Her Story
About Sandra
I started my career in Colombia, where I went to beauty school a couple of times and took additional classes to learn more about color, cutting, and other techniques. When I moved to the United States, I had to go through beauty school again and apply for my license. I've worked in different cities and had my own salon business. I'm always open to learning new things - when a friend told me about a barber shop looking for someone, I said yes even though I wasn't a barber, because they would train me. I got my barber's license and moved to another state, always looking to learn something new. I always had the idea that I wanted to teach, and one day I saw a school very close to where I work. I started my journey as an educator, and I just love it. I'm very patient and I love helping people. My biggest responsibility every day is being really mindful with my students and clients, because I want them to feel good about themselves and I want my students to grow.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Sandra
01What do you attribute your success to?
I'm very persistent. If I want to do something, I just continue and continue until I get it. Persistency - that's what I attribute my success to. I never give up, and I keep going no matter what challenges come my way.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've ever received is to never stop learning. Never. You always continue taking classes and learning every day. This career needs to continue every day, all the time. You can't just stop - you have to keep growing and developing your skills constantly.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Never give up. Ever. This is a career that is very difficult, because we need to deal with a lot of things, and sometimes it's easy to feel like you want to quit. But it's an amazing career. I will say, never give up. Keep going. Don't let the challenges discourage you, because this work is truly rewarding.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I will say the situation in the world affects us a lot. The economy, the money situation - that impacts our industry significantly. And then all these companies that make better blow dryers, better tools, better everything - that creates opportunities but also challenges. We might be losing some clients because of all these new products and tools that are available now.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Being sincere and honest with people is the most important thing for me. I believe in being truthful and genuine in all my interactions, whether it's with my students, my clients, or in my personal relationships. Honesty is at the core of everything I do.
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