Cosmetology Student Success Story: Denise Chavez

 

About Denise Chavez

Support and encouragement led Ms. Denise Chavez, one of our North Seattle students back into school to follow the passion she has in hair, which is a completely different path than what she’s doing now. “Currently, I’m actually a medical assistant and have been for 15 years. Life took a lot of twists and turns which took me away from starting Cosmetology school sooner. With the love and support of my husband and best friend I finally got the courage to get out of my comfort zone and pursue my passion professionally,” shares Denise. Life can get away from us, and being around people that can motivate us back to the direction that brings joy is a must in any one’s life. Denise adds, “I grew up braiding neighborhood kids’ hair and fell in love with the creativity and freedom I had with my designs. As I got older people tended to trust my skills and advise when it came to anything hair. Not only was I able to make them happy with my work,  I felt a sense of pride and fell in love with that feeling. ”

Making up the decision to get back into school can be tough, but once you have made up your mind, the next step if finding the right school. Ms. Denise shares why she chose Evergreen Beauty College to get started towards her new goals, “My first appointment I had, I heard the story of how the school came about. The inspiration of “Mama Thi” coming to this country as a refugee and working her way up to where she is today gave me a good feeling about the school. I was lucky enough to have met her that same day in person, she was genuinely kind and excited for me to start school. I knew I was in the right place and didn’t need to look any further. ”

The Evergreen Experience

Since starting the Cosmetology program with us Ms. Denisse has shared some of her highlights of what she has enjoyed, what has helped her so far, and what sets her apart from other cosmetologist:

“So far I really have enjoyed learning and doing haircuts and color in school. I love the way a simple cut or transformation in color can change a person’s whole appearance and attitude. Getting out of the chair with a little pep in their step because they look and feel better about themselves. As for an assignment, I can’t pinpoint just one thing, but what I can share is that I’ve found most helpful to my learning are demonstrations from the instructors that turn into us doing it hands-on.”

“Haircuts and styling I’d consider to be one of my strengths in school. With a little guidance from my instructors, I’m confident in almost any cut. But styling has just come extremely natural to me.”

“My flexibility and calm demeanor set me apart from some stylist. I’ve been told by current clients and fellow Cosmetology students that nothing seems to get to me. I just go with the flow and get it done. I feel like I offer a stress free, relaxing service for all those that sit in my chair. ”

The Next Step

As for after graduation you may wonder, well, Ms. Denise has some short and long term goals for the future. “My ultimate dream would be to own my own salon but before I get there, I want to make sure I’m well rounded in my work, finances, and management abilities. So, I want to start off in a salon that can help me grow as a cosmetologist. Eventually move onto running my own one-person studio which will hopefully get me to a place where I can own my own salon,” shared Denise. Taking an approach where she’s accounting for the different factors that determine long term success is a well thought out plan.

“As for students that find themselves where I once was, I offer them some advice if they make that jump into following their passion like I had done. Practice as much as possible, be confident and believe in yourself. You will reach goals you thought were unachievable. If you don’t believe in yourself then who will? ” added Ms. Denise. Wise words of encouragement that is applicable no matter what program your in. Follow that passion, and your dreams. Denise shares a quote that rings so true to anyone moving into an area where you may have some hesitation, “Practice doesn’t make perfect, practice makes confident. So, let’s shift our focus from the idea of practicing in order to reach perfection to practicing in order to improve our confidence.”  -unknown

Ms. Denise is set to graduate this upcoming September. And if you are interested in following Denise throughout the rest of her program, you can check her out on Instagram: @hair_by_nesie. Congratulations Ms. Denise! Evergreen looks forward to seeing your dreams come to fruition. Keep that drive, and show this industry what hard work can do.

If you are interested in pursuing a career in the beauty industry take the Beauty Biz Readiness Quiz, you can also check out our programs or contact us at one of our six locations: Bellingham, Mount Vernon, Everett, North Seattle, Renton, and Yakima.