Today we’d like to introduce you to Daria Solovyeva.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Daria. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
At my ripe age of 27, I feel as if I’ve lived several lives already. I’m a Russian native originally, and once my mother immigrated, my incredible grandparents raised me until my move to the states. It’s been a long winding road of doubting, fighting, and finding myself. Did I know my calling early on? No. Did my family want me to be a doctor instead? Oh yes. There was a particular day when it started to click, years ago, as someone in my past life said, “why AREN’T you doing this?” in regards to working as a hair and makeup artist.
I applied to a cosmetology program, specifically for the demonstrative skill scholarship opportunity. As someone that’s not even been lucky in a white elephant drawing, winning this scholarship was an enormous feat, not to mention a confidence boost. I made my way through the program working three jobs, splitting a tiny studio apartment, and sacrificing sleep for any semblance of a social life. I’m now in a lovely Sunset Strip salon and freelancing all over Los Angeles. I’ve come so far, and I’m insanely happy with where I’m at right now. Nonetheless, there’s always room to grow, learn and excel.
Has it been a smooth road?
The road has been smooth…much like the roads in the hills of Hollywood are smooth, often shockingly tight, blind turns, too fast, too slow, unbelievably steep hills to drive over, oops! surprise traffic. Being your own biggest critic has taught me a lot. There’s constructive criticism and then there’s building a wall of pure fear and self-doubt. I’m no stranger to boxing myself in, but there lies many a lesson in crawling out of that box. I’m grateful for each and every one.
Please tell us more about your work. What do you do? What do you specialize in? What sets you apart from competition?
When it comes to my trade, I strive to be a renaissance woman.
I’m a freelance hairstylist, a self-taught MUA, and in a constant search to add to my repertoire. If I’ve never done it, I want to learn. I think that’s what sets me apart from others. In my field, you’re often encouraged to choose one: do you want to cut or color? Film? Commercial? Salon? I appreciate the people that choose this path, but it’s not for me. I want to paint! I want to paint your face! I want to make a Marie Antoinette inspired wig! I love the challenge & I never allow myself to get too comfortable.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
Los Angeles was once my kryptonite. I feared the unknown. I feared the “it’ll chew you up and spit you out, move to a small city and buy a house!”. Yet, here I am and now it feels more like home than anywhere else in the world. Though I do love the city as a whole, our houseless population is one of the highest in the country. Naturally, I want to change this, but just as badly, I want to change the outlook towards our houseless. I want to aid the solution, not fan the problem. And if your incessant snide remarks are somehow a “solution”, I encourage you to shift your perspective.
Contact Info:
- Address: 8590 W Sunset Blvd
Ste 11
West Hollywood, CA 90069 - Website: Dariasolovyeva.com
- Phone: 3106595150
- Email: dsolovyevaa@gmail.com
- Instagram: Dfordaria
Image Credit:
Adam Rindy, Rayanna Chumthong, Elizabeth Elder, Sage Griffin, Lauren Adkins
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