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Life and Work with Heather Taft

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Heather Taft.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Heather. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Hello there! I am from Tampa Bay, Florida. I have been in the beauty industry since 2008, I attended Sunstate Academy in Clearwater. I currently work at Luxe De Vil Salon, a cutting edge location in Denver.

My original passion is photography actually. I had my heart set on it for a long time in my younger years. I took all the classes I could in high school. I loved capturing moments in time. Developing them in the black room and watching them come to life was so neat to me. Had a college picked out. I walked around with a camera all growing up and made many scrapbooks with the photos and clippings from magazines. I have a fond love for Mother Earth too. Her beauty has always captivated me. I have seen myself being a traveling scenic photographer.

About a year and a half after I graduated high school, I began to look into that college to take photography courses. Unfortunately, it did not work out in my favor after all and I had to seek another career option. Sad as I was, I began reaching out to my friends and family on what to do instead. Numerous people suggested I do hair or makeup. I was always savvy at it growing up. I just did it for fun, I didn’t think of making it a career option. So, I decided to go to beauty school for makeup until I could figure out the whole photography deal. So, I signed up and little did I know, that the Cosmetology program was indeed mainly hairdressing. The makeup part of the program was only a single chapter. One week of training. I was pretty bummed about it. Over time, I began to really enjoy hairdressing and have been doing it for over a decade now.

I started my career in 2009, working at Regis, a corporation I’m sure many of you have heard about.
In conjunction, I worked a few years at professional retail stores that catered to licensed professionals in the area, I learned so much and got to meet some really cool and talented people. I remember I would style my long-haired mannequin on my free time at the salon daydreaming of maybe one-day doing hair for runway and brides. I moved to Charleston, South Carolina in 2014 to see what else was out there and a change in life. While there, I began working in a private salon. The opportunities seemed more favorable than the corporate salons I used to. I wanted more freedom and an atmosphere that wasn’t so cookie cutter. I felt like I could focus on myself and my clients in a more exclusive way. I resided in Charleston for three years and in April of 2017, I moved back to Clearwater to be with my family for one more year before I move across the country to Colorado to peruse my dreams.

The last salon I worked at in Florida, I met a man named Bill. He was so inspirational to me because he was well put together, had been in the industry for decades, did precision haircuts and his clients would always leave with stunning runway hair. Bill found out years ago that he was highly allergic to hair color. Despite his obstacle, he wanted to continue doing hair. So, he specializes in haircuts and styling. His styles are in many magazines and has a background in film as well which was so intriguing. I loved to hear his stories and browse through his portfolio of all the models he’s styled in numerous magazines. I thought it must be so much fun on that side of the industry.

Ive been here in Denver, Colorado since April of 2018. Not long after the big move, I began reaching out in the fashion industry and was welcomed with open arms. I was amazed at how many talented artists are here and jumped right into the scene and began doing hair for photo shoots and connecting with people. I also got into bridal hair. I love traveling to on-site weddings and being a part of someones most wonderful day. Every wedding is so special and is an extraordinary experience.

I am excited to be in the presence of the future and looking forward to the next few chapters of my life and seeing where it takes me. Life is an adventure and I’m along for the ride sitting in the front seat with my hands in the hair, I mean air.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
A smooth road along the way would certainly be an understatement. When you are passionate about something, struggle is necessary to get where you want to be. If it were easy, we would all get what we want. It wouldn’t feel as rewarding. I have been hairdressing for a decade now. Wow, to say that is almost surreal. I am always learning something new and making connections with people along the way. I think it’s imperative in growing into your best self.

Throughout life, we will always come across something that seems too great to overcome. How do we get through these obstacles? I’d have to say the simple words, this too shall pass. All we can do is give it our best genuine shot and as long as we do that, how can one be unsatisfied with themselves? If it goes in your favor, it’s an amazing feeling of accomplishment and your so proud; if it does not work out… guess what, this too shall pass. Something else is waiting for you in your path. You have to trust your journey, even if it doesn’t make sense at the moment.

Please tell us about Luxe De Vil Salon.
I offer numerous services such as balayage, root blur, haircutting, razor cutting, men’s cuts, keratin treatments, facial waxing, hair color as well as vivids, bridal; fashion styling and more!

I started working for myself, renting a chair for the first time shortly after moving across the country. It was the biggest step I’ve made in my career. I was terrified. But I took a leap of faith. The first salon I started renting at was a complete failure. I worked a second job to compensate for the needed funds to live in a bustling and pricey city. I worked six days a week for several months. I barely had time to enjoy my new found life. A couple of weeks before Christmas last year, I started at Luxe De Vil Salon. I’ve never felt so connected to a salon the way I do here, So needless to say, I will not be going anywhere anytime soon.

I actually just got published in my first magazine! It’s called IMirage. I’m so excited and proud of myself. I’ve worked so hard! My new goal in life is to style Lady Gaga’s hair. I plan to stay here in Denver for a few years, build connections and create an impressive portfolio. In the meantime, I will create an elaborate hairstyle and I will save it in my creative mind until I move out to California where one day I will get the opportunity to style Lady Gaga’s hair.

What advice would you give to someone at the start of her career?
Stay focused. It will get harder before it gets easier. However, I assure you it will get easier in time and your skills will amplify to as high as you desire. Education and experience is key. Do the best you can and take the time to notice your accomplishments along the way. Reflect back to them when you’re feeling uninspired and remember how far you’ve come. Follow inspiring people on social media like Instagram. Keep pushing yourself to try new things and step out of your comfort zone. That’s when she real magic happens.

Pricing:

  • Balayage/ombre $150+
  • Shampoo, haircut and style $50
  • All over color $75+

Contact Info:

Image Credit:
Erica Lindsey, Daryan Eliese, Aaryn McPhetres, IMirage Magazine, Amanda Potter, Malwine Studios, Cassandra Clauson, Courtney Diamond, Vannah Elizabeth, Gordon McAllister, Kensey Niziol

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