Meet Paola Brooker of Santa Clarita

Today we’d like to introduce you to Paola Brooker.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My name is Paola Brooker, and I actually began my journey in hair while I was still in high school. I would attend school during the day and then head to beauty school afterward, graduating from both at the same time. At just 17 years old, I started working at the salon I’m still with today, and 15 years later, it has continued to be home for me professionally and creatively. From the very beginning, I was incredibly driven to learn and grow so in the early years of my career, I traveled to places like London, New York, Miami, and throughout Los Angeles for advanced education and training. Those experiences really shaped me as an artist and helped expand my perspective on the industry. A few years into working behind the chair, I made the decision to move to Cambodia for a year, where I taught cutting and color techniques to women in difficult situations so they could build careers and create new opportunities for themselves. That experience deeply impacted me and changed the way I viewed my work and purpose within this industry. After returning to California, I continued behind the chair, but my experience in Cambodia stayed with me. More recently, it inspired me to organize a give-back event in partnership with the nonprofit Single Mothers Outreach, where local stylists donated free haircuts to single mothers. I truly feel that the next chapter of my career is centered around finding meaningful ways to use my craft to give back and serve others.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been the smoothest road. When I was 17 and balancing both high school and beauty school at the same time, my mom became very sick and was hospitalized for several months before eventually passing away. It was very difficult season of life, but I was determined to keep going and finish what I had started despite everything happening around me. Looking back, I think hair became a creative outlet for me during that time. Something that gave me purpose, connection, and a way to channel my energy into something positive.
More recently, my biggest challenge has been learning how to balance motherhood and career. I now have two baby girls, and navigating work-life balance has been a whole new journey. At the same time, one of the things I’m most grateful for in this industry is the flexibility it provides. Being able to create my own schedule allows me to continue pursuing the career I love while also being present for my daughters and spending meaningful time with them.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in lived-in color and haircuts that feel effortless and easy to maintain. What I love most about this industry is the ability to connect with people while helping them feel more confident. Hair is so personal, and I don’t take lightly the trust my clients place in me. I truly love the artistry behind transformation, but even more than that, I love the relationships and community that come with this work. What I’m most proud of is the volunteer work I’ve been able to do throughout my career and the opportunities I’ve had to use my craft to give back. From teaching women in Cambodia, to organizing community events, those experiences have been the most meaningful part of my journey. There’s something incredibly powerful about using creativity and service together to help people feel seen, cared for, and supported. As far as what sets me apart, I honestly believe so many people have the ability to make an impact when they lead with passion and heart. For me, I simply try to approach both my work and my relationships with authenticity, compassion, and a genuine love for what I do.

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I’ve realized I’m honestly not much of a city person. I’ve always preferred living in the suburbs, where life feels a little slower. The traffic, crowds, and even something as simple as trying to find parking in the city can feel overwhelming to me at times. What I love most is being close enough to nature to escape when I need to recharge. If I could, I’d spend most of my time up in the mountains hiking and being outdoors. There’s something about nature that brings me peace and helps me reconnect with myself. Since I can’t do that every day, living in the suburbs feels like the perfect balance for me. Close enough to everything I need, while still allowing space to slow down and enjoy a calmer lifestyle

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @hairbypaola

Image Credits
Monica Echeverri