Today we’d like to introduce you to Gail Pete.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Gail. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I’ve been a hairstylist for going on 15 years this year. I had my first introduction to do hair at 12! My mom stopped doing my hair once I turned 12, just all of a sudden! So, I had to figure it. It took me some time to get adjusted but once I started playing in my own head I began to really enjoy it. I taught myself how to braid how to twist, I even began to do my own relaxers and trim my ends the older I got. So, from a young girl, I always said I would be a hairstylist. I moved to Houston when I was 16 and attending Jack Yates High School where the school offered COSMETOLOGY!! I was so excited so I began my journey of becoming licensed in high school. Due to some life changing situations in high school, my senior year, I couldn’t finish the program because I was with child. Upon graduating high school, however, I did enroll at Houston Community College to finish my hours. I had to enroll in night school so it took me longer to finish but I finished! I’ve been doing hair and makeup ever since.
Today, I have enjoyed working In this field meeting new people and offer healthy hair care services! Once I finished school, I found a job a the Walmart salon in Pearland and there is where I built my clientele. I have been a hairstylist in the Pearland area now for the last five or six years. I’ve worked in the city a few times but the Pearland area shows me so much love! I consider myself to the stylist you come to if you want to be educated on your hair and maiming healthy hair. I specialize in short hair and cutting, but I do it all color, natural hair, weave, but most importantly, keeping my client’s hair growing and In great condition! I’ve had so much training salons like visible changes as a cutter. I’ve styled hair for the Rockets Power Dancers, I’ve done makeup for Mathew Knowles. I just continue to be the best version of me and most importantly, God comes first and I wait on him to give me everything. I’ve been living my dream since a kid and I couldn’t be happier.
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?
It’s been a struggle for sure!!! When I first started working behind the chair, it was so different from school but I pushed thru and took classes and I had lots of mentors! Mentors are so valuable to an artist starting out! Get you one if you are hairstylist coming out of school, lol!! As the years have gone by, I’ve had to grow in so many ways, I’ve lost clients, I’ve lost myself, I’ve lost money because I didn’t have a structure or a foundation on how to run my business. As I’ve grown and gotten older, my values have changed and I’ve found my way. It wasn’t easy. Some things I struggled with was not having boundaries with clients, clients not respecting me because I didn’t set the tone on how I wanted to be treated in my business. I’ve had people that I’ve tried to work with me or different projects take my money and not deliver the service for my website or pictures that caused me to lose so much money. Not being financially responsible has been a big problem in the past. Spending all my money and just not knowing how to save and live within my means. As I’ve gotten older, I have forced myself to be way more financially responsible. I lost my salon suit because my identity was stolen and some crazy financial things were going on in my life in 2016 and it messed my life out completely, I had to give up my suit, move back home to my dads and start over and regroup. It took me a year to pay off some debt disputes some major hits on my credit due to identity theft and save! This finally started getting better 2018! Thank God because it was so hard having to downsize but I knew I had to if I wanted to get back on my feet!!! It was the best thing I could have done. Now, I’m in an open floor salon working along with some great stylist. I’m still running my own business but in a better position!
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about A Vibe Called Hair – what should we know?
I’m known for my short cuts and healthy hair! That will never go out of style! Right now, there’s a big weave craze going on right now but for me, I always think of longevity. When clients are done with the weave and the wings, they are going to be on the hunt for a healthy hair stylist! I am ok!! I’m most proud of what I stand for like a hair artist! I value each of my clients time and their hair. Each client who books with me has their personal appointment no wait, no double book, overbooking and now all day waits! I pride myself on getting clients in and out awhile serving healthy hair care and trendy cuts! That alone sets me apart from other stylists. You can ask any of my clients, I grow their hair and I keep them in the salon all day.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
My positive attitude! I leave my personal problems at home, I never bring it into the salon, I never bring it to my clients. I don’t complain! We have so much to be thankful for, I keep complaining to myself and my closest friends, lol. I love what I do so that helps!
Pricing:
- Shampoo and Style (relaxed hair )$50
- Silk Press $75
- Color Services quote by consultation
- Shampoo and Cut $80
Contact Info:
- Address: 8703 Broadway
Pearland, Tx 77584 - Website: https://squareup.com/appointments/book/S8ZHBVRYQCKZT/a-vibe-called-hair-pearland-tx
- Phone: 8329423645
- Email: avibecalledhair@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/avibecalledhair?utm_source=ig_profile_share&igshid=1aauoksxf9mqa
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/avenueasalonstudio/
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.
