Conversations with the Inspiring Heather Raco

Today we’d like to introduce you to Heather Raco.

Heather, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
It’s funny how your path leads you to where you are now. But I guess I can start with when I grow up, I want to be in the NBA. Quickly realizing that was clearly not happening I chose what was 2nd best to me and that was music. I went to Washington State University majoring in music. When you’re a music major, I was in musicals, operas, and recitals. I started to do the hair and make up of the time periods in these shows. I remember standing on the wing waiting for me to go on and say my lines and all I could do was admire my work on the other cast members. At that moment, I knew I was in the wrong industry. Got my cosmetology license and have never looked back.

Has it been a smooth road?
Of course, the road to where I am wasn’t smooth sailing but it wasn’t hard either. All the choices I made I don’t regret. I have been in the hair game for 11 years now and I am now just getting the hang of things. I decide to have children which makes you limited on when you can work. I marry a military man which means moving was happing every 3 to 4 years. So, to build a strong clientele wasn’t going to happen. Now that I am choosing me 1st I am finally feeling like I am on the right path. My advice to young women starting out has passion behind what you do. If you don’t love what you do then what is the point. Make mistakes and learn from them. Mistakes is where I learn the most. And be honest with yourself. Always be honest with yourself.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into Shade and Strand story. Tell us more about the business.
I don’t think I am known for anything… yet. Lol! I love working in the salon and doing cuts and colors. I love fashion colors. I love doing hair and makeup for a wedding. All these things bring me joy and make my life happy. I am most proud that I was pushed outside of my comfort zone when I did my 1st San Diego Bridal Bazaar. I was so nervous and scared and excited to do something I didn’t think was an option. I got a taste of something awesome and now I just want to keep going.

What do you feel are the biggest barriers today to female leadership, in your industry or generally?
I don’t feel there are barriers to female leadership. Maybe I am blind to it all or just have been in a situation to say there are. If there are walls, I work hard to knock them down but it just makes you stronger. I don’t want things to be giving to me. I want to earn them so I can respect and appreciate what I earned. I don’t play the
“female” card. I just work at what I want. I think if you look at your gender as a barrier then there will be barriers.

Contact Info:

• Website: Shadeandstrand.com
• Phone: 904-252-5908
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/noeraco25/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heathershairandmakeup/
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/shadeandstrand/

Image Credit:
Heather Raco

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