Today we’d like to introduce you to Cindy Garcia.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Cindy. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I’ve been around the hair industry for all of my life. My mother is a hairdresser. She owned a salon in the Dominican Republic and once she came here with my older siblings she eventually opened a salon in Salem, MA that has been running for 24 years now. I’ve always loved the industry and couldn’t see myself doing anything else. I would always play with the mannequins as a kid. I went to college first, because I was convinced that it was the right thing to do even though I wanted to go straight to beauty school. College was a great experience, but even there I was always trying to cut guys hair on campus even for free. After graduating from Umass Lowell, I went straight to beauty school. It is now going to be 3 years since I’ve gotten my Cosmetology license. I love my job and I’m always practicing and taking classes to become a better stylist. I’m thankful to be in a career that I enjoy, which pushes me to be the best stylist I can be.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It hasn’t been the smoothest road, but I do feel lucky to be in my position and things can always be worse. A lot of people in my family doubted me. They didn’t think the industry was for me or that I was starting too late by going to beauty school at 23 and that I was better off doing something else. I, also, had a lot of student loan debts from going to Umass Lowell and beauty school would be another loan on top of that. I worked full time in restaurants while going to school full time. I knew what I wanted and went for it, and nothing was going to stop me. My advice to other women, younger or in that same position, would be to work hard towards what you want and don’t let anyone get in the way of that. Sometimes it may seem impossible or like it will take forever to achieve, but it will be so worth it.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about your business – what should we know?
I am a licensed cosmetologist. I work in a salon in Salem, MA doing hair and make-up. I love the industry but I never like just doing one thing (i.e. just blowdrying or only color). I love doing hair color, cuts, updos, and make-up. I’m proud and happy to be able to make others happy by making them feel beautiful or being able to give them a relaxing hour or two during their chaotic day. I feel what sets me apart is my main focus isn’t always money but making sure I do a job well done that both me and the client can be happy about.
Finding a mentor and building a network are often cited in studies as a major factor impacting one’s success. Do you have any advice or lessons to share regarding finding a mentor or networking in general?
Talk to as many people as you can and learn from everyone! Social media has been a huge networking platform that’s great to use. Even when you go out for dinner or out for a drink, have business cards with you, be sociable, and look the part. This has been working for me.
Contact Info:
- Address: Xiomara’s Salon
260 Washington Street
Salem, MA 01970 - Phone: 978-744-4523
- Email: cindyg_@outlook.com
- Instagram: @cindygbeauty
Image Credit:
Joy Wong (@joy.wong)
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