Why Balayage?
Balayage found me in 2012. I was 11 years into my career at the chair. I was working, at the time in a commission based salon. We would have mandatory education once a year. I was never a good student throughout my school years, but when it comes to the beauty industry, specifically hair, I am a big nerd. So I really enjoyed the education.
At that time, I was a single mom, trying to balance everything that life throws at you. I was working a lot of hours, but only bringing in $25K a year (The average Hairstylist salary). I felt like I needed to figure out a way to bring in more income. I started to look into other career paths, one being a Quicken Loans officer. Which is hilarious because I hate numbers. When that didn’t look promising, I was back to feeling uninspired, in a mountain of debt and at a loss of where to go.
Then a note from our boss came out that we were bringing in-house education specializing in Balayage and French Haircutting. To be honest, at the time, it really just felt like another bill I had to figure out how to pay and child care for my son. Fortunately, I was able to deduct a set amount each pay check to cover the cost.
When class time came around, I remember that day one of class pretty well. We were all seated at round tables, mine being in the front row. Candy Shaw started with her introduction. About 2 minutes in, I knew she was different than any other educator I had taken a class with, and she wasn’t messin’ around. She definitely made an impression. She was speaking to a room of about 30 skeptical stylists, but I was all ears and felt like she was speaking to just me. Her words were direct, yet powerful. She spoke about how we have the best job in the world! The more she spoke the more she made me believe in this industry, and in myself. She went on to work her magic showing us balayage and french haircutting techniques on live models, who happened to be fellow coworkers. Everything about the way she spoke, to how she presented herself, to these transformations on the models she had that day was just so eye opening and inspiring. At that moment I knew I was right where I needed to be.
After that two day hands-on training, I was hooked. I jumped right into painting every guest I could. (Which I might not recommend. At least try it on a family member first.)Thankfully, I didn’t have any complaints, but I will say, to this day I still have a guest that only wants me to foil her hair.
From then on, I invested in whatever education Candy Shaw was offering. Thankfully over the next few years she came back to the salon for more hands on training. Sunlights Pro was born in 2014, from then on I would visit The Jamison Shaw Academy in Atlanta Georgia. Taking more classes in Balayage and French Haircutting. I worked my way from being an average $25K stylist to six figure stylist, by elevating my skills through the Americanized easy to understand curriculum Candy Shaw created.
In 2016, I heard Sunlights Pro was looking for stylists to join their artisan team. I knew I was the perfect fit. I submitted a very poor, nerve filled video and hoped for the best. A few weeks went by, and the video email came through “This Isn’t no, this is just not right now”. Obviously I was disappointed, but now I was even more determined to be someone that would one day be accepted. So I continued on my journey helping coworkers with their balayage, following the balayage revolution through trade shows, and continuing to invest in my education with Candy Shaw. I continued on my journey as an in-salon educator teaching coworkers and new stylists Balayage and French Haircutting. I followed the Balayage revolution with SunlightsPro through trade shows and continued to invest in education in Paris, France and Atlanta, Georgia.
In 2019, an announcement was made that Sunlights Pro was looking for another group of artisan team members for 2020. A bit nervous to put myself out there to possibly be turned down again was scary, but I went for it. A few weeks later I received my ”Balay Box” with my acceptance letter. I was so excited! It was like a little box of ”encouragement” saying “You’re good enough” . Next up, Myself, along with the other stylists accepted was a trip to Atlanta to the Sunlights headquarters for a weekend named ”Train The Trainer” Jam packed with education, networking, and a ton of fun! Due to all the uncertainty of 2020 Train The Trainer had to be rescheduled three times. I am so grateful Candy did not give up on us. The new date was set for September 2021.
After a long wait, Train The Trainer finally happened. I always heard and anticipated how awesome that weekend was going to be, but I can now say it was truly a pivotal point personally and professionally. I am so excited to be apart of such an amazing company, that allows me to teach other stylists what Sunlights Pro can do for them and their careers.
So, to answer the question, why Balayage? For me, it’s more than just another Balayage lightener. It has changed my career, and I want that change for every one of my students.