Cosmetology Student Success Story: Julia Murphy

We are excited to share the success of one of our North Seattle campus’ future professionals, Ms. Julia Murphy. Julia was awarded this past month for building her connection and the successful habits it takes to blossom in this industry.

About Julia Murphy

Starting out young, and knowing what career she wants in life was something Julia knew all about. “When I was in high school, I worked as a salon attendant at Au Courant Salon and the DEN on Mercer Island. While working as a salon attendant, I helped maintain the cleanliness of the salon and got to see the behind the scenes of what it would look like to be a stylist behind the chair. On Saturdays while working as a salon attendant, I was given the opportunity to shadow some of the stylists in the salon, and assist them in folding foils and formulating color. On the days that I got to shadow the stylists, I realized how much I loved hair and the art around it. I’ve always been a creative/artistic person growing up. I grew up in a family of seven, and being one of the youngest in the family never stopped that creativeness I wanted to express. Originally I applied for beauty school when I was 16 years old, eager to start my career in the hair industry. While applying for beauty school, they told me I had to be at least 17 years old, so I continued working at Au Courant Salon and attended Bellevue College for a year. A month after turning 17, I started my first day at beauty college. A year later, I have only 5 weeks of school left until I complete that dream as a 18 years old graduate!” expressed Julia.

“I began my schooling at Toni&Guy and transitioned over to EBC in January. Attending Evergreen Beauty College has been a great experience for me. The transition from Toni&Guy to EBC could not have been smoother, and I am perfectly content of where the school currently is,” responded when we asked why she chose Evergreen to start her career.

The Evergreen Experience

Since starting the Cosmetology program with us Ms. Julia 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:

“One thing I love about my program is that I get to wake up everyday excited to come to school. Even with commuting each day from Mercer Island. I enjoy doing all categories of hairdressing, but my favorite thing to do is either cutting or styling hair. I love being able to create a haircut and style it in a way that brings out the best features of the client and the haircut.”

“As for an assignment that has been helpful to me at school is our Bingo sheet. The Bingo sheet is a chart of different techniques and hair styles that we have to complete and show our instructors to get each box signed off. The bingo sheet has helped keep me productive, and always practicing different techniques which broadens my skill set.”

“As for an area of strength I have here in school, I would say it would be roller sets. I have gained a clientele of weekly regulars who come in to get their hair in rollers. I’ve always had a love for curly hair, and began practicing roller sets and perms in my free time at home as well as in school. My weekly roller set clients earned me the nickname “Roller-Set Queen”, given to me by my peers. Roller sets became something that I would do as a stress relief. Whenever my mind got cloudy, I’d take out some rollers and get my groove on. Now I could do them with my eyes closed!”

“I think what sets me apart from other stylists is my ability to keep a positive attitude, and to make my client feel his or her best. I have a fun personality and funky style that makes me stand out as a person, as well as my ability to style hair individually to go with a clients face shape and style. With anything I do, I’m consistent in giving my clients my undivided attention and positive attitude. I am frequently asking how they are doing and if I can get them anything to make them feel more comfortable. I am a great listener, and care about all of my clients well being and happiness. If a client is unsatisfied with my service, I go out of my way to ask them ways that I can better my services, and if there is anything more I can do for them before they leave my chair.”

The Next Step

With school nearly completed Julia shares insight on what her plans following will be, “I have recently committed to Au Courant Salon located on Mercer Island, and will begin my position as a hair stylist/colorist starting in the fall. I am very excited and eager to start working with the team at Au Courant,” responds Julia.

“So as I wrap up my time here with Evergreen I would like to offer my advice for new coming students and that would be to miss as little school as possible, turn all assignments in on time, and to use your free time on campus wisely by practicing on your mannequins. Always feel free to ask your instructors for help as needed,” Julia offers.

Ms. Julia Murphy graduates this month, September 2020. And if you are interested in continuing to follow Julia throughout the remaining time of her program and her cosmetology career, you can check her out on IG: @everythingglam247 . Congratulations Julia! We can no wait to see where you go in this beautiful career. Keep in touch, and good luck!

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 five locations: Mount Vernon, Everett, North Seattle, Renton, and Yakima.