Today we’d like to introduce you to Taylor Portanova.
Taylor, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I started pursuing my Cosmetology studies the September after I graduated high school in 2013 at Toni&Guy in Braintree. After completing the state Board Exam, I went on to complete the apprenticeship program at G2O Spa and Salon on Newbury Street. While there, I was required to attend classes once a week and to complete 400+ models before I could become a Stylist on the floor. Working on Newbury Street was a fantastic experience and I loved being in the heart of Boston because I was able to fully take advantage of everything the city had to offer. However, two years ago I eventually decided I wanted to seek other opportunities that would allow me to be a little bit closer to my roots. I was incredibly fortunate because this led me to my find my forever home at Salon Capri. Salon Capri was the absolute epitome of what I could have wanted, because as you may already know, we have both a Newbury Street Location and a Dedham location. I am primarily located at the Dedham location, but I am still able to have the best of both worlds! While I don’t work at the Newbury Street location, we often visit to attend classes from outside educators, so that cosmopolitan city experience is never too far off!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Not many things worthwhile come easy, and this was certainly no exception. Even if you have a natural ease when it comes to hair, you still won’t be able to succeed unless that ease is met with the discipline to learn and master the complexities of the craft. For me personally, I would say that my biggest hurdle was in developing confidence in myself as a stylist, and unfortunately, that is just something that comes with time. I would like to think that I made a wise career move by starting right out the gate at 18 years old, but at such a young age, you can also get so easily get discouraged being surrounded by all these incredibly talented seasoned vets. With that being said, I would advise anyone coming into this industry to simply watch and listen as much as possible. When you’re given down time, take advantage of it and go watch another stylist working on their client. Even if they’re doing something you’ve done a million times, you’re bound to learn something because everyone in this industry has their own unique way of working. It’s the subtle things like that, that will truly make you a better stylist!
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Salon Capri – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I like to think of myself as a jack of all trades because I don’t specialize in one particular area. I color, cut, and style. However, most of my clientele tend to be women who are looking for a modern “lived in” style. This often includes a natural balayage or some micro-weave foils to give that softer root that has a much more natural grow out process. Even when it comes to styling for weddings and other formal events, most of my clients are looking for something beachy and effortless looking, so I would definitely say I’m proud of my ability to help them come as close as possible to that desired outcome.
I think what sets me apart from many people is my immediate start in the industry, and the experience of those extra years afforded me. Because I started at 18 years old, I was in a time of my life when I had no major restrictions or obligations, so I had the flexibility to go where the best opportunity was. As it turned out, that opportunity was with G2O on Newbury Street. This gave me the chance to truly learn from the most extraordinarily talented stylists for two years. While I was there, I spent a lot of time working with a wide range of stylists who were kind enough to let me constantly pick their brains about their specialties and gave me an inside look into their various niches within the industry. This, of course, helped me grow tremendously, and I was able to absorb everything I learned from my time around them and then channel all of that towards developing my own unique style that defines the work I do today.
Do you feel like there was something about the experiences you had growing up that played an outsized role in setting you up for success later in life?
Looking back on it, I know I was always interested in the beauty industry, growing up I was always taking so much time doing my own hair and styling friends and family whenever I had the chance because I loved being the one responsible for making someone else feel beautiful. However, to be completely honest I didn’t really consider going to cosmetology school an option until my mom suggested it to me, I was even a little opposed to it at first. I thought going to college was what I wanted to do because that’s what all my friends were doing at the time. The second my mom brought me on a tour of Toni&Guy Academy and I saw all of the students in the program working on clients and mannequins, I was beyond positive that I knew that was where I belonged. I know now for sure that I made the right decision. My mom has always been such a huge role model for me and thanks to all of her encouragement and support I get to go to work and do what I love every day!
Pricing:
- Balayage starts at $200 upon consultation
- Foil starts at $185 upon consultation
- Haircuts $65
- Styling starts at $85
Contact Info:
- Website: saloncapri.com
- Phone: (781) 320-0900
- Email: taylormportanova@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylorportanova/
Image Credit:
@TaylorPortanova, Courtney Elizabeth
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