Today we’d like to introduce you to Cheressa Digregorio.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’ve always been very artistic and loved all different types of media. I knew from an early age that I was meant to be an artist.
As most family businesses, I was working in my grandmother’s salon as soon I could hold a broom. As I grew up and continued to watch her work, I noticed something, everyone who left her chair was smiling. As my grandmother taught me more and more about this trade, I began to realize. This was my calling, I could help people and make them feel beautiful while still being an artist. After that, I made my plan, I practiced day and night, trial and errorr, really understand all aspects of cosmetology. Once it was time for ‘highschool, I enrolled at Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocational High School in their cosmetology program. I will say to this day, that was the best decision I ever made in my life. Not only because the program is so inexpensive compared to other schools, but I was in a class room studying and practicing for over 3 years and not just 1000 hours. Once I graduated and got my license, I started like every hairstylist did, doing cut and colors on friends/family. After 2 years I felt like something was missing or I needed to explore more in the cosmetology field. That’s when I started freelancing. I was finally able to really get creative with hair and makeup because let’s be honest, no one is going to come into the salon and ask me to make them into an ice queen.
Once I started working with designers, I started booking fashion shows. Thanks to this freelancing, I have been featured in multiple fashion weeks here and overseas. That’s when I found my 2nd passion traveling. That right there just confirmed to me that I’m in the right field doing what I loved. In 2013, I was hired by a company called Bestyled as a makeup artist and stylist. This company was a new blowdry bar on the northshore in the brand new marketstreet plaza. I thought this was a chance to really get my name out there. Sadly, like most new companies, it wasn’t surviving. I was so sad because I knew the actual potential of this concept in the northshore area. That’s when I was saved by Saverio Fulciniti and Gina Capano, the owners of Mane and Mani or also known by the name Luxebar. Not only did they make me part of the team but they gave me every tool possible to be successful in a style bar. Yes, I said style bar. We do blowouts, special occasion styling, makeup, full body waxing and natural nail services. No cuts or chemical processing. Mane and Mani is the first style bar ever. Also long as I been at the style bar, I’ve seen myself grow every day. So, as you can see I live, eat, sleep cosmetology. Whether I’m doing cuts, color or extensions at my grandmother’s salon, blowouts and makeup at Mane and Mani, or freelancing, I’m doing what I love most.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No journey is a smooth road. Of course, I’ve had my doubts along the way but thats when the passion kicks in. I think one of my major struggles was being an alternative hairstylist. When I was first starting out, colored hair, piercings, and tattoos wasn’t in at all but it was who I was. I worked in numerous salons where I was judged by my bosses, clients, and co-workers. I even had one boss pay her client to walk up to me, hand me a twenty dollar bill and then tell me to go get my hair fix. I’ve also had a boss who told me to color my hair brown from pink or I would lose my job. While this was going on, I was so confused why. I was working in a creative trade, why couldnt I use my own creativity on myself.
My advice to anyone who wants to get involved in this trade or is just starting out, make sure you have the passion and drive. You really need to love what you doing in order to succeed in this business.
Please tell us about Funsized Cheressa.
So, out of the three areas that I practice in my trade, I’m known as a specialty in each one.
My first job is my grandmother’s salon. That is where all do all my full-service work (cuts, colors extensions etc.). What people really know me for in the full-service world is my skill in fantasy colored hair.
My second job would be my freelancing. Most people come to me when they’re organizing a shoot or show and the concept is really out of this world. They know I will make sure I fully understand their vision and do whatever it takes to deliver.
My third job is as a session stylist at Mane and Mani. I offer hairstyling and makeup services, but what I’m known for the most are my natural beach waves that are done with a flat iron. It’s a style you can dress up or down plus it last for days.
What I’m most proud of is how far I’ve come in such little time. The amount of growth I’ve seen just in the past few years amazes me. I even surprise myself with my own skill sometimes. Also the fact that I’ve already been featured overseas. I thought I would never get over there to travel let alone being a part of a fashion show
I think what sets me apart from most stylist is my approach or view on how I practice my craft. I knew at an early age I viewed things completely different than everyone else. Because of this I was always the outcast and march to the beat of my own drum. That came really handy because it taught me how to stand up for myself when other people tried to knock me down. I really noticed it when I was in cosmetology school. As the teacher was showing the technical approach to doing a cut, color, etc., I was looking at my client like a blank canvas. I would pretend like I was painting. That really helps me in the long run because when clients came in with a picture I would know how to replicate that exact photo and be able to produce what the client wanted.
Who have you been inspired by?
Well not to sound like everyone else but Lady Gaga is a huge part of my life. It’s not because of her crazy outfits/hair/makeup. It’s more of who she is as a person. She worked her butt off and kept her vision. She didn’t let anyone take charge or influence her so she could “make it”. She also created a safe haven for people who never be, longed or were considered “different”. she made people finally feel comfortable about themselves and I feel like that’s part of my job too. I want to show people how beautiful they really are. Even when I was having some troubles myself, I went to her show in Montreal and thank god I did. When her show was coming to a close she said something that I will keep with me for the rest of my life and literally help me power through my troubles. “If you’re going to get lost in your head, make sure to take someone in there with you.”
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.maneandmani.com
- Phone: 781-666-1300
- Email: cheressad217@gmail.com
- Instagram: Www.Www.instagram.com/funsized_cheressa
Image Credit:
Photographers: Tracy king of Unique photography, Michael Leech, Dan Minicucci, Designers: Ashley Rose Couture, Evies closet
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