Today we’d like to introduce you to Chance Carl.
Hi Chance, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Growing up, one of my favorite TV shows was “Boy meets world.” There was an episode where the storyline involved new haircuts for the first day of school. Corey, the quintessential “Boy” referenced in the title, received a bad haircut and he felt insecure about it. So, his girlfriend, (and my favorite character) Topanga, also went to the salon for a new look. She came to reveal that her signature, long, one-length hairs had been chopped and then expertly layered into an iconic 90s cut. This hair reveals, for me, was the moment that I realized I wanted to do hair and recreate this moment as much as possible.
During high school, I would practice hair stylings on my sister in our home. When I finished high school – I decided my path would be cosmo school and had started a program of cosmetology at Citrus College in 2007… I was only a few months along in the program when my life was unexpectedly interrupted. Our class was learning facial techniques, so of course, I volunteered… however, I noticed some pain in my chest as I laid on the table. My discomfort grew worse and I went home early. Long story short, later that night I was in the ER with a pulmonary embolism and had to be rushed over to USC university for open heart surgery, lucky me!
The truth is that this was in fact my second open heart surgery this lifetime. When I was six weeks old, I had my first open heart surgery to repair the same aortic heart valve that was now in need of replacement. After these circumstances of my birth, the legend my mother told was something like the following: that the doctors told her that I did not have much of a chance to live and that she should consider waiting to name me. In order to not become too attached in the case of loss. (man, this was the 80s for you). So, once my mother decided that I had a chance to live, she stuck with the name Chance. Now, 19 years later. I needed to find that same chance, or fight, to live. It was a long 12 months recovery phase. I was the proud owner of an artificial heart valve and needed to make new changes to survive. Determined now, more than ever to finish the cosmetology program – I went back for nights until I graduated.
Once I had that degree, it was only a matter of time until I passed the state board exams and was working in an apprenticeship. I spent six years assisting and building my clientele before opening my own boutique salon: Designed by Chance – in Monrovia, Ca. I provide an array of hair designs and services in a private studio setting. I specialize in hair extensions and Brazilian blowouts. I love having a private salon suite, it allows me to really connect with my client and provide a custom service experience. I have lived in Monrovia for over five years now and really love this town. I have a loving husband and two dogs, a pug and a chihuahua.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
I faced a lot of health challenges during my youth that taught me about how to be strong in the face of adversity and always fight for the life you want to live.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in live in blondes, hair extensions and Brazilian blowouts.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @DesignedbyChance
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/designed-by-chance-monrovia-2
