Early on, I started watching makeover shows including TLC’s “What Not to Wear” and was intrigued by Nick Arrojo as he so effortlessly transformed clients simply with a new cut.  I found out that Nick Arrojo had opened his own school in the heart of New York City, and there was no turning back. This country girl was headed to the big city all on her own to learn from the best!

At Arrojo Cosmetology School, hair wasn’t just taught as giving a client a new cut and sending them on their way. It was about creating a sculpture on a round surface, using shapes and angles to bring out the client’s best features.  It was about being an artist and changing people’s lives to help them feel more confident. The client could feel as if they were walking down their own runway in the streets of New York as they left the stylist's hands.

I learned how to use a razor to create space and movement within the hair. Nick taught me that the possibilities of using my creative mind are endless and to never stop pushing myself. I learned to never let someone look down on me for being a “hair stylist.” I was now an “artist” with a select skill-set that people will always want, because it can make a person go from having the worst day to feeling like they are on top of the world.

As I came to the end of my journey as a student in New York City, I decided that it was time to take the journey back down south and share what I had learned with the ones I love most.  As I transferred my NY license to an NC license, I began my dream of being a makeup artist and hair designer.

I then began working at Gemini Hair and Nail Fashions, a full service salon, as well as providing freelance work to brides on their special day.