Meet Michael Gallegos of Coiffure By MichaelJay in Englewood

Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Gallegos.

Michael, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I started my career at Aveda Institute Denver in 2011. Graduating valedictorian December of 2012, I became licensed in March 2013 and started at Bang Salon in June 2013. I did a year-long master’s program that they offered. Taking classes every week alternating between color and cutting, assisting stylists during the week. After completing the program July of 2014, I was hired as a full-time stylist.

In 2016, I became employed by Wella as a BE (Brand Educator) teaching new trends and informing salons about new products Wella came out with. May 2018, I opened Coiffure By MichaelJay.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
There are moments during this journey that I have felt defeated. Times I felt like I had no clue what I was doing, even years after being in the industry. Every aspect of my career is a new learning experience. Learning to enjoy the process and falling in love with it is what has gotten me through the tough days. Life is good and I make people feel their absolute best. It’s all about perspective.

Please tell us about Coiffure By MichaelJay.
I do all types of hair services: haircuts, color; balayage, balay-foil, blonde transformations, weddings, and editorial photo shoots. I’m known for transforming dark long hair to lived in blondes, for color. Styling I’m known for my structured, beautiful waves. I’m most proud of my continuous desire to learn from others and to perfect my craft. I believe that my ability to communicate to clients during their consultation is what sets me apart from others. A consultation is a huge part of service; to be able to understand and communicate goals and expectations is critical to achieving both realistic and desired results.

If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
If I had to start over, I would have started a lot sooner. I went to Aveda when I was 21, I had been debating back and forth since I graduated high school about cosmetology school. My only regret was not going sooner.

Pricing:

• Haircuts $75
• Blonding starts at $225
• Extensions without hair is $375 for a row install
• Brides $185 without travel

Contact Info:

• Address: 1610 East Girard Street
  Englewood, Colorado 80113 suite 207
• Phone: 7209890589
• Email: m.jay.gallegos@gmail.com
• Instagram: michaeljay_hair
• Facebook: Michael Jay hair

Image Credit:
Courtney Ross, Diamond Light Imaging

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.