Conversations with the Inspiring Alex Dale

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alex Dale.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I began modeling in 2013 under the alias Estella Jane Pin-up; I love being in front of a camera just as much as being part of behind the scenes. My love for rockabilly style grew into a love for vintage fashion. I entered my first pin-up competition in 2013 and took home 2nd place with an authentic 1940’s bathing suit at the 1940’s ball in summer 2014. Thrilled by my experience, I continued to delve deep into the scene and began volunteering with Pinups 4 Charity; which I am now on the board of 5 years later.

The name Estella-Jane is my legal middle name; this inspired my handle on FB and IG Estella Jane Style. I started booking jobs as a traveling hair, and makeup artist for 1940s and 50’s era styled photo-shoots shortly after my first shoot in 2013. I had the dream of helping women feel just as beautiful and confident as I did when I stepped in front of a camera all “pinned up” for the first time. I fully started working for myself in 2015 after the birth of my son so I could have control over my schedule and learn to balance a career and motherhood. I am now working out of a single chair studio in Littleton, and continue to travel around Colorado doing what I love; hair and make-up for pin-up, boudoir, weddings, and life-styled photo-shoots. I feel so lucky to be able to live my dream of working with everyday people and being a small part of some of their most cherished moments!

I have worked very hard on my brand and as I continue to grow it changes and grows with me. I am so grateful for everyone I’ve met on my journey and my goals for the future are to continue to create and build connections with Denver’s creative scene and beyond.

Has it been a smooth road?
Has it been a smooth road? Heck no! Wanting to be the best mommy to my son and still bring home some bacon has been one of the hardest, yet rewarding parts of my life!

I’ve struggled for a while with my identity and have wanted to give up more times than I could tell you. Now that things have settled down and I’ve mostly adjusted to having this tiny human who depends on my every move I can say the hard work is paying off. The light at the end of the tunnel is truly shining bright, and I’m so proud of what I’ve accomplished this far. My advice to anyone who’s going through a rough patch is, never ever give up on yourself. We are resilient as humans and without a little turmoil every once in a while the good wouldn’t taste as sweet; Adversity breeds strength,

To all the young women out there still searching for yourself; you are always going to be growing and changing, there is no end game. If you think you’ve got somewhere and you’re done learning that is when the ball drops. Be true to yourself and remember that you are exactly where you are supposed to be at this very moment.

What else should we know about your work? What are you most focused on, what sets you apart from others?
Hairdressing is my true passion. I love that all the iconic looks from decades ago always come back around full circle. The clients that know me best always allow for me to add my own artistic interpretation into their personal look; whether it be a new haircut, hair color or style.

I am most proud of my guest retention and experience. I really just want people to leave my chair feeling better about themselves than when they walk in.

What sets me apart I believe, is I specialize in period-appropriate hair and make-up with an emphasis on the 1940s and 1950s. I love to teach proper sanitation in makeup and hair styling and how to apply make-up depending on age and personal style.

Looking back on your childhood, what experiences do you feel played an important role in shaping the person you grew up to be?
Looking back I think growing up with a single parent and a deaf sibling gave me a lot of alone time to reflect and discover who I really wanted to be as an person. My mom always did her best and was such a good role model of what a strong women looked like. Having her to look up to gave me the insight I needed to go after my goals and dreams with more intention.

Pricing:

• Haircuts range between $55-$65
• Makeup application range from $40-$75
• Balayage starts at $160

Contact Info:

• Address: As of April 7th 2019 I will be a suite owner at The Indie Studios in Littleton, CO
  you can find me here; 8100 W Crestline Ave. unit A5 Littleton, CO 80123 Suite 19
• Website: www.estellajanestyle.com
• Phone: 720-579-5746
• Email: Alex@estellajanestyle.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/estellajanestyle
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/estellajanestyle
• Other: www.instagram.com/justalexdale_

Image Credit:
Matthew Leland photo
Valuable Gem Photo
Katogenic Photography
Portrait shot (featured image): Woodville Dream Photography

Getting in touch: VoyageDenver is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.