Meet Chelsea Dang | Hair Extension Artist & Dimensional Color Specialist

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

Hi Chelsea, what do you attribute your success to?

Authenticity. We live in a digital era where there’s a filter for everything so I think it’s safe to say that social media contributes to a lot of imposter syndrome and comparison. Every person has a different definition of success. Coming from humble beginnings and becoming independent from an early age, it made me learn intention early. Money comes and goes, but I think your values and intentions can set you apart.

The beauty industry isn’t just getting your hair done and gossiping in the salon, we’re making people look great and feel seen. We’re standing 12+ hours to try and make people feel beautiful. People don’t always remember what you say, but they’ll always remember how you made them feel.

Authenticity inspires individuality. Authenticity creates community. Authenticity shows integrity.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

For me, it comes down to 3 things. Connection, intention, and dedication.

I think the way I was raised and the generation I was in, a growth mindset is less common to find. I was estranged from my family from a really young age and self awareness/emotional maturity is not really common amongst that generation. I think I’m able to build really authentic and worthy business relationships because I don’t treat people like a transaction. For people that I work with, I want them to value me and respect me like how I want to be respected. I try my best to put myself in their shoes before I make any decisions. I think once I understood perspective, it completely changed the game for me. It took me a minute to slow down look but that led to me doing things intentionally.

I started my career in service in the Vietnamese coffee scene. My mentor Helen was taught me the importance of core values. I’m proud to be able to grow with her; to support her success and learn alongside her. Even though she was successful so early in life, she never lost her heart. She was fair, patient, and charismatic but always realistic. Learning that from her, she makes moves for what the situation is. I learned the game fairly quickly and I capitalized off of coffee while I could. The coffee industry is fast money but with more money comes more problems which caught up to me really quickly. I don’t think anyone can be successful in business without understanding people. See people for what they’re showing you and be mindful of what they’re not. People can only wear a mask for so long before their character is shown. Being authentic and true to myself has gotten me where I am. Now, I make better decisions where I sleep peacefully. It made me learn how to live my life intentionally. She also taught me compassion for other people, we always give back to the community when we can.

I think the standard I set myself at also contributes to how I stay busy. I don’t settle for the bare minimum with my career and who I surround myself with professionally. I started my career in Beverly Hills under Violet Teriti, owner of Chaviv Hair. It was an amazing opportunity to be able to experience the lifestyle of the rich and famous. Violet is the top extension artist who’s globally recognized; her hair quality and standard for things is extraordinary. From her style to her appearance and down to the food she eats; she oozes old money luxury. We still actually keep in touch and work together. I learned so much, I was exposed to so many great things and opportunities, coming back to making valuable relationships. I’m confident in the energy I bring to the table. One thing about me is that I’ll always make sure I prepare myself and strive to do more. I’m always going to want more for my individual success. Growth mindset sets me up where I always want to learn and to stay determined. I think my biggest struggle which I think a lot of other people can relate to is the imposter syndrome. Sometimes I try my best and its not the best, and I have crippling anxiety for a few days but then I get over it because certain things are out of my control. My assisting job with Violet; I actually got the interview while I was still at Toni & Guy Hairdressing Academy in Costa Mesa. It was actually a Friday at like 11pm that she posted that she was looking for an assistant and I sent in my resume 15 minutes after the initial post. I drove 4, sometimes 5 hours, a day 5-6 days a week to work with her. I feel like I sacrifice with faith that I might gain things ten-fold. Last minute house calls, early mornings, late nights, big personalities… Give it to LA traffic, I got into a car accident the first week there!  Her old assistant; now main stylist, Chandler Vandersteen gave me extremely big shoes to fill. She was amazing at hair, knew Violet like the back of her hand, and had the best vibe. Outside perspective, Violet’s made it. But she’s still in the salon 6 days a week still. Energy and relationships come into play again, she refuses to work with people that she feels off about. Assisting taught me dedication because I wanted to learn under the best, be surrounded and inspired by the best. Energy breeds, good soil is how the flower grows.

