Today we’d like to introduce you to Mia Gibbons.
Hi Mia, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Ever since I was little, I was always fascinated with the beauty industry. It started off as makeup, in 4th grade I begged my parents for a pink glittery makeup kit for Christmas that the clothing store “Justice” had. After that, I took off with the makeup. I just kept practicing and being creative with it, it was art to me. Halloween time came around and all I would do was an experiment with special effects (sfx) makeup!
My mom and dad were literally used to me coming downstairs for dinner in anything from pageant makeup to zombie makeup. Sixth grade hit and I made a Youtube channel where I would post tutorials, hauls, all of it. I did get a ton of criticism for it, I had kids playing my videos in school laughing, but I just kept going. In middle school, some girls started asking me for advice on how to do winged eyeliner, where others made fun of me because I would show up to school with hot pink lipstick on. But I just kept going. High school rolled around, I was getting asked to apply makeup for homecoming and prom, and that really became my gig! As I kept doing the makeup, obviously my extended family began wondering what my plan was post-high school. In everyone’s minds, it was a no-brainer that I do something in the cosmetic field. In my mind, I loved cosmetics so much that I was afraid to “make it a job” and lose my passion. So I honestly started looking at nursing as a career because I liked working with people and I then signed up for the school’s Certified Nursing Assistant program. The week that class was supposed to begin, I woke up and something just clicked in my mind enough where I ran downstairs immediately to tell my parents I was going to beauty school. And then came beauty school. All I will say is being in building packed with girls is extremely hard! But on the bright side, I soared. Coloring hair was the first thing in my life that was crystal clear to me, it just made sense.
To prepare for graduation, I began job searching. While most girls wanted to own a salon one day or work with runway models, I knew I wanted to not only create art- but to teach it. That decision ultimately made me decide to work at The Salon at Ulta Beauty. Choosing Ulta gave me a feeling I will never forget. It was the first time in my life where it did not matter who was in the room, I was accepted and appreciated for who I am under ANY circumstance. I was understood, and I was valued. Ulta became my home very quickly, and it confirmed for me that it is exactly where I want to be for the rest of my career. I have been a Stylist at Ulta for a year, but am now getting promoted to Master Stylist! I now spend my time working closely with new techniques and with my educator to follow in her footsteps to someday become an educator with Ulta Beauty. My absolute dream would be to not only continue to create for this company but to be able to teach others the artistry behind hair and makeup.
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?
It absolutely was a rocky road. From elementary to high school, I was bullied beyond belief. I expressed myself through art, it just happened to be on my face, and that’s not something kids could really understand. I figured going to beauty school would be a breath of fresh air, considering I would be absorbing knowledge of everything I loved, but oh was I wrong. There was competitiveness, jealousy, fitting in, it was honestly a nightmare. To be transparent, the level of toxicity that was shown to me from peers and teachers actually made me consider I chose the wrong industry. But I graduated, found Ulta, and am beyond happy I chose to stay.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Blonding is my jam! I specialize in blonding, but I really do exceed in all things color. I create all colors of the rainbow & do all haircuts below the chin. As far as what sets me apart from others is the experience my guests receive in my chair. I always say, “when your in my chair it SHOULD feel like we’re just two besties in the bathroom at 2am painting your hair with some crappy boxed wine”. And they feel it.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I think what I love most about Naperville is it gives prestigiousness while maintaining warmth. And what I mean by that is the typical Naperville client will walk and talk full-blown boujee, but get to know them, and they all have genuine hearts. What I enjoy least about Naperville is its fast-paced lifestyle. Many of my guests have a hard time allowing themselves to relax because of their work lives.
Pricing:
- Haircut (includes wash, cut, intensive moisture treatment, and full style) $67.
- All Over Color $87
- Root Touch Up $72
- Highlight (includes unlimited foils, a bond building treatment, toner, and full style) $172
- Makeup Application (includes any makeup look desired and lash application) $70
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ulta.com/bookonline/?siteid=5e66d291-1b12-dd11-a234-0050563fff01&fbclid=PAAaZToHeXYqfrXMAI8E_G0TdrFV4KZvqeSEA1A10X6OdFVS5q0eKKMKlzrbI
- Instagram: @masterhairbymia
