We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Isidro Morales Jr a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Isidro, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

I went to Bay Vista Beauty College in National City California, and later transferred to California Hair Design Academy in La Mesa California. The most essential skills that I was drawn to were the art of styling hair, skin care, make up, and hair coloring techniques. I have learned more by attending numerous hair shows this was obviously before social media. I worked with various lines such as Paul Mitchell, Jingles international, Joico, Sephora, MAC, and Crew.
The biggest obstacle that stood in my way was my struggle with mental health. I had a personal traumas during my childhood and I did not deal with them until barely five years ago. I struggled with depression, lack of self worth and procrastination was one of my biggest obstacles. I was great at what I did but these obstacles were always haunting me down.

Isidro, 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 was always around barbers and hairstylist. I had 3 aunts, 3 uncles and 3 cousins in the business. I was the sweeper! I swept for tips and on very busy days I assisted my cousin that was the color correction expert with shampooing her clients hair. It was a great environment, and over all we had the privilege to spend time with the family. After graduating High school I decided to go to cosmetology school. I was still learning about my self. I knew I had the arts flowing thru my veins. I went to the San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts. I took theater dance, ballet, tap and jazz. I was in the school choir, and played the piano and violin. I found that color was an art and I was blown away with the results from color services. It was amazing to see a brunette walk to the shop and leave a blonde. I felt like a hair surgeon. Lol

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

I experienced homelessness in 2021-2023. After loosing business from COVID it has been hard to come back. Marketing strategies transitioned into social media, I found myself a bit lost. I am still recovering from this scary episode. I kept my faith in God and began to break through obstacles, one at a time. I really learned about myself through cognitive therapy. Practicing the tools I learned helped me build my self worth again and I overcame the fear of “what if this doesn’t work out.”

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My goal is to fulfill my potential. We are all here to fulfill a potential. My perspective of reaching success is no longer having all the material riches. Success to me now is being self sufficient, having a healthy mindset, work, good physical health and being able to be there for my family. I was recently hired at Floyd’s Barber Shop in Downtown San Diego. My goal is to adopt the structure from the franchise organization, become an artistic educator for Floyd’s Barber Shop.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: HairByIsidro
• Other: I can be reached by email im.chilo619@gmail.com

Image Credits
Alex Amaro