January 8, 2017

Meet Alexia Swan of Paul Donnell

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexia Swan.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Alexia. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I’m just a country girl from Northern Colorado. And although I entertained the possibility of different career paths at one point or another, I was probably destined to end up in the beauty industry from the mere fact that I always had scissors in my hands and would cut anything with hair. From my Barbies to the dog, to my little brother, to my friends… sometimes without even their permission or knowledge. Back in Fort Collins, we had a long time family hair stylist named Ken Reed. And in my teenage years, I use to hang out at his salon and pepper him with question after question, eager to learn anything and everything about the industry. And to this day, he is still my role model and a great family friend, who has always offered great advice and feedback.

In High School, I was scouted and recruited into the fashion industry. I never before thought about it or planned for it, but decided to pursue it while the opportunity was there. In 2004, I was chosen to be on Tyra Banks’ “America’s Next Top Model.” My time on the show was brief, but it opened up a whole new world to me. The show brought me to Los Angeles, where I immediately knew this was where I wanted to be. However, eventually, I came to a point where I wanted a more stable career path. I still loved the entertainment industry but felt like I wanted to do something elsewhere I had more control in the decisions and choices impacting me than the modeling world afforded. So after much soul-searching, I decided that rather than struggling to be just another “pretty face” in front of the camera, I would much rather go back to my first love and make others look and feel beautiful. I enrolled at Paul Mitchell the School in Sherman Oaks in 2010 where my passion for hair was re-ignited. And thanks to the wonderful Learning Leaders at the school, the incredible training program, and the wonderfully positive environment, I thrived.

After graduating and getting my license in Los Angeles, I moved back to Colorado to be certified and licensed there (for I was told by multiple sources that having three licenses can get you working universally anywhere in the USA). I took a job at Cost Cutters in Fort Collins and gained not only a ton of experience but also amassed incredible friendships and learned valuable lessons; both of which have stayed with me to this very day. But eventually, my heart was called back to California. Thus I again packed my bags and headed back to the land of big dreams to pursue my own dream of a career doing hair in the entertainment industry. After a short stint at Floyd’s barbershop in Studio City, I longed for the all-American dream of being my own boss and setting my own hours. Thus I parted ways with Floyd’s and quickly landed at Paul Donnell salon in Toluca Lake. And it was here that salon owner Kim offered me everything I was looking for… the chance to grow as a stylist, expand my skill set, work side by side with some amazingly talented people (who don’t compete with each other but rather encourage each other), and build my client base; all the while chasing my dreams. It also certainly doesn’t hurt that Paul Donnell is just a stone’s throw away from all the television and movie studios. So my wish has certainly been granted.

Has it been a smooth road?
They say anything worth having is worth fighting for. And pursuing one’s dream job is almost always going to have it’s ups and downs. I had to deal with the tragic death of a loved one during beauty school before graduation. I had to leave my hometown and friends and family as well as an amazing salon to return back to LA. And I had to leave the safety and security of a place like Floyd’s or Cost Cutters (where I got paid hourly and there was a steady stream of walk-ins) to start my own business. I’ve spent more time marketing and promoting myself and my brand on social media here than I ever did when modeling. But the rewards of hard work are well worth it.

We’d love to hear more about your business.
As I mentioned, the best thing about being my own boss is that although I work at Paul Donnell Toluca Lake, I work FOR me. I get to be creative and follow my passions. In other words, I can try new things, develop new talents, and strengthen new skills that I wasn’t necessarily allowed to in a corporate environment.

I absolutely love cutting hair but I get more of an opportunity to capitalize on my fashion and entertainment background now. i get to be on set to work for events or shows. Or go on location to do multiple looks for actors’ headshots. I do massive makeovers and get to showcase “before and after” photos for them or for my social media outlets. I do full facial waxing, scalp massage, blowouts. And at Paul Donnell Toluca Lake, i get to showcase my talent and love for coloring more than ever; whether it’s subtle gray coverage, simple highlights, or a completely dramatic change of pace.

Whether it’s a life-long repeat client or a first timer, i treat everyone with the same attention to detail and love for my craft. I pride myself of my honesty and integrity. I don’t “up-sell” my clients something they don’t need but will always educate them on what they could be doing to make their hair the healthiest it can be. For newbies, I know that seeing a new stylist can be awkward so I try to be the most approachable stylist they’ve ever met. They’ll never be just a number to me. And I don’t mind spending more time than expected to insure that they’re happy. Nearly every one of my clients has at one point heard me say, “I can always cut more. But I can’t put it back!” And luckily, i’ve got a background of being in the chair and made to feel beautiful before. So it means so much to me that now i get to return the favor. I want you to walk away feeling fantastic about yourself. My clients come first!

Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I absolutely love the location of Paul Donnell Toluca Lake. Right in the heart of bustling downtown Toluca Lake on Riverside Drive, it is surrounded by great restaurants, great businesses, and great people. It’s across the street from Trader Joe’s and just blocks away from Warner Bros and Universal Studios. Salon owner Kimberly has created a beautiful atmosphere and a modern looking design that still feels homey and comfortable. It is very Toluca Lake and fits perfectly with the community. She has also hand-picked the stylists she feels best represent what the salon stands for so I’m blessed to work with such supportive and talented people.

I’m so happy with my actual career path and wouldn’t change anything about the road I took, from my schooling to working in a corporate environment first as I learned and worked my way up. But the best thing about where i’m at now is that Paul Donnell Toluca Lake is not just a mere salon but a whole experience. It’s fun, relaxing, and enjoyable. And you can’t help but leave in a good mood to take on the rest of your day.

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