Hair Design Student Success Story: Lydia Altenberger
Our Everett campus recognized one of their Hair Design students in an all school assembly for successfully building her brand in this industry. Connecting with her clients in a way that had her fellow student body applauding her recognition as she accepted her award.
About Lydia Altenberger
Having a creative spark isn’t new to Ms. Lydia, so it was just a matter of time until she found her calling in the beauty industry. “I decided to come to Cosmetology school because I loved how creative the hair industry was. Growing up I was always experimenting with new hairstyles on myself and my friends. I knew hair was something I loved to do but I did not realize I could and would make it my career until I got older. Before I came to Evergreen, I was pursuing a degree in Graphic Design. As a creative person, I knew that whatever I did, it needed to push me creatively. As I got farther into my Graphic Design career I realized that it was not for me. It was missing one key factor, interaction with people. When I found the hair industry, I realized I could express my creativity, do what I love, and make others feel beautiful about themselves,” shared Lydia.
Once Lydia found the career path that would fill that missing void it was then time to search for the right school to get her started. We asked Lydia why EBC and her response, “I chose Evergreen because as soon as I walked in the doors, I felt welcomed and at home. I knew right away that this was the school I wanted to begin my training. Evergreen felt like a family and that was important to me when choosing where I wanted to go. I am so thankful for my amazing teachers and the friends I have made since stating school!”
The Evergreen Experience 
Since starting the Hair Design program with us Ms. Lydia has shared some of her highlights of what she has enjoyed, what has helped her so far and what sets her apart from other hair designers:
“Since starting school I have enjoy coloring the most, specifically balayage and foils. I love the challenge of creating a color specific to the client’s desire. When they walk away from my chair, I want them to leave feeling beautiful and excited about their new look that I have been able to create.”
“During my second month at Evergreen, we were assigned to make our own creative color wheel. The idea behind the project was for us to learn how the color wheel applies to formulating a color. To this day, this has been the most helpful assignment as I still refer back to it and how much it helped me visually understand color. This assignment helped me see how important it is as a stylist to refer to the color wheel when we are formulating for our clients.”
“Early on in my program, I realized that balayage and updo/styles were my specialty. Fortunately, I have had multiple opportunities to do updos and I have found that it is one of my strengths. There is something so gratifying about taking a clients vision for their hair and making it come to life. Another strength I have discovered during my time at Evergreen is balayage. The creative process involved in doing a balayage is very personal and specific to each stylist. This is a chance for me as a stylist to use my own ideas and skills to make a one of a kind color.”
“What I think what sets me apart from other stylists is my ability to make my clients feel reassured and comfortable. I always make sure I ask them questions about what they want for their hair throughout the service, so they know I have their best interest in mind. I want my clients to feel that while they are sitting in my chair, it is about what they desire and what will make them satisfied in the end. One thing I have also incorporated since I first started seeing clients, was to make a mental or physical note about something I wanted to remember about a client. Since I began doing this, I have noticed more people rebooking with me because I made this conscious effort to remember and ask them about something they told me before. On many occasions I have had a client thank me for remembering something they never thought I would recall. I feel this is what causes people to keep rebooking with me.”
The Next Step 
With her time wrapping up at Evergreen, we asked Lydia what her plans were after graduation and she shared, “After I leave my time here at Evergreen, I plan on finding a salon that fits well with my personality and interests as a stylist. I want to be in an environment that is fun, encourages teamwork, and allows me to be myself. My hope is that one day I will have the opportunity to open my own unique salon that will reflect who I am.”
“I would like to offer advice for new incoming students and that would be to not get discouraged because you feel inadequate. You are learning new skills that take time to learn and develop. Try not to compare yourself to your peers since everyone learns at a different pace. Know that over time you will start to build confidence in your skills and grow into the person you are meant to be,” offers Lydia just before our time came to a close. It’s always easy to get excited about starting in an area where you have passion but sometimes that transition isn’t always easy to obtain. Lydia’s statement rings a true encouragement to those that will encounter what we all go through at one point or another. Thanks Lydia!
Ms. Lydia Altenberger is set to graduate this coming October 2019, and what better way to support her other than to stop by our Everett campus! And if you are interested in continuing to follow Lydia throughout her Hair Design program you can check her out on Instagram: @lyds.locks . Congrats Lydia! Our Evergreen family can not wait to see where this career takes you and are proud of the beautiful work your getting to create. Stay in touch as you make your mark on this incredible industry!
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.
