Today we’d like to introduce you to Alaska Gaxiola.

Hi Alaska, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.

I always was someone who was curious, and asked themselves the same question everyone does — whether consciously, or unconsciously, “What is my purpose?”.

I always knew I wanted to be a Boss. But how? of what? How was I going to get there if I didn’t even know what career path was ahead of me. I took some years to live life without the social pressure of going right into college after high school. One day, I was fed up, I finally listened to that little voice in the back of my head, and I enrolled in Beauty school. Beauty school was exciting, it was rewarding, it reassured me a hair design license can open doors to other opportunities.

When I was living in New York a friend of mine asked me to be an assistant stylist for a wedding party she was booked for. That was the turning point, the start of my Bridal hair styling journey! When I was introduced to the world of Bridal hairstyling, and it was life changing! I mean, what girl doesn’t want a job where you’re living (actually, working), a total ‘Princess Bride’ moment each work day? It’s not work! It’s a privilege, an honor that someone wants ME to do their hair for their wedding!

Since then I have really poured back into my own dream of owning my own business, and really niching down to make sure AGB Brides don’t have to question if I’ll show up, or show out for them on one of their biggest days of their life!

Alright, 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?

I wish I could say it has, but it hasn’t. That’s what makes it interesting, right?

Financial stress, from the beginning paying for Beauty school was not easy. My family isn’t rich, and FAFSA only covers so much — I worked a full time job, and attended school full time. When I graduated I had to wait a whole 6 – 8 months to get my license because the school demanded they were paid in full before releasing any transcripts. It was a nightmare.

Companies who don’t appreciate your hard work + Egos…Need I say more?

Imposter syndrome, constantly comparing my work to other, not giving myself enough credit for the accomplishments that I have achieved during the last 9 years of being a Licensed Professional, constantly thinking everything needs to be perfect — not posting something because it’s not the right angle, some hair is frizzy, or the lighting is off.

I’ve been through it all. It hasn’t been an easy road to travel, but I wouldn’t have been able to go through it without my family. They are my strength through + through! I still struggle, and still find myself with forks in the road but with support from my family, and my strong will and resilience I always see it through.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Alaska G Beauty?

It’s your Bridal Era, I want you to have your Iconic Bridal moment + feel like you are THAT GIRL (because you are)!

Hi, I am Alaska, owner and stylist of Alaska G. Beauty where I specialize in buns, half up down styles. and glam waves! I offer Bridal hairstyling services in the Portland Metro Area + surrounding areas. I am your ‘Bridal hair BFF’+ I am committed to making sure you hair is nothing short of jaw dropping when you walk into the room.

My Vibe: Bridal Hair That Feels Like A Dream. Its luxurious, elegant, clean, sleek, glamorous, classic, neutral. When you work with me I want you to know that I care about your hair, yes. But also your experience, your trust, your wedding journey. I want you to brag about the positive experience you have with AGB to your family + friends on the day of your wedding, or in 10 years when you’re telling the story of your wedding journey.

Alaska G. Beauty is constantly getting an upgrade to make your Bridal hair dreams a reality — *Now offering Hair extension rentals*, Yearly updated Vendor recommendation list *saving you countless hours of research*, Payment options *Buy now, Pay later with Affirm/Klarna payment*, + more!

What were you like growing up?

I always was a girly girl, even though for the longest time I tried to convince myself I was a tomboy because I was raised with my brothers. I always wanted to do the things they were doing, but when they wouldn’t let me play with them, I would go to my moms bathroom and sit in front of the mirror practicing my perfect ponytail, crimp my hair, at one point I taught myself how to braid my own hair.

When I would play with my besties and we would play salon, I was always the person doing the hair. On one occasion, I remember my besties auntie asked me to curl her hair when she had a girls night planned — I was probably 7 years old, did I slay her hair?! No haha, I totally kinked her ends because, instead of clamping the hair and curling in the direction the clamp was curving, I totally clamped her ends and started curling the opposite direction causing her hair to kink! haha.. That was a memory I will never forget. Was it a cool girl moment for me at 7 years old? Absolutely! An adult trusted little Alaska with her big grown up hair. It was a total confidence boost, sure I made a mistake but it was an educational mistake that I never have done since then.

I know you’re probably thinking, wow, that auntie was so sweet and patient to let Alaska do her whole head with curls, and kinked ends. Wrong! haha.. She let me do that one piece then she said um.. nevermind I got this haha!

Pricing:

• She’s Angelic $600
• She’s Dazzling $1000
• She’s All That $1690

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.alaskagbeauty.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alaskagbeauty/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Alaska-G-Beauty-100084463996071/

Image Credits

Howie Photography, Schwabcreative_weddings, Marianatey Photo, NW Film Co.