This month we feature one of our most talented students at Summit Salon Academy – Gainesville: Alexandra Huertas! With a rich background in business and travel, Alexandra embraced a new career path by following a hidden passion: Cosmetology!

What’s it like, being you? Tell us about yourself!

I was born in Ecuador, and I spent my early childhood years there until my family moved to Colombia.  I obtained my Bachelor’s in Administration (BA) in Colombia and later obtained my Master’s in International Business (MIB) in Spain. I returned to Ecuador, and that is where I met and married my Georgia boy. We left South America and lived like gypsies; living where we worked, in places like the Caribbean, Europe, and Central Asia. We have been in the US since 2015, and in 2019 I decided to return to school to get an accredited, cosmetology education in the US which led me to Summit Salon Academy – Gainesville. This was the best decision I have ever made! Now my 20-year-old daughter is studying for her (BA) in Toronto, and I am happily studying cosmetology here and excited about graduating in September 2020.

 

 

What inspired you to the cosmetology industry?

For years, I was interested in different hairstyles and different make up applications. When the internet became available (especially YouTube!), I really started to explore all the possibilities. After seeing all the different styles and fashions online, I began trying them out and it really caught my attention. Now that I am learning all these techniques from Summit Salon Academy – Gainesville, I am even more inspired to become the best I can be at this!

How has your experience at our school been so far?

The experience I discovered at Summit Salon Academy – Gainesville was quite an eye-opener. I never dreamed that I would be learning so many things in cosmetology school; sometimes I thought I was in an electrical school, other times in nursing school learning, memorizing, and increasing my vocabulary as fast as I could. I must admit that in the beginning it was difficult for me because of the language barrier.  I never dreamed one had to learn all these things, but the more I learned, the clearer it all became.  Summit Salon Academy – Gainesville does a fantastic job teaching how to be a professional cosmetologist and a successful businessperson, which is such an important part of the whole process.

What is your favorite service to do and why?

Haircut / Blow-Dry and Make-Up Services! It amazes me when I do a special haircut and watch it evolve into what I am trying to create. To finalize the features I am trying to achieve, the blow-dry process is so important. I love finishing the final process with make-up by bringing the hidden beauty of the eyes and the smile. For me, this is fantastic!

 

 

What is your favorite Redken Product and why?

Aerate 08 All-Over Bodifying Cream-Mousse: Gives the hair a nice natural texture and volume, which ends in a messy and fashion styled hair

One United All-In-One Multi-Benefit Treatment: Protects hair from heat, adds conditioning, and gives a smooth manageable texture.

Shampoo Beach Envy Volume: It is a fresh, light shampoo with a nice beachy smell and lifts the roots for volume, resulting in a smooth style.

What are your goals after graduation?

After I graduate, my main goal is to get my state license!  After that, I haven’t made all my plans of yet.  I want to wait to see what opportunities are out there, but I am also pursuing advanced training in make-up services and special event hairstyles. My ultimate goal is to have a truly full-service salon and franchise that offers everything in one place, from head to toe and in between! I want to be the best! There are so many opportunities out there, and I am going to chase them and yes, catch them too!

What advice can you give to future student stylists?

My advice to future students is that cosmetology is not a hobby: it’s a profession. It can be a highly successful profession if you put your mind to it and take it seriously. Yes, it requires some sacrifices, some long hours, and sometimes sore feet. The effort you give will determine how much reward you will get out of it. Remember this: ”if someone doesn’t want to learn… no one can help them… if someone is determined to learn… no one can stop them.” I read this once and it certainly rings true.

Follow Alexandras’s Journey in Cosmetology:

Instagram: @mariegardenhair