How I Got Started Doing Hair

When I was 23 years old, I found myself divorced, raising a 4-year-old son, and trapped in a job that I absolutely hated. I spent years job-hopping through different positions in the medical field, hoping the next one would make me happy. Eventually, I reached a point where I couldn't take it anymore. I was miserable and knew I couldn't spend the rest of my life doing something that didn't fulfill me.

At that stage in my life, I was still learning who I was—my likes, dislikes, strengths, and passions. One thing I knew for certain was that the corporate world wasn't for me. I've always been a social person. As the oldest of my siblings, I spent much of my childhood doing my sisters' and mother's hair. My mom used to call me her "social butterfly" because I always had friends and loved being around people.

So, pursuing a career in cosmetology just made sense.

The challenge was that I was a single mother with a mortgage and a young child depending on me. I couldn't simply quit my job and go back to school without a plan. Determined to make it work, I found a position at St. Francis Hospital working PRN night shifts, mainly Thursday through Saturday nights. During the week, I enrolled at Columbus Technical College and began my journey toward becoming a Master Cosmetologist.

While I was in cosmetology school, I occasionally worked out of a friend's salon whenever I could find a client willing to trust a student with their hair. I'll never forget one of my very first clients. She was so happy with her results that I knew right then and there I had found my calling. Seeing her confidence and happiness filled my heart in a way no other job ever had.

For over a year and a half, I balanced night shifts at the hospital, cosmetology school during the day, and any hair appointments I could fit into my schedule.

When I graduated from cosmetology school, I knew I still wasn't ready to be completely on my own behind the chair. The truth is, cosmetology school teaches you how to pass your state boards. The real education happens inside the salon.

I accepted a position assisting a salon owner at one of Columbus, Georgia's most beautiful salons. Surrounded by some of the top cosmetologists in the city, I was able to watch, learn, assist, and absorb everything I could. I remember being terrified when I first started taking clients. I'd pace the back room, sweating and nervously waiting for my next appointment. My heart would race every time a client walked through the door.

One of my friends told me, "That's how you know you're going to be a great stylist—you care."

Even my first men's haircut had my hands shaking!

Looking back now, I realize I was probably overthinking everything, but those nerves came from genuinely wanting every client to have a great experience.

After assisting for a while, I eventually moved to Ulta Beauty, where I had the opportunity to grow my clientele and continue my education through classes taught by industry leaders such as Redken, Kenra, and other professional haircare companies. Those classes helped sharpen my technical skills, but the experience itself was what truly grew me as a stylist.

Shortly after I started, management changes left me with far less guidance than I expected. Suddenly, there was no one there to hold my hand. It forced me to trust myself, problem-solve, and grow. By the time I left Ulta, I had built a clientele of nearly 400 clients.

From there, I moved to what would become my salon home for the next seven years: Phyxx Salon. I had the privilege of working alongside my best friend and mentor, someone I credit with helping shape me into the stylist—and person—I am today.

Working alongside 14 to 16 talented women, many of whom had over 20 years of experience, provided invaluable knowledge and mentorship. Every day was an opportunity to learn something new.

Then COVID happened.

Like many hairstylists, I found myself facing uncertainty. Business slowed, financial assistance wasn't available to me, and I knew I needed a change. Around that time, I was offered an opportunity to move into a salon where I could have my own suite and access to more walk-in traffic. It wasn't an easy decision, but looking back, it was one of the best decisions I ever made.

I spent the next two years growing my business before realizing something important: I was helping build someone else's dream when it was time to build my own.

In 2023, I opened Revive Hair & Beauty.

It started as a small two-room salon suite—a space where I could create the environment, culture, and client experience I had always envisioned. I loved every minute of it.

Ironically, I never wanted to own a salon. I thought the responsibility would be too much. But as we grow, our goals, dreams, and perspectives change.

Today, nearly three years later, Revive Hair & Beauty has grown into a full-service salon with multiple cosmetology stations, a makeup studio, a nail studio, and room for future growth. More importantly, it has become a place where talented beauty professionals can thrive and where clients can feel welcomed, valued, and beautiful.

None of this journey has been easy, but every challenge has been worth it.

I am incredibly blessed and give all the glory to God for guiding me through every trial, setback, and success. I am thankful for my amazing team, my beautiful salon, and the wonderful clients who have supported me throughout the years and continue to bring Revive Hair & Beauty to life every day.

If you're reading this and chasing a dream of your own, don't give up.

Keep pushing. Stay focused. Keep learning. Success isn't built overnight, but if you stay committed and continue moving forward, you'll eventually look back and realize just how far you've come.

As you grow, your dreams will grow with you.

If you're just starting your journey in the beauty industry, don't be discouraged by where you are today. Every successful stylist started exactly where you are ... with nervous hands, lots of questions, and a desire to learn. Stay humble, invest in your education, be willing to learn from those who have come before you, and never stop improving your craft.

Most importantly, remember that people may forget the haircut or color, but they will never forget how you made them feel. Build relationships, genuinely care about your clients, and success will follow.

Trust the process, stay consistent, and don't give up. Your future clients are waiting for you.

— Randi Valdez

"Commit your works unto the Lord, and your thoughts shall be established." — Proverbs 16:3