Life and Work with Haley Watkins

Today we’d like to introduce you to Haley Watkins.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I was never really a person that enjoys going to school. The thought of college brought all these negative thoughts. I went to a high school where people were talking about being engineers, doctors, and pilots. Nothing seemed to have inspired me. Finishing high school in a panic, not knowing what I wanted to do when everyone else had there set plans. I sat down with my dad and we made a long list of places I could go, and all the generic classes I could take. I wasn’t enthusiastic about any of it. My boyfriend at the time was about to start his schooling at a hair school nearby. It wasn’t until he inspired me to start my career in the same industry. I was always into doing my hair, nails, etc. He really pushed me into it, and I was so amazed by everything he was accomplishing in the salon. I toured numerous hair schools and still felt lost. The last school I walked into was the Aveda Institute of Denver. Immediately, I fell in love. It felt like home. It felt like that’s where I was supposed to be.

Shortly after, I began my journey at AID. It was a long journey and for a second I had lost hope because I was young and adventurous, I just wanted to start doing hair right away but it just seemed so far away. My last relationship had ended and I met the one person that kept me on my track through school. She knew the potential I had and only wanted to see me grow. I don’t think I would be where I am today If I never met her. I finished school and followed my heart to Texas where I advanced my career working at a fast-paced Aveda salon in Austin. I lived paycheck to paycheck, working at the salon and working overnight shifts downtown for some extra cash. I was there for a short two years when I finally decided to move back to Denver. That’s where I found my true home at Zandi K salons. I have never felt more supported, more inspired, and more confident in my whole career. Today, I’m growing my career like I never thought I would. All because I never fully lost faith in myself. I pushed myself further than I could’ve imagined. I’m happy with everything in my life, all because I never gave up on myself. Zandi K has set up my future the way I only dreamed of. They push me to be my absolute best and only want what is best for me and my life.

Has it been a smooth road?
The road I traveled on was nowhere near “smooth.” My biggest struggles were getting back up after falling down, and boy did I fall down a lot. But every time I fell, I knew to lift myself and to keep my eye on the prize. My advice for every young woman is to listen to your gut and follow your heart. Always let your heart guide you, and your gut is right 99.9% of the time. DONT GIVE UP. Push yourself to be your best self. Think about the future you and make sure you take care of yourself in every way possible. Taking care of yourself first is never selfish.

Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I’m a hairstylist at Zandi K salon. There, I became an ambassador for Aveda hair and skin care products, I became a color educator and a fantasy hair color specialist. Mermaids are kind of my thing. The proudest moments in my career is making someone feel their absolute best. Turning the chair around and seeing a glowing smile is the ONLY thing I need, to know that I did my job. If every guest I have that day leaves happier than when they came in, I’m grateful.

What advice would you give to someone at the start of her career?
Don’t stop. Don’t quit. Don’t lose faith. Listen to the ones who know what’s best for you and only follow your heart. It takes two years (give or take) to feel comfortable in your career until you can get on your own two feet and feel stable. Get through that, and everything will fall into place. It’s not going to be easy, but stay strong and hold onto hope.

Contact Info:

• Address: Zandi K Salons
  14235 w Colfax Ave Lakewood, Co 80401
• Email: hairbyhalezz@gmail.com
• Instagram: Hairbyhalezz
• Other: Allhalezzthequeen

Image Credit:
@zandiksalons

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