Today we’d like to introduce you to the strong and inspiring story of Regina Quintana.
Regina, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I had actually originally started going to college for sound engineering, but when I decided to have my baby I knew I’d have to make a career change. I had originally wanted to pursue cosmetology right out of high school at 18, but with no help from family supporting that career choice, I didn’t have the means to do it. It wasn’t until I was 22 that I was able to decide for myself to go after what was originally my dream.
Has it been a smooth road?
Definitely not. Did I mention I was pregnant in cosmetology school? I started right around when I think I was 2-3 months pregnant. There I was going to school 40 hours a week and waiting tables 3-4 nights a week to try and make a little money. I took 3 months off when I had my baby and went back to school straightaway. Then in the midst of wrapping up my education, I became a single mom. I had to move back home to regain my bearings since the life I thought I had laid out ahead of me was not going according to plan, let alone the fact that I couldn’t afford to stand on my own two feet.
After I got my license I jumped from salon to salon trying to find the right fit, but none of them could give me what I needed to grow as an artist are to provide as a new mother. I felt taken advantage of and frankly a little lost. I did eventually find a salon I could call home where although they had their own slew of issues they were dealing with internally, they gave me what I needed. PRACTICE. After a year of building up and nailing down my technique, I went on to open up Carte Blanche Hair Studio and since then I’ve never been more in love with my job
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and career?
I wish I could answer that haha! I think as far as luck goes, as cliche as it sounds, you make your own luck. I think as I’ve gotten older and became a mom, I feel like life is really all about calculated decisions both personal and professional. With all the ‘bad’ that has happened in my life, really the cause was not bad luck but making poor, inexperienced decisions where I did not follow my intuition. Or even doing what I wanted when I knew it was wrong but was the less boring option lol. Don’t do that, guys! You’ll end up paying for it later!
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Oh geez, definitely being humble. No one likes an arrogant person and it won’t make you any friends. You need friends in your industry! You need to look out for each other and LEARN from each other. That also means choosing your battles with your peers. You don’t always have to be right. Learn to be the bigger person, and don’t entertain every snide remark or weak criticism that holds no weight. People like to deflect their own insecurities so don’t take any of that crap personal either. Everyone is learning at their own pace, including yourself so ignore all the chatter, focus on your own personal success and that will take you so so far.
What do you love about our city and what do you dislike?
Really the people & the people.
Contact Info:
- Website: Reginaquintana.com
- Phone: 714-292-3594
- Email: regquintana@gmail.com
- Instagram: Reginadoes
- Facebook: Regina at Carte Blanche Hair Studio
