Rising Stars: Meet Shelly Orton Diaz of Boulder

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shelly Orton Diaz.

Hi Shelly, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Ive always loved doing hair, my whole life I was doing friends and family’s hair. After messing up a lot of kitchen counters and floors doing hair I finally decided to go to beauty school! In 2020 I went to the Aveda institute in Denver to follow my dreams in the hair world. After graduating there I landed a job in a commission salon in Boulder. I was there for five years where I grew a lot as a stylist and built my dream clientele. I loved being at the salon, but I always had this sense of I didn’t really fit in there. So when I felt ready I took the leap at being my own boss by opening a salon suite in boulder. I am so happy I did that, being my own boss is unmatched. Now I get to do what I love everyday at my own pace and time.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Yes and no. There are a lot of challenges being in the beauty industry. A lot of patience involved with building yourself, being kind to yourself and believing in the bigger picture. It’s really hard finding a good spot to grow, a lot of it really comes down to your own drive. It’s really scary leaving a commission salon, you never know how they’re going to react. Finding the right space you can see yourself growing in is also really important but it’s a risk I would do all over again.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a blonde and color specialist! I love getting creative behind the chair and really giving people hair they’re proud of, hair that screams look at me. I’m known for all the fun colors I do and the seamless blondes. I can lighten any canvas while keeping the integrity of the hair intact. I love making people feel their best and beautiful without compromising their hair or their bank account! I’m really proud of the relationships I’ve built being behind the chair. My clients.. their so much more, I know so much about peoples lives and I feel so grateful they choose me to share their highs and lows with. I think what sets me apart from the others is how personable I am. I can relate and I can listen, who doesn’t love a little hair-apy?!

Who else deserves credit in your story?
My husband has been my biggest cheerleader and supporter. I couldn’t have done half of this without his support and help, From supporting me as a baby stylist to helping me build my new space I truly am grateful. Huge thank you to my friends who believed in me when I wasn’t sure this transition was a good idea. Also, all the people I’ve worked alongside of at my old salon. There was a lot of talent there and it really helped shape the stylist I am today. From helping me learn cuts to teaching me new techniques, I feel really grateful.

Pricing:

• Haircuts 90+
• Balayage 300+

Contact Info:

• Website: https://velvetmoonstudio.glossgenius.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shelldo_urhair/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565400713020
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@shelldo_urhair

Image Credits
Cassandra Peterson for the image I submitted of myself!