Today we’d like to introduce you to Pauline Messina.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Pauline. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I was born in New York City but raised here in Houston. I took Cosmetology at Jersey Village Sr. High and received my license when I was 17 years old. I only took cosmetology to put myself through college. I worked full time and was a full-time student at UH. Little by little, I saw how giving someone a new look made someone so happy. It made me happy. It’s a feeling I can not explain.
I worked at this salon for eight years and was one of the top stylists at the salon but my DREAM was to be a successful hairdresser in NYC. So in 2006, I packed my little Honda and moved to the Big Apple. I have tons of family there and thought it would be so easy. I was wrong. I lived in a tiny room the size of a medium-sized closet. I cried everyday. I found a job in the city and made $200 dollar paychecks. I cried everyday.
About a year later, I moved to Jersey with roommates of course and knew I needed to change up my game. In 2010 I landed a job as an educator with Wella Professional, one of the largest Color Companies in the World. I re-learned everything I ever knew about hair. It made me so much stronger as a stylist and as a person. I had a vision of where I wanted to be, I just needed to figure how I was going to get there. I changed my look, I spoke differently, I looked people in the eye when we were speaking. I wanted to be “someone” so I dressed the part of the person I wanted to be. When I had a class at a “high end salon” I stayed after and ALWAYS talked to the owner. I wanted to know how they made it so big. How were they so successful.
I became so humble after living and working in New York City. It really brought me down to earth. I was a Top producer from where I had been that I had a big head when I first moved to New York. I was brought down very quickly. I taught for Wella Professional and worked behind the chair full time. In 2014, I became a mother to Oliver. Best day of my live. Then things got so tough. I was ready to move back home to Houston. So last year in 2018, we made the move back. I’m so happy to be back. We have our own house with a yard and a drive way and a washer and dryer!! I didn’t have a washer or dryer for 13 years!!
I am happy with my decisions In life. They were not the best at times but I have learned so much in my struggle that it has made me so strong and positive. My mother is my inspiration. Such a strong woman. I now am at Beautique Town and County Salon and Spa. Come by and say Hello. I’m always around.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I think the biggest struggle is self doubt. Just have a plan of where you want to go and who you want to be. I always tell myself that I’m going to get there. I’m starting over now and that is hard. I also became a single mother along my journey and my world came tumbling down on me. But I used the anger and sadness to make me keep going. I have to be an example of an independent and smart woman for Oliver.
Please tell us about Beautique Town & County.
I am a hairstylist of 21 years now. I specialize in Blondes, Perms and Curly Hair.
My strongest suit would be corrective colors. Thats what I have been getting so much of here in Houston.
Here at Beautique, we are in the heart of West Houston.
We are a Family ran Salon and Spa. We involve ourselves with the community and host local vendors to help them promote their businesses.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I wouldn’t change a thing.
Pricing:
- Highlights $125
- Ouidad Curly Cut $125
- Perms starting @ $120
- Balayage $175
- Haircuts $80
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @Mspauline212
Image Credit:
Pauline Messina
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