Today we’d like to introduce you to Arlen Vazquez.
Hi Arlen, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I started experimenting with color since I was 14. in middle school. I used to look up YouTube videos on how to dye your hair blue, how to do coon tails, how to do a layered haircut and how to tease your hair. I was what you call an alternative kid. My middle school peers knew me as the girl with the colored hair. It was such a huge deal to the point that my 8th grade year in middle school, the principal at my school wasn’t allowing me to walk in my promotion unless I colored my hair from the bright turquoise color I had to a “normal” color. Then they made a rule that you could not have any fashion colors. During high school I colored my hair on and off. Didn’t think I would become a stylist at that point. I graduated and went to cal state Fullerton after high school as a business major. Once I was in school I realized I didn’t really enjoy my time there so I decided I was gonna take a step back and do school part-time while I figured it out. Coincidentally around the same time, a friend of mine posted that the salon she was assisting at was looking for a front desk. When I saw it, I instantly reached out because although I wasn’t really looking into doing hair, being in the environment seemed cool. So I started as a receptionist at The Young American Salon and fell in love with the industry. After that, I also did reception at Alkali Beauty and Drybar Fashion Island. I was inspired to start school from there and attended Advanced Beauty College, I was able to learn a lot there and graduated at the end of summer 2021. I was able to assist one of my favorite stylists Colorbychristina for six months learning how to specialize in vivids and color corrections. Currently, I am assisting under Missjoanahair, specializing in balayages and color corrections. I am also a stylist under the same salon Stargaze Salon in Diamond Bar.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
There has definitely been obstacles during my journey. I started off at Hair California Beauty Academy, I attended the school for a couple of months and realized I wanted to be more challenged with my learning. I transferred to Advance Beauty College since they offered more in depth learning and had more amenities in the school. A couple of months into attending, I was kicked out of the semester and asked to come back the following semester because of the strict attendance rules they had set up. After I took off the semester, covid began and I wasn’t able to return. It was a challenge to stay hopeful and motivated after that. During Covid I moved to south LA and around the same time that I did, I received a call that ABC was reopening and accepting students again. I made a split decision to return back to school although I lived in South LA and my school was in Laguna Hills. I had spent months looking for a new school to attend in the LA area but everything seemed way over my budget. So I decided to continue at ABC since I was able to attend and receive grants. I drove out from LA to Laguna Hills, 3 times a week for ten months until I was done with school. It was mentally and physically exhausting but when you want something bad, you’ll do anything possible to accomplish it. A couple of obstacles I’ve experienced in the industry is racism at my school in South OC. As one of the only Hispanic/Latina students in a school that was majorly Caucasians, the clients would be a little surprised to see me doing their service. I brushed it off and always knew to be the bigger person but it’s something I’ve come to terms with that I will have to phase once in a while. As a first gen Mexican American woman, I’ve had to figure out my schooling and career as I go. It hasn’t been the smoothest ride but my drive will always help me overcome everything I phase.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a hairstylist at Stargaze Salon. We proud ourselves in educating our clients about their hair. We offer solutions for them and never shame someone for the quality of their hair. I specialize in Vivids and Color Corrections. I am also in training to specialize in Balayages and Hair Extensions. I’m proud of being able to have a wide range of services. I love my edgy, alternative clients that want to have colorful hair. But I also do love my more natural clients who want a lower maintenance balayage. I love length and volume so I offer hair extension installations, specifically wefts and tape-in’s. I’m proud of being able to make my clients comfortable and being able to service a wide range of them. My ultimate goal is to make them feel beautiful. I’m proud of being a Latina stepping into rooms where there’s not many of us.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
In the next five years, I see myself being a brand ambassador. Traveling to educate others and having a clientele that I love. I see myself creating more and stepping out of my comfort zone. Continuously educating myself and my clients. I hope to have some colorful projects and lots of extensions. Maybe start a hair boutique 😉
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://dyepretty.myportfolio.com/
- Instagram: Dyepretty
