We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Estrella (star) Garza a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Estrella (Star), thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?
Learning isn’t linear, like many paths in life the road ahead in a long term journey comes with lots of twists and turns. This lesson learned was one that came to me only after the multiple failed attempts in trying to “stick to the plan” after finishing cosmetology school. Starting my career and apprenticeship, I had a check list for every milestone I planned to achieve. However, I soon found out there is no one way to learn in the hair industry and no one set person who can show you everything you need to know to be successful. Learning the basics of shampooing to learning how to cut hair all have the same core principle, that is, to remain a student. You can truly learn something from everyone. In my time in my apprenticeship and while continuing to shadow my mentors, I always remained in a students mindset, I know how to do a cut my way but that doesn’t mean seeing it again won’t benefit me. Hearing the steps and guidance from several teachers on the same only helped expand my mastery of that technique. Granted, in the beginning where I hoped to learn and execute a technique quickly and easily, it was not the way I for saw. Take a layered hair cut for example, the first time I got it and thought this is it. I can cross this skill off my list. The second time I failed. In my experience it is the patience and self forgiveness that has to come first. What you get once may not come so easily the second time, only with practice and repetition can you begin to see the gradual mastery set in the art of minor differences in each clients hair style. The second, take the hand up (or hand out). As artists and creatives begin their journey to learning their craft, help may not come as frequently as you need or like. So when it does come take the opportunity, soak up every bit of education and advice. I’ve found theres still a stigma in the hair industry that you should pay your dues with action. With hairdressing this is a skill that can not be replaced by AI; we should want to support and teach each other more than ever. Thankfully, I myself have had mentors who never made me feel bad about my learning capabilities. Instead all of my educators and mentors met me with patience, guidance and encouragement. For those who don’t have the same, I say go out there and make education a priority or reach out to people who will help you. Take the help when given, be willing to learn and re-learn from artist of all hair specializations and tenure. Finally, implementation is key. I learn by seeing, doing, failing and trying again. There are times that with my AuDHD, I struggled to continue trying. I take longer to learn and master a task, and even when I do learn, I am forgetful. I learned the only way for me to stay consistent was to practice, keep learning, repetition and patience. There is only mastery in my art remaining a student.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Austin is home and always will be. I was born and raised in South Austin and grew up with a very keen interest and appreciation for art. From painting for hours on end in my room to creating small art pieces with house hold items. I was always looking for a creative outlet. As much as I enjoyed these things, resources for art supplies can quickly add up. My family did not have those resources. So I began to find other ways to fulfill my creative urge. Going into my adolescence I began to buy mix blended extensions and play with my own hair. From sewing wig clips to synthetic extensions to cutting my own bangs. I was able to not only express my self as an individual but also begin a life long love for hair styling and the art of cosmetology. As much as I’d like to say I followed my childhood dreams and passions as soon as I stepped into my adulthood, that is actually far from the truth. With the desire to break generational poverty I went to Austin Community College right after high school and began my journey to an associates in Computer Science. Far from my deep rooted love for hair and creativity, after college I began to work in the corporate world. Seven years later there was a deep sense of disconnect not only in myself but also in my life. I had to stop and reevaluate was anything I had done career wise truly made me feel accomplished or at that, happy? I made the decision to take control of my future and trade the spreadsheets for a pair of shears. However, the change did not come easy. I continued to work my 9-5 and attended Avenue Five Institute at night. Sixteen hour days for 10 months did not come easy. However, I knew I was making a move into a career path I’ve always had a calling for. Graduation came sooner than expected. It has been quite the journey. What at times felt so far from my reach was in actuality at my fingertips just waiting for me to take a full hold.
I’m most proud of my extension work with Bellami Hair Latina Pro and Bellami Hair Español Pro as it represents my creativity, culture, and meticulous attention to detail. It’s been an honor to have my work showcased on the Bellami Latina and Bellami Español Instagram page. I have found that providing an exceptional client experience in the hair industry does not always equate to continuous dialogue. I am still building a clientele, in the future I would love to offer silent appointments. This, I feel, sets me apart in a way that takes the pressure off both the stylist and the client. Of course, I love getting to know my clients but also want to create a safe space for anyone who would like to have the ability to enjoy a quiet service
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
While, yes I’m providing a service to my clients. I would say the most rewarding aspect of being an artist for me, is the opportunity I am given to serve. I understand there is plenty of talented artists and cosmetologists in Austin and the surrounding areas. So when my clients choose me not only is it a compliment but someone handing me their trust with a big part of their individual identity and vanity. I’ve always viewed the hair of my clients as their crown. When someone trusts me with such a precious intimate detail of themselves I am inclined to care and treat it with the utmost respect. Those moments of when a client is in seat and I am tending to their hair are the moments I am reassured I am in the right career. I am humbled that many of my clients and repeat clients come to me for more then a cut or color. Sometimes I am a listening ear, or perhaps the only adult they have had an engaging conversation with in weeks and at times the person who was able to give back a piece of their confidence they may have lost previously. To me there is no greater reward then the relationships created in a scheduled service.
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
I find a lot of the time in this industry that old habits die hard. However, with that being said I also find that cosmetologists and creatives are a subculture with traditions, unwritten laws and community guidelines. So why is the change for our community so hard to press forward? In my observations there is still a stigma associated with cosmetologists and salons as a whole. Nostalgia is great for reminiscing but in order for a future generation of creatives and cosmetologists alike to give equal opportunity to all artists society can support us best by letting go of the expectation for each service to be the same. Additionally, that each service provider will have the same personality traits. I myself have always been an introvert and now with my diagnose of AuDHD I can openly say I may come off as quiet, uninterested or aloof. I challenge myself daily to meet each of my clients needs and treat them as individuals. Furthermore, I have taken it upon myself to be open on my social media and with my clients about my diagnosis. Most of the time I am met with the same understanding that I give to my clients but there are times where I feel that before I am given a chance to let my work speak for itself I may be perceived as someone who is “not the right fit” for this profession. Where society may think that I am quiet- I am actually listening. What is perceived as uninterested in conversation is actually my dedicated focus to get the finished look my client has asked for. The list could go on infinitely, in the end it boils down to the same thing. That is, society can help by removing the stigma and walking into a service with a mindset that all things beautiful and all things creative are never the same.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/hairxstar
- Instagram: @hairxstar
- Other: Tiktok: @hairxstar
Image Credits
Christopher Paul Cardoza
Estrella Garza