Meet Alicia Hayes | Independent Hairstylist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alicia Hayes and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alicia, how do you think about risk?
Taking risks has always been counterintuitive to me, I’m someone who loves security and consistency. However, not taking risks often results in me feeling stagnant or uninspired. In my career and life I’ve learned to embrace thoughtful risks in order to grow. Thoughtful meaning considering any risk and the best case scenario, worst case scenario, how that risk effects myself as a person, a business owner, a creative and how it effects clients and their experience. None of my risks are spontaneous- all of them are rooted in a gut feeling, I often know if a risk is a yes or a no to take fairly quickly when I’m presented with it, the planning and execution has been the thing to make a risk not so risky.

So the way I view risk is as the big moments that create the most growth, the scary things that your gut guides you through and the leaps that can take you to places you hadn’t planned or dreamed of going.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m a independent hairstylist. I began this weird little journey in 2005 when I was fresh out of high school and a little lost with what to do with myself. I followed a family trend and took the leap into a career not knowing how it would pan out. I did not go this route because I was the girl who already knew how to do hair, developing skills behind the chair was a process, but something about art and people seemed to fit nicely.

Over time and continuing to grow as a person, my interests and passions developed. I went back to college to study Community Psychology and discovered a passion for business ownership. Through opening my own business I was able to develop my esthetic in the comfort of my own space. I creatively grow when I’m in spaces that allow me to breathe and provide safe energy to do that.

In recent years and as I bring my business to San Diego I think the thing that sets me a part is me and my processes. I believe in my business being a team- me with clients, clients with me and eachother. I have processes in place to make sure all of those relationships are the best fit and coexist with eachother in mind. From a service standpoint, I also love giving clients the freedom to live life and not worry about harsh regrowth. Some of the problems I saw in my industry was creating something that looked great, knowing that in 3 weeks it wouldn’t. My solution to that came in providing more lived in looks and allowing natural bases to be enhanced vs covered. I love creating color that compliments my clients and their lifestyle and a salon experience that allows them to relax and enjoy their time.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If I had someone visiting I’d have a hard time narrowing down all the things to do or see here in San Diego. Beach coffee is one of my favorite rituals so I’d probabaly start us at a different cafe each day. One of my favorites is OB Beans in Ocean Beach. I enjoy taking that coffee on a walk so we’d head to the beautiful views of Sunset Cliffs. We’d hit up some Pilates classes at Pilates of San Diego, hike Torrey Pines, explore Balboa Park and the museums, a zoo day is a must as well as finding farmers markets to explore and grab a snack.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My clients in Washington state who so lovingly and supportively let me leave a business I had built for us to pursue my personal dreams to live happily ever after in San Diego. The salon owners who said “doors open for ya” when I moved down and the friends who’ve celebrated every step of my journey with me, hold me accountable and push me to be brave.

Website: www.aliciahayeshair.com

Instagram: alicialovesbalayage