Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel.
Rachel, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I got my start in the industry in my late twenties. Prior to hair, I worked in the media industry. I decided to pivot once I had what I like to call my “quarter life crisis”. I was working for magazine and it was mostly a standard 9 to 5 desk job. I hated it, but was unsure of what to do instead. At the time, I was really into makeup and a friend suggested I take that from a hobby to an actual job. After thinking about it, I decided if I was going to take that jump, might as well go all in and go to school for cosmetology. While enrolled, I quickly realized my passion was for hair more so than makeup. I also made it my goal to be able to service others like me, who struggled to find someone who can work with their natural texture. So after getting my license, I apprenticed under a curl specialist at a local salon in Montrose.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It hasn’t always been a smooth journey. Going into school I was working two jobs seven days a week, while taking classes at night. I did that for 20 months. And this was happening at the same as COVID too. Once I finished and started my apprenticeship, the grind didn’t get easier. I took a major pay cut. I went from making about $48k a year to $10 an hour at 29 years old. However, I knew all the hard work and the long hours would be worth it in the end. And it’s proven to be true. I’ve made a lot of sacrifices to get to where I am, but it’s all been worth it. I learned to trust in myself and know how capable I am to accomplish my dreams.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a curly hair specialist located in Houston, TX. I can work with all textures, but I’m known for revitalizing curls with my cuts, color and treatments. I’m extremely proud of being able to provide this type of service as it was very difficult to find for myself growing up. And to be able to help others, who have struggled with their natural texture is fulfilling to me. It’s a service I find that is surprisingly in short supply in Houston.
In my experience, there’s nothing like being able to help my clients embrace their hair the way it naturally grows, especially for Black and Brown women. We grow up being told our hair is too much, ugly, or nappy and that it must be “tamed” or straightened in some way to be seen as attractive or professional. I’m proud to know the work I’m doing is helping to dismantle these beliefs. I remember turning a client around to face the mirror, and she immediately broke down in tears of joy because she didn’t realize her natural texture could be beautiful. And she told me, that was the first time in her life, that she felt genuinely beautiful.
Clients like her, are why I do what I do. In my work, I strive to not only provide the best results I can, but also the best experience I can for my clients. I want them to leave their appointments feeling lighter, rejuvenated and seen.
What does success mean to you?
I define success by the impact I’m leaving in my community. I see it with each and every client that comes through my door. To know I’ve found my calling and purpose in life, is deeply fulfilling.
Pricing:
- New Client Curly Cuts $235
- Color $200+
- Treatments $10+
- Styling $65+
Contact Info:
- Website: https://rachelmagdelena.glossgenius.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachelmagdelena/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rachelmagdelenabeauty/
