Her Story
About Evelyn
My professional journey has been shaped by diverse experiences across healthcare and beauty industries. I began working with my mother in dental laboratories while still in high school, learning the intricate work of painting crowns and veneers and matching tooth shades for patients. This early exposure to healthcare led me into ophthalmology, where I spent years working with eye care specialists, learning about diseases of the eye and routine eyeglass care. I worked as a scribe and assistant, moving between different doctors and specializations, and I genuinely loved the work and the patients. However, I realized I wanted to pursue something that truly made me happy. I enrolled in a 9-month cosmetology program at Boca Beauty Academy, which was located in the same building where I worked. The experience was transformative - I connected with women from all walks of life, some overcoming cancer, others seeking independence, all of us supporting each other. I discovered that cosmetology wasn't just about making people look good, it was about helping them feel good, building trust, and creating authentic connections. The field allows me to be creative with hair coloring, layering, and different dimensions while connecting with people on a personal level. I've also worked with successful salon owners and realtors, gaining valuable business insights. Throughout my career, I've balanced practical healthcare experience with my passion for beauty and personal connection. I'm currently working toward completing my bachelor's degree while raising my children and staying committed to the cosmetology field that I love.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Evelyn
01What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge in cosmetology is that it's very personal and requires you to present yourself authentically to the world. People are watching your techniques, copying you, and sometimes doing it better than you, which creates intense competition. There's also a culture where people don't want to share their secrets because they feel protective of how they've made it. It's scary to put yourself out there and show all your magic tricks. The key is finding people you trust to work with, people whose goals align with yours, like a marriage. You need to work with someone who wants the best for you and isn't selfishly trying to expose you or point out your worst qualities. When you don't trust where you're working or the people you're with, you can't be yourself because you constantly have your guard up. The opportunity in this field is that it's about authentic connection - when clients sit in your chair, they share their lives with you, and you can offer them guidance and information, like a personal trainer for their appearance and confidence. It's about helping people feel good about themselves without obsessing over their looks or going to extremes.
02What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The most important values to me are authenticity and trust. I believe in being original and genuine, though there's nothing wrong with sharing knowledge and helping others get from point A to point B faster. I value having a support system that elevates you and tells you the truth, even when it's hard to hear - like telling you when a relationship isn't good for you or when you're doing something wrong. I need people who look at things from different perspectives and help me see what I didn't realize before. I also value balance and not being a slave to work - having personal free time to pursue my own goals while maintaining stability. Family is incredibly important to me, and I can't make career decisions that would mean forgetting about my kids. I believe in helping people feel good about themselves in healthy ways, not through making others feel bad or obsessing over appearance. Trust is essential - working with people whose goals align with mine, who aren't trying to expose me or prevent me from growing, but who genuinely want the best for me.
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