We were lucky to catch up with Gena Watson recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Gena thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?

Since the age of 10 I was doing hair. My mom would bring home box dye and perms and tell me to read the directions and do her hair. Once I got to HS, I started doing many of my friends hair. I never had any thoughts of becoming a professional hair stylist. After HS, I went to community college and worked as a black jack dealer. I worked late night hours and had no idea what I was doing in college. Finally at the age of 23 I decided to go to beauty school. It took me 10 months to get my license. Within 6 months I went from commission to a booth renter. I knew right away I wanted to be my own boss.

Gena, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I have been doing hair for 24 years. I have always loved helping others. From the beginning I loved teaching and quickly became a color educator. I would travel around to salons from San Diego to Los Angeles teaching other stylists color techniques and formulas while building my clientele behind the chair. After becoming a mom of 3, it was becoming more difficult to travel, I decided to take an offer of becoming the Advanced Color Director at a local beauty school. After 10 years of teaching, I decided to put all my focus behind the chair. I opened my first salon in my mid-30s. As I approached my 40’s, I decided to go solo and open a private studio where I could give my clients a more personal one on one experience. I grew a large clientele specializing in blondes through the years. My biggest focus was hair health which allowed my clients to grow great trust with me while maintaining their blonde hair.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

When covid happened it was definitely a challenge for my business. It forced me to make a change. San Diego salons were shut down 3 times, I saw several salons and stylists quit and shut their business down permanately. I decided to take the time off and invest more into my business. I had always done hair extensions, but never at a higher level. I really never had the time or the funds to get certified within better companies. However, with all the time off from shut downs, I dove into the hair extension certifications. I got certified in 2 more methods. This was a huge investment and a lot of training. I spent over a year training to become an Elite Master Hair Extension Specialist. January of 2022 I launched my new brand name Manely Extensions Salon. I am now after 2 years a full time Hair Extension Artist.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

I would say the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is all the relationships I get to grow. I have some of the most amazing women sit in my chair, I get to know them on such a personal level while helping them achieve the hair of their dreams. Not only do I get to help them, they too help me become a stronger woman today.

Contact Info:

• Website: manelyextensions.om
• Instagram: manelyextensions
• Facebook: Manely Extensions
• Yelp: Gena Watson Hair Studio

Image Credits
I did not use any faces. These are all my images