April 10, 2017

Meet Gina Chioccariello of Los Angeles

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Gina Chioccariello.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Gina. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I’m originally from New York and come from a family of hairstylists (mother & uncle both hairstylist & my grandma was a colorist). I was exposed to hair as a kid and was always fascinated with playing on friends and dolls hair so I guess it’s in my blood! I wrote a report when I was 8 yrs. old in 3rd grade that when I grow up I’m going to be a hairstylist so I guess it’s a no brainer! I just knew! Which I feel so lucky to have known at such young age what my passion in life was. I basically went straight from high school to beauty school and started working in a salon at 19. I was living outside of LA and built up a good clientele but after 2 years I wanted to work in the city at a salon where there was great education so I moved to West Hollywood and started as an assistant at Umberto Salon in Beverly Hills. I assisted a top colorist/stylist who made me really think about what colors to mix and taught me to be creative with my thinking…after a couple years I then got to assist the owner, who made me feel really comfortable with freehand cutting…thinking outside the box. Shortly after, I got a chair and just built up my business. I love creating something beautiful for clients, whether it’s a cut or color, and seeing how good it instantly makes them feel. I feel your hair is your best accessory, it’s something you wear every day! So why not have it look its best! I just love what I do and get to talk to people all day and love the relationships I’ve built. I still have clients that have been with me since I started! I feel very blessed at how busy I am and that I go to work every day doing what I love!

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I don’t feel I’ve had to overcome a lot of obstacles because of my focus, determination, passion and dedication to my craft, which has kept evolving forward. I love what I do, I love going to work and am very passionate about it. I guess the only challenges I had was when I was assisting because you’re learning not only how to cut and formulate colors but also how to have consultation and understanding clients’ needs and multitask with keeping track off it all. It can be a lot to absorb but it pays off. I would say my advice to any new assistant is to pay attention and try not get overwhelmed.

We’d love to hear more about your business.
I am both a stylist and a colorist. I love doing both and think of it like a piece of art. I color & cut the hair according to how it is both going to complement each other…I specialize in all colors … blondes, reds & brunettes! I love doing all different types of color and highlights but I guess right now the sombre highlights are the most sought after color. It’s lived in look works well with all lived in textured cuts I also specialize in… I think what sets me apart from others is I really do listen to the client and come up with a look that makes them love their hair. I customize each client’s cut & color to suit their lifestyle and their commitment to maintenance. I’m always proud to see my assistants leave me and build their own clientele

What were you like growing up?
Growing up I was very talkative and had lots of friends. I got good grades in elementary school but there was always a comment on my report card that I talk too much! I love people and talking to them. Knowing their story… I have a love for the arts because as a kid my mother took me to theater and the ballet. As a kid I always loved fashion, art, music and acting. I was in drama in high school and have always been a fan of going to the movies. I love the buzz in the air in Los Angeles around awards season! It’s just exciting! Los Angeles has amazing art all around the city! It’s fun to explore. I love going out and socializing. I’m Italian so I love food and good restaurants! And wine! I also love to eat healthy and stay fit. I work out but running is one of my favorite things to do because I’m just listening to music and sorting things out in my head … its best therapy.

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