We recently connected with Grace Ilasco and have shared our conversation below.
Grace, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today So, let’s start with a hypothetical – what would you change about the educational system?
Transforming Education for a More Fulfilling Future
As an individual who immigrated to the United States from the Philippines at the age of 7 and spent formative years growing up in Los Angeles, CA, I reflect on key aspects that could significantly benefit today’s youth in preparing for a successful life and career.
Upon entering the LA school system in 2nd grade, it became evident that, despite English not being my first language, I possessed advanced skills in English and Math compared to my other colleagues. In the Philippines, English is taught as a second language, and I experienced a more lenient academic environment where aspects like penmanship, spelling, and grammar held less weight here in Southern California. The absence of rigorous competition and minimal correction for errors resulted in a lack of motivation to excel or adhere to strict standards. Unfortunately, this lax approach led to a decline in English and grammar proficiency, a deficiency that became apparent in college when our English teacher had to revisit basic concepts due to widespread shortcomings of my generation. This deficiency in fundamental skills poses a significant concern for societal progress.
During my junior high to high school years, a broader curriculum that included extracurricular studies, such as arts, music, and life skills, could have greatly enriched our educational experience. While English, math, and history were consistently emphasized, thankfully classes such as animation, web design, and tennis fostered my passion.
An essential addition to the educational system should be dedicated guidance counselors assisting students in charting their future paths, aligning goals with suitable colleges or avenues, and conducting personality and skills assessments. Mandatory job shadowing hours during high school would aid in career decision-making and prevent wasteful investments in unnecessary classes. My self-initiated approach in college underscores the importance of these counseling services.
Despite earning a bachelor’s degree in Business/Finance, the most impactful educational experience came from real experiences. Prior to college, I discovered the Regional Occupational Program (ROP) offered at my high school with a cosmetology program during my senior year, ultimately participating in it for the sheer enjoyment it promised. This unplanned choice turned out to be a defining one, shaping my career in the hair industry. This journey, sparked by curiosity, highlights the significance of exploring diverse interests to avoid the plight of becoming adept at something one dislikes, only to remain trapped due to the fear of starting anew. Two decades later, I own my salon, having thrived in the field, a testament to the long-lasting impact of an education that encourages exploration and passion pursuit from an early age.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Introducing Grace Ilasco: A Visionary in the World of Beauty
Greetings to those who may be discovering me for the first time. My name is Grace Ilasco, and I am a creative force with two decades of experience as a hairstylist and makeup artist. Over the last 10 years, I’ve proudly owned and operated my salon. While some might envision a pair of scissors or a paintbrush as symbolic of my craft, I see myself as a broader creator, deeply immersed in the realms of art, creativity, and innovation.
My journey into the beauty industry was somewhat unexpected, yet I wouldn’t have it any other way. If I were to pursue a different path, it would be difficult to choose, given my myriad interests. My true joy lies in creation—whether using my hands or my mind. My affinity for ideas has led to a digital hoard of saved inspirations across various platforms, reflecting my insatiable curiosity and desire to innovate.
At the core of what I bring to the table is a relentless commitment to problem-solving. Dissatisfied with the status quo, I continually strive for improvement in every aspect of my work, be it managing my own business or contributing to a team effort. I thrive on introducing novel ideas, a trait that has defined my professional journey.
Fifteen years ago, recognizing an untouched niche, I began assisting clients in transitioning their hair back to its natural gray color. Rejecting the notion that gray is an undesirable color, my goal was to solve a problem for clients seeking this change. This innovative approach garnered attention far beyond our local borders, with clients traveling from different states to experience our unique service. This experience, marked by the convergence of skill and artistry, echoes the teachings of my mentor, Sharon (my ex boss), who distinguished herself not just as a hairstylist but as a true artist.
In an industry where time is equated with money, I challenged the traditional notions of hard work and dedication. While the early years thrived on hustle and bustle, the evolving landscape of my life and career necessitated a change. Acknowledging the need for a work-life balance, I transitioned from being the tireless employee of my own salon to fostering a team-driven environment. This transformative shift allowed me to surround myself with individuals who authentically represent our brand, Color Lounge.
What sets Color Lounge apart from other salons is our commitment to being more than a cookie-cutter establishment. We are artists in lab coats, blending creativity with the science behind hairstyling. Our thorough 30-60 minute consultations, a unique practice in the industry, delve into a client’s hair history, diagnoses, planning, and realistic expectations. Our open-concept salon, resembling a studio loft, provides an edgy yet welcoming space for diverse individuals to feel comfortable.
