Today we’d like to introduce you to Naomi Sosa.
Hi Naomi, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
I have been doing hair for 15 years. Well, I say 15 years, but my first clients were back when I was a little girl, my Barbies. I loved their clothes and all the accessories; however, they all had the same hairstyle. So I would cut them to make them each look different and unique. I’m an 80s kid, and the way hair continued to evolve throughout the years fascinated me. Then what grabbed my attention was back in the late 90s, I walked into Selena’s Boutique & Salon. I saw all the stylish clothes, her designs, and her awards on the wall, but the hair stations stuck out to me so much. I was so mesmerized that a girl like me, Latina, from a little town in Texas, had accomplished so much. Selena became my inspiration. From then on, I had just one plan. To be a hairstylist and one day open my salon. The hair world continued to grow throughout the years, as did my interest. After high school, my only goal was to attend beauty school. Well, as much as I thought I had my life planned out, I soon discovered I was pregnant. I remember so much going through my mind, but I looked at this as a detour that would lead me on a different, great path. I won’t forget the moment that lit a fire under me. While in the baby aisle at a store, a lady I didn’t know said to me, “You’re so young, now you’ll never be what you wanted to be in life. A baby changes everything.” She couldn’t have been more wrong.
Later I enrolled in cosmetology school and made a vow to myself that this baby would grow up to be proud of me, that not only would I live out my dreams, but my baby would have a great life. Fast forward to today, It might have taken me years to get where I am, but I did it! I visited the Selena museum this past March. It brought back all those feelings I had as a little girl. It was one of those full-circle moments. This past October, my salon, The Hair Parlour, celebrated its third anniversary. It was a moment I felt so proud of myself. If I’m being honest, I was super emotional that day. I celebrated the salon. And as I reflected on what I went through to have that very moment, I thought it was well worth it. All my sacrifices and my hard work are paying off. Also, I am forever grateful for the support from my little family, my extended family & friends, coworkers, and our clients. I can’t imagine doing anything else. I love my career. I love the flexibility I have as well. Throughout the years, it’s allowed me to balance my work life with my home life. I can attend my children’s school functions and sports and still be able to work. I love it! And nonetheless, hearing my kids tell me how proud they are of me is a great reward. Life might take you on a few detours, but the dreams you dare to dream do come true.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Since The Hair Parlour opened, it has had its share of super great high moments and challenging moments. The salon opened 6 months before a pandemic that shook the world. The salon was getting good momentum, we were getting recognized, and our appointments were filling up. I was so excited that this was our start. Then in March 2020, the week of spring break, cancellations were happening, schools were extending their break, and we weren’t quite sure what exactly was happening. All we knew then was covid was spreading, people were getting ill, loved ones passed, schools were canceled, and people began to work from home. Weeks later, my salon and other businesses were mandated a mandatory shutdown. And just like that, I was without work. I wasn’t sure how I would generate income, yet clients were buying gift certificates during a time of great uncertainty. The generosity of others and my faith are what sustained me. When we finally got to reopen, it was all done with extreme precaution, making sure all the necessary changes were made to ensure the safety of the hairstylists and our clients. It was a slow start, and I had plenty of moments where I questioned if I’d still be in business. It was overwhelming. And when things were getting to normal again, a new normal, February 2021, brought a Snowstorm that hit my town, which was terrible. Homes lost power and water. Grocery shelves were empty, and toilet paper was nearly impossible to find. Thankfully my family and I were ok. We had no running water, but we were warm and had food. Once the snow melted and the roads were safe, it was back to work. Once we were up and running, 5 pipes broke, and now we began searching for the materials to fix it ourselves because plumbers were booked out for weeks. I cried. I felt done like we couldn’t catch a break. What else? What else could happen? Thankfully I haven’t been on the receiving end to find out. Little by little, day by day, The Hair Parlour is starting to get its long-awaited start.
Let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
At The Hair Parlour, we specialize in Women, Men, and kids’ hair services. From hair cuts to hair color. Each cut and color is custom-made to help our clients reach their hair goals. Other services include eyebrow waxing and a paraffin wax treatment for your hands and feet. We also have a nail tech that provides manicures and pedicures. Her nail designs are amazing, and each design is done freehand. Besides all the great services we provide. We are known for the salon’s yellow door and aesthetic. It was important to me to create an atmosphere that was inviting. I wanted the ambiance to be a relaxing, peaceful, and happy place. The Hair Parlour is just that. After three years, we are growing and knowing we made it through those hard times, the feeling is so beautiful. But an important factor in creating such a great work environment is working alongside someone great. The women are unique and highly talented. They are extraordinary and add so much to the salon. If you’ve been here, you know the vibe. That’s what sets us apart. You’ll see how we are family here, all of us. You may be a new or established client, but you’ll be treated like family.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
I take great pride in The Hair Parlour. We are by appointment and have a perfect stylist for all our guests. We want all guests to have a great experience at The Hair Parlour, whether it be your 50th time or your first time. And it’s important to me that every client leave happy.
Side note: And if you have yet to go to The Hair Parlour, I invite you to come and experience what it’s like here. And hear a lot of Selena on the playlist. But let me warn you, be prepared to laugh a lot.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: The_hair_parlour
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hairparlourhair
- Other: https://thehairparlour.
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Image Credits
Once Upon A Party, LLC
