Today we’d like to introduce you to Gabrielle Hurt.
Hi Gabrielle, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started doing my own hair when I was around 14(about 10 years ago), cutting, coloring and braiding. I didn’t have anyone who really knew how to do my hair growing up and so when I was able I really wanted to take care of my hair. It was definitely hard at first starting from basically no knowledge about my hair but I didn’t a-lot of trial and error and finally found a routine that worked for me. I thought my hair journey ended there but when I graduated high school during covid-19 quarantine (2021) I had absolutely no idea what I wanted to do to further my education so I took a gap year and just worked at my restaurant job that I started when I was 15. One day I was speaking to one of my regular customers about college and school and all that kind of stuff and she brought up that I am always doing something different with my hair and I also do my own nails so she asked about Cosmetology. I honestly had never even considered it as a option because hair had always seemed more of a hobby than a career but I thought about it and did some research and found a school only 15 minutes from me so I took it as a sign that it was meant to be. I started Cosmetology school in August of 2022 at Paul Mitchell and graduated and got my license in June of 2023. It was not easy going to school full time and also working but it was so worth it. I love doing all kinds of hair from braiding to alternative cuts and colors but I knew I wanted to really focus on curly hair and curly cutting because growing up I didn’t have anyone to give me any advice so I wanted to be that person for anyone who sits in my chair. I worked with a mentor for the first 10 months I was out of school and she was the best. My mentor Sam is amazing at everything she does and she was also a great teacher (she still is of course) I learned so much that I was not able to while I was in school because they don’t t teach a-lot about curly hair in cosmetology school. Now I am 2 years behind the chair on my own and looking back I’ve come so far and hair has truly become my passion, I love making my clients feel good about themselves and also educating them on how and why they need to take care of their hair.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Yes and no, the first struggle was figuring out how to pay for cosmetology school because it is definitely not cheap. Once I figured that out it was juggling going to school from 9-5 Tuesday through Saturday and also working to pay for school but I just kept telling myself it will all work out if its meant to be and it did!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I would say I specialize in textured/curly cutting and styling with a focus on hair health. I also do a lot of fashion color work and creative color placement. I am most proud of how diverse my clientele is I can do anything from blonding to lived in colors to the super creative colors and ideas because I listen to my clients. I really try to understand what exactly they are asking for and try to execute it to the best of my ability, but I also will not do anything if I don’t think it would work for their hair or lifestyle. I am extremely honest behind the chair and I think thats why my clientele keeps coming back to me!
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I found a salon that I thought fit with my personality, if you are struggling to find one that you think you will fit at book an appointment for a haircut or a treatment and see how all the stylists and staff interact. I would say I got lucky because the first salon I tried is where I found my mentor but thats not always the case. It is okay if the first few don’t fit but truly just keep looking. There are so many great stylists out there that there is someone for you! Networking wise whenever I post a photo of work Ive done I always tag popular hair brands and that has helped me a lot.
Pricing:
- Haircuts ~$70
- Curly Cuts ~$120
- Blonding ~$150
- Fashion Color ~$250-$500
Contact Info:
- Website: https://alfajaesalon.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glitzbygabs?igsh=aWpwOWJzdTl2amZr&utm_source=qr