Beyond hairstyling, Color Lounge takes pride in specializing in hair color, boasting two American Board Certified Haircolorists among the ownership. Our services range from corrective color and blonding to vivid creative coloring, balayage, and transitioning to gray. We offer a variety of additional services, including precision haircuts, hair extensions, Brazilian blowouts, and scalp spa treatments. As a brand, we actively engage with local artists, hosting art events to support our community.
In essence, Color Lounge is not just a salon; it is a haven for creativity, innovation, and transformative beauty experiences. We invite you to make our salon your new home, where artistry meets expertise.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
A Decade of Resilience: Navigating the Challenges of Entrepreneurship
Nearly a decade has passed since I took the reins of my salon, a venture embarked upon with the awareness that financial readiness was lacking. I anticipated the necessity to exert substantial effort, potentially relinquishing certain comforts in the initial stages. However, despite the challenges, the journey has proven to be a successful one.
Every team dynamic encountered along the way presented distinct challenges, each offering valuable lessons for improvement. The reality is, there’s no business degree that can fully equip an individual for entrepreneurship. Every decision made and lesson learned has been a direct result of on-the-job experiences. It begs the question of why the intricacies of preparing and setting up a business are not part of standard education, especially for those who bootstrap their enterprises, lacking initial funding and learning everything on the fly.
The age-old adage, “It takes money to make money,” holds true. Without financial resources, time becomes the primary investment. The seeming ease with which wealthier individuals start and potentially fail in businesses is akin to playing a slot machine. Failure, however, is intrinsic to success. The availability of resources, particularly financial ones, affords more opportunities for risk-taking, failure, and subsequent success.
A decade into this entrepreneurial journey, the realization dawned upon me that operating as the sole owner and operator was no longer sustainable. Recognizing the limitations of time, I have had to place trust in my team for collective success. The ongoing pursuit involves constant refinement and efficiency enhancement year after year.
Entrepreneurship often feels like an arduous grind, prompting thoughts of giving up. The misconception that owning a business translates to a carefree existence is dispelled. Effective operation demands continuous investment in overseeing and maintaining the business. Similar to managing an Airbnb property, the semblance of minimal involvement is deceiving. There’s a constant need for property management, addressing issues, cleaning, rent collection, marketing efforts, and expenditure management to ensure the business remains viable.
The adage that owning a business is a 24/7 commitment holds true. While the upside is the autonomy to dictate one’s work approach, discipline becomes paramount to prevent failure. Entrepreneurship demands an unwavering dedication to maintaining quality control and staying involved in the intricate workings of the business. It is a journey that requires resilience, adaptability, and a continuous commitment to learning and improvement.
Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?
Nurturing Team Morale: Strategies for Effective Leadership
When it comes to steering a team and fostering high morale, my foremost advice is to eschew micromanagement. Place trust in your team, emphasizing individual accountability for executing tasks to the best of their abilities. Recognize that the collective success of the team hinges on each member performing their role proficiently. A team is only as strong as its weakest link.
Secondly, prioritize honesty and integrity. Maintaining open communication and upholding commitments are fundamental for building mutual reliance among team members. A foundation of trust is indispensable for a cohesive and successful team dynamic.
The third principle centers on avoiding undue focus on others’ actions and concentrating instead on personal best efforts. Acknowledge that everyone experiences both good and bad days. Vigilance toward others’ shortcomings breeds resentment and distracts from the collective journey of self-improvement. Gossip and negative energy can permeate the team, eroding its cohesion.
Next, instill a sense of purpose in your team members. Foster an environment where team members believe they are making a meaningful contribution. Encourage idea-sharing, delegate leadership responsibilities, and unearth hidden leadership qualities within team members.
Lastly, inject a dose of enjoyment into the work environment. Organize team-building outings and social events to strengthen relationships and foster camaraderie. While building personal connections is valuable, maintaining a balance is crucial to prevent any potential impact on professional performance.
In summary, as the owner and team leader, it is imperative to exhibit resilience and continuous improvement, recognizing and addressing personal weaknesses. Dealing with diverse personalities is an inherent part of leadership, and acknowledging this reality is crucial. Prioritize your well-being by exercising, practicing mindfulness, and seeking professional support when needed. Leaders, too, benefit from mentors who hold them accountable and provide guidance. Remember that leadership can be isolating, so establishing connections with fellow leaders for mutual support is invaluable.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.colorlounge.com
- Instagram: @colorloungela
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/colorloungela
- Twitter: twitter.com/colorloungela
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/@ColorLoungeLA
- Yelp: www.yelp.com/biz/color-lounge-burbank
- Other: KCAL News: Colorist Grace Ilasco, co-owner of the Color Lounge in Burbank demonstrates the science and art behind her trade. https://youtu.be/y8iaSXzBvqY?si=EXOObQXtsEsLaPbU
Image Credits
Lawrence Atienza (photographer) CBS News