Meet Trailblazer Julia Galbate

Today we’d like to introduce you to Julia Galbate.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Julia. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I never thought I would say this, but thank god for high school! I absolutely hated high school when I was in it. I never picked the right friend groups, I hated waking up early, I hated it all. Which is when I knew I was not cut out for regular college. I had always had a love for all things beauty so I looked into beauty school. I applied to Paul Mitchell the School of Denver in early 2016 and not only did I get in but I won a scholarship based off an essay I wrote. I excelled in school, I made amazing friends, won a competition to go to Florida for the biggest hair show, graduated with honors and left with a heart full of passion. I then jumped right into a salon job in Boulder, Colorado even though I was commuting all the way from Fort Collins, Colorado (my home town). I struggled fitting in there but tried forcing myself in anyways. But I am not someone who just sits and lets life pass by. Eventually I switched salons back in Fort Collins and then again in Windsor, Colorado. My parents were worried I was jumping salon after salon… and I was. I couldn’t find anywhere that felt like home. I couldn’t find my tribe of people. I needed love and support, I needed to be surrounded by high passion and education driven people. But you can’t have it all. After 2 years of salon hopping I decided to take matters into my own hands. In April of 2019 I opened my own salon suite at just 21 years old. I felt UNSTOPPABLE! I had passion flowing though me, I was the most creative I had ever been, I felt so confident and at home for the first time in years. Immediately my salon blew up. I went from maybe being booked a week out at my last salon to being booked 8-10 weeks solid. I had so many new loyal clients that trusted me and were so excited to meet me through Instagram. I really felt like I had did something different. I felt like everyone was seeing me for who I really am for once. Fast forward 10 months and I have the keys to a brand new salon expansion. The expansion has been in the works for the past 8 months and let me tell you, it’s been tough. I was a human rollercoaster, I would find one place thinking it was the one and it would always fall through. My close friends and family told me that it’s just not meant to be and that I will find the right salon. Then one day I see this adorable old train station and I was in love at first sight. It’s the original train station of Fort Collins, its quirky and right up my ally. I negotiated the lease for awhile till I got the best deal and now here I am. A proud 21 year old salon owner! I wanted to open a salon so I could create a place that feels like home. I want my clients to walk in with a sigh of relief as their stress washes over them. I want my staff to have giant smiles on their faces because they love what they do and they love where they do it. I want to have a tribe that’s like a true family. I’ve always had such a big heart and so much love to give, I’m so just happy I’ve found a place I can out my heart in! In the future I’m hoping to focus my time on education and hosting classes to help stylists from all over. Hoping that leads me to traveling the world to teach. But I will never give up doing hair so I still plan to have multiple salons in Colorado. My forever home!

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Oh god no, but I knew it wouldn’t be. There’s nothing easy about opening a business! I’ve felt huge defeat when I didn’t get the place of expansion that I wanted, I felt hopeless when I lost my first employee, like how could I ever be a good boss. I was worried because I’m so young no one would take me seriously. But then you jump all in and you see that yes it is scary but oh my is it rewarding. Nothing beats the pounding of my heart when someone asks about my salon. Nothing gives me a bigger smile then when my employees tell me how much they appreciate me and the things I’ve taught them. If I were to give any advice it would be to surround yourself with the most supporting people. Negative people only want to see you fail and you don’t need that kind of energy!

We’d love to learn more about your work. What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of as a brand, organization or service provider? What sets you apart from others?
I loveeee blondes! I love anything that challenges my brain and makes my day a little more creative. I’m really known for my low maintenance color though and my honesty. I specialize in a type of color placement that allows a seamless grow out to save my clients money and allow me to see more guests. I’m sometimes a little too honest but my clients know they can trust me when I’m recommending an amazing product chosen for their hair specifically or telling them they don’t need a trim because their last hair stylist convinced them they need to cut it every appointment just so they got more money. But I’d rather have a client say “oh my god my hair has never been healthier” or “my hair is finally growing” because I’m doing my job. I was taught at a lot of salons to up sell and tell every client they need a cut even when they don’t because we had to have the highest service bill. I saw how many clients had a horror story of going to a salon and getting 6 inches off when they asked for a small trim. I believe hair is a huge part of your confidence and I’d rather be the reason someone feels beautiful when they wake up rather than cry when they look in the mirror.

Which women have inspired you in your life?
I get very inspired by hair stylists or fellow salon owners because I feel like I can relate and compare myself a little more to them. One of my all-time favorites is @prettylittleombre on Instagram. I actually had the pleasure of meeting her and going to her hair class in Boulder awhile back. And she’s just as amazing in person. She works so hard, she’s relatable, she says it how it is, she’s not afraid to be herself. I strive to have that confidence one day!

Pricing:

• Babylights/Balayage Starting At $175
• Women’s Haircut $50
• All Over Color Starting At $135

Contact Info:

• Address: 608 S Mason St Fort Collins, CO 80524
• Website: www.locksandloadedsalon.com
• Phone: 970-658-0519
• Email: locksandloadedsalon@gmail.com
• Instagram: @locksandloadedsalon @juliastyles_co @shoplocksandloaded
• Facebook: @locksandloadedsalon
• Other: https://squareup.com/appointments/book/ZKD8GHPJ254KD

Image Credit:
Mandi Go Photography
@mandigophoto

Suggest a story: VoyageDenver is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.