Today we’d like to introduce you to Colleen A Doherty.
Colleen, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My dream to become a hairstylist started when I was 12. While out on my paper route which most kids in my neighborhood had back then. One delivery was to a hair salon named Colleen’s. I remember walking in and seeing all the stylist on a Saturday morning doing hair and taking with clients and the energy was so alive! I loved it instantly! Every time I went, it was exciting to me! As years went on, I found myself cutting friends hair in my bedroom before the Friday night dances or coloring my own hair in my parent’s bathroom all through high school! I looked into hair school for after high school but chose to do the community college route instead! Then years later, working for a great investment firm in Boston’s financial district, I would find myself one e again giving makeovers and haircuts to my coworkers during our downtime at the office! Finally, one day out of the blue, I walked up to the newly opened Blaine beauty academy and enrolled myself! I went to school 4 nights a week while working full time! It had its challenges but I knew it would be worth it! I feel I was a late bloomer in the hair industry but feel I appreciate every challenge along the way!
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?
It hasn’t been a smooth road but it was worth every bump. Coming into this industry older and to start over from scratch is hard! You’re used to your daily routine with a 9-5er and your life and changes drastically. Giving up your nights and weekend for a career was a culture shock. But I didn’t give up! I feel most of my mentors groomed me to be the stylist I am today. From giving the best shampoo to the smoothies blow out. Sometimes, mastering the basic will go along way. It’s all about the little touch’s that makes a difference. I was trained by some of the best! I thanks those women so much for what they taught me. They were tough on me so I would learn and be able to take my talent anywhere.
Please tell us about being a Hairstylist.
As a hairstylist, your work is your art. You start with a fresh canvas every time a client, new or old sits in your chair. You want to provide the best experience for this person. Every time I do a haircut, I will focus on how they wear their hair on an everyday basis. I want to provide a haircut that they will be able to style at home the next day! I want a client to feel comfortable with their hair if it’s color, a cut or even a bang trim can go along way.
Were there people and/or experiences you had in your childhood that you feel laid the foundation for your success?
Never giving up! I just always knew in my heart I had to do something to make people feel good about themselves. Growing up, I was always social and loved to talk and talk about life and fashion and hair. Especially making women young and old feel fabulous about themselves and the way they look is important to me. It’s the best feeling when they say “I love it” and send me a message days later about how great they feel about their visit with me.
Contact Info:
- Address: Colleen A Doherty
Salon De cheveux
South Boston, MA 02127 - Phone: 617-269-2900
- Instagram: C_style76
Image Credit:
Colleen
Getting in touch: BostonVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
