Her Story
About Desi
Desi Santiago has worked in the hair salon industry since 2018. She joined Hair Cuttery in 2020 after the pandemic reopening and now oversees operations across multiple salons. Her path to this role included prior work in auto body repair and overcoming personal challenges as a troubled youth involved with the justice system. A friend encouraged her to pursue cosmetology, leading her to earn her license at Sheridan Technical College in Hollywood, Florida. She later completed her bachelor's degree through Broward College while working around her schedule. Santiago's expertise centers on coaching and guiding stylists and leading with empathy. She builds talent by mentoring students at Boca Beauty Academy and transitioning them into professional roles, often through hands-on shadowing and technique demonstrations. She serves as a beauty school ambassador and holds positions on the Board of Advisory for both Boca Beauty Academy and Sheridan Technical College's Cosmetology and Barbering program. Her achievements include making the dean's list, ranking top in retail sales worldwide in 2022, and advancing into operational leadership. Santiago attributes her success to hard work, dedication, and strong family support. She volunteers her time with Helping Hands and the Bright Center, providing free services to clients with autism at her Boca salon and helping teenagers prepare for events. She values integrity, one's word, and character above all in her work and personal life.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Desi
01What do you attribute your success to?
Hard work, dedication, and family support. My family has given me the drive to succeed and the opportunity to pursue my goals whenever I've asked for help.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Don't take it personal. Nine out of ten times, it is not about you. You get more with honey than you do with vinegar. Hold yourself accountable, apologize, and fix mistakes with a smile.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Be open-minded. Ask questions. And always be learning. This industry changes quickly so stay up on trends, colors, and what people want.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The company Haircuttery Family Brands is growing, which brings advancements and opportunities to grow along with them, possibly taking over different territories.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity, your word, and your character. In this industry, guests rely on us for important days, so without your word or integrity you couldn't do what we do.
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