started. But when I had to drop out, it felt like I was stuck while everyone else was moving on without me. I’d scroll through social media, see them walking across stages at graduation, securing big girl jobs, and I couldn’t help but feel like I was falling behind. It was a weird kind of loneliness and came with feelings of inadequacy. I questioned also if I failed my parents.
It wasn’t just the academic progress that hurt. It was the sense that I was *choosing* to pause my life while everyone else was “getting ahead.” It was draining, and I had to remind myself every day that “when one door closes, another one opens”. But, let’s be real—it’s hard not to feel like you’re doing something wrong when the world around you is moving so fast.
At times, I would even question whether I was making the right choice to switch paths. Was I giving up something valuable? Was I throwing away the time I’d already invested in school?
But slowly, I started to realize that my journey wasn’t anyones but my own. Just because I was in a different phase didn’t mean I wouldn’t eventually get to where I wanted to be. I had to focus on my own growth. And when I finally did enroll in hair school, it was like I found purpose again, and something to fight for. In the end, I think those challenges helped me build resilience and taught me to trust in my own pace. Everyone’s journey looks different and now I know I was not meant to be a teacher (what I went to college for).
We’ve been impressed with Houston.Hair, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
As your hairstylist, my goal is to provide a fun, laid-back experience where you can truly reconnect with yourself and rediscover your personal style. I believe in the importance of hard work, kindness, and balance, which is why I approach every appointment with a blend of relaxed energy and focused expertise. I want you to feel at ease in the chair while knowing you’re in capable hands—this balance is key to creating an environment where comfort meets craftsmanship. I’m passionate about evolving in my career, and I love using my skills to help you express the most authentic version of yourself.
Over the past 5 years in this industry, I’ve honed my skills in several areas: transformative haircuts, improving hair integrity, blended lived-in balayage, and vibrant, transformative colors. Whether you’re a blonde, brunette, or wanting to explore copper/reds, I approach every client with intention and care to ensure your hair is healthy, beautiful, and long-lasting. To stay on top of the latest techniques, I consistently take continuing education courses from some of the most notable hairstylists in the industry.
What I believe truly sets me apart, beyond creating custom hair that fits your lifestyle and personal style, is the collaborative approach I take with each client. I’m all about creating realistic, long-term hair care plans that not only rejuvenate your hair, but also help you achieve your future hair goals (yes, it can take time, but it’s always worth it!). Part of that journey involves emphasizing the importance of scalp care, making your experience not just about the hair on your head, but the overall health and well-being of your hair. I want to ensure that when you leave my chair, you not only look amazing, but you feel confident and supported in your hair care journey.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
As a hairstylist specializing in modern hair coloring and cutting, I’ve grown so much in finding my voice and being direct (which used to be incredibly hard for me). It’s not always easy to communicate honestly, especially in a profession where emotions vs reality can collide, but I’ve found that clarity and compassion can coexist. It’s about being direct without being harsh and valuing your expertise while respecting others. Communicating openly and honestly with clients is such a key part of creating happy, healthy hair. It’s not always easy to deliver advice or manage expectations, but I’ve learned that being clear and upfront about what’s realistic for their hair journey is better for both of us in the long run. Transparency builds trust, and that trust is what keeps your clients.
This growth also ties into the relationships I build with clients and peers. I’ve learned that staying humble and open is key to improving as an artist and professional. There’s so much value in learning from others, even those with less experience in the industry. Sometimes a fresh perspective from someone newer to the field can spark creativity or provide insights I wouldn’t have considered otherwise. I remember training a new hairstylist in haircutting techniques, and I honestly feel like I learned so much from her just asking questions and making suggestions. To this day, I love seeing her growth– she is incredibly talented!
In this ever-evolving craft, growth doesn’t just happen in just perfecting techniques—it happens in how we connect with one another inside the salon. Every interaction is a chance to learn, reflect, and refine not just your skill, but your mindset in life overall too!
Pricing:
- TikTok Haircut $115+
- Gloss Treatment $65
- standard balayage $330
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thehoustonhair.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/houston.hair/?hl=en
Image Credits
Trisha Lacoste @trisha_lacoste
(shes amazing)
