We were lucky to catch up with Victoria De Leon-Vallee recently and have shared our conversation below.
Victoria, appreciate you joining us today. Are you happy as a creative professional? Do you sometimes wonder what it would be like to work for someone else?
I am so happy being an artist! I get to step into my creative zone almost everyday. Being a hairstylist feels like getting to make your friends feel beautiful. It’s the best!
I do often think about what it would be like to have a regular job. I hear a lot of people talk about dreading going to work and I’m so glad I’m not able to relate. Even on those days when it’s hard to get up in the morning, I’m always so grateful that my job doesn’t feel like a job.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I was introduced to the hair industry at a very young age. With my dad being a cosmetologist as well, I grew up around stylists and in the salon. Even helped him study while he was in cosmetology school!
The world of hair always interested me, I would watch him and think, “Wow! It’s so cool that he remembers all of those steps and can create without even thinking!”
I went to cosmetology school fresh out of high school at a Paul Mitchell in Florida, got my license, and immediately started shadowing my Dad at his salon. I learned a bunch about the ins and outs of the business side, and a few new skills. This is where I discovered my love for my favorite things to do now, blonding and curly hair!
Today, I am constantly learning new techniques from my peers and working hard to grow my skill level and clientele. I absolutely love my job and wouldn’t change it for the world.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The most rewarding part of my job is definitely the relationships I build with my clients! I love spending time with them while they’re in my chair, learning about them as individuals. Everyone is so different!
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.
As much as we say hairstyling is just making people feel confident, a lot more goes into it than people think! We are mathematicians, scientists, artists, and therapists all in one person!
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