Conversations with Salina Pena

Today we’d like to introduce you to Salina Pena.

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?
I have always been passionate about hair, creativity, and making people feel confident about themselves. I went to the Aveda Institute Denver. I had worked hard in each phase to be in high honors that lead me to Premier Talent. To be honest, I am not a well-known artist. In fact, the more I work on my craft the more I love getting to just hear others’ stories and, in the end, have them love themselves a little more.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road, as I wish were easy, was not. Obstacles definitely came in waves. I had hard moments that I wanted to give up. My daughters were the main reason I kept pushing. I wanted to become someone they could be proud of. Some areas of placements were not an ideal demographic clientele and or “politics” in some. Coming back from maternity leave I had to start from scratch. Rebuilding was and, still, tough. The main obstacle I battle with and still do is my self-doubt.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a hairstylist. I give a service that is catered to each guest’s specific needs. Hospitality is on the main focal point of the service wheel. The technical skill has to be on point and certainly your personality. I am known for my formal hair, cutting/styling/makeup applications, and creating a relationship with my guest. I am definitely proud of myself for not giving up, for stepping out of my comfort zone and challenging myself. My personal growth is what I am proud of. In my industry, it is super saturated so you need to set yourself apart from others. I feel I relate to each of my guests. They feel confident and comfortable around me enough to confide in me with their life stories. So I myself am different because I also take on the psychological part of being a hairstylist.

In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
This industry is always changing. I make sure to stay on top of trends and educate myself about every new technique. A big shift or change I can see, well it’s in myself with this industry, but to get my license in barbering. I want to become a barber and maybe just maybe open up a shop.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: hairbysalinap

Image Credits
Alisa Pena Darryl Hamm