My story is probably like so many others but it’s mine. I don’t have a degree, I barely finished school, lived the fast life, but I’m breaking generational curses now. I think being a parent helped my career because I just look at things differently. There’s things he’s going to learn from me so I just do my best and have faith. I haven’t made it yet but I’m enjoying the ride and I think that’s the biggest thing I always remind myself is to be patient with my journey. Don’t just talk about what I want to do, be about that action. Mental health is the ugly side that no one ever likes to talk about in life. When you take care of so many other people, it’s just necessary to water my plant. I think the biggest challenge I’ve had is mindset. Managing balance, fear, boundaries. I think now any rejection is redirection or any feeling of hesitation is protection from making a poor decision. Universal timing is so real and what’s meant to be in my path will be. The mental aspect is challenge for me since I have such high expectations for myself. I think most people will be surprised when I share I’ve actually only been doing hair for since March 2022. I worked extremely hard to be where I am. I’ve been in and out of the industry since 2016 but redirected my path a few times. I’m actually dual licensed as an esthetician and cosmetologist. I did makeup, lash extensions, and skincare before transitioning to hair. Lashes were fun and helped peak my interest in hair extensions. I specialize in individuals because I love the customization and intricacy of the application. I consider opening a bigger salon but recently, it’s been replaced my love for education so hopefully that will in the cards for me. Who knows, but whatever is meant for me, will be.

i specialize in low maintenance luxury so dimensional color and individual extensions. I think growing up the way I did, I wanted clients to be able to get these services done with confidence that they have a comforting experience with their service. There might be days that YG is on in studio, some tea being poured early, but always exceptional hair walking out. Both services are the most customizable services and have a 3-6 month maintenance schedule so clients are dropping the bigger bill every few months to twice a year. I am dabbling with wefts but individuals are my preferred method since it is so customizable. I am not the stylist for every client since I will do what your hair can handle. Hair itself is a luxury so we might as well make it an investment for the good stuff. It’s most likely the ADHD but I’m constantly striving to keep up with my art and perfecting it. I want my clients to feel like either my work gets better every time or that its consistently delivering results they envision. I want people to know there are artists out there for everyone. Someone that will make them feel understood and safe. To help feel as beautiful as they look walking out. I want my brand to be known for being raw, unedited, quality elegance.

I do have a few projects that I’ve been planting seeds for but with being so fresh in my career, I don’t want to rush the process. I’m excited because I think there will more traveling involved along with maybe some education! I’m such a visual learner and I enjoy seeing something click for someone the way it does for me. Education is so inspiring in our industry so it’s definitely a community I would love to be apart of. I’m also in the process of setting up my website that will be attached to my online retail store for hair care. I think I’m mainly excited for the exposure and connecting with other creatives. To have people ask me about education is such a compliment because its like… “Me? You trust me? You think my work is good enough to learn from?” *insert happy dance*

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

I’m from the OC Asian Community which it is a primarily, Vietnamese. I would most likely take them to the usual favorites; Brodards for spring rolls, Ini Restaurante for Italian-Asian fusion food, Artist Cafe for Vietnamese bar food, Cafe Dang for coffee, Davien is also a crowd favorite. The best food though is always homemade within my culture. The nightlife in OC’s Little Saigon is such a vibe for something fun but also lowkey. I’m not a big partier or drinker so a Vietnamese quan nhau is the most I can handle nowadays. It’s a very special occasion if you catch me in a club, I’m in my mommy era.

I love views though too so maybe some oceanic scenery like Crystal Cove or Woods Cove for something more private. If you’re around that area, there’s great pasta at Mama D’s and sushi at San Shi Go or Osen to treat yourself after. There’s a nice hiking trail in the Santa Anita mountains for hike with a waterfall at the end. There’s also some great dim sum places in the San Gabriel Valley Area which I have to admit is better than OC.

I am very family oriented though too so something for the kids, Disneyland is a must. I have no idea why but whenever I go to a new city, I always want to go to an aquarium so I would probably drag anyone visiting to the one in Long Beach. Long Beach is not too far from San Pedro or Manhattan Beach; where you can get fresh seafood on the pier. San Pedro also has the Sunken City (street art on the beach) next to the Korean Friendship Bell. To watch the sunset nearby, Signal Hill is a common viewpoint.

LA is a whole vibe in itself; Wabi on Rose is a cute sushi spot in Venice, you can walk the boardwalk and play some games after. For the best crab cakes, theres The Grill on the Alley in Beverly Hills. Lala’s Argentine Grill in Melrose is sooo delicious for light lunches and their grilled entrees are amazing. Tarte Tartin Bakery for pastries and Shakshuka, La Provance for coffee and baked goods. As you can tell, I’m a foodie. LA’s Griffith Observatory is a nice panoramic view and if you’re into astrology like I am. Shoutout to my Virgos. And you can not go to LA without getting tacos or a hot dog in Santee Alley.

I like to explore whenever I go out but there needs to be good food and good vibes. Generally, I do enjoy a more intimate setting to socialize, I hate shouting to have a conversation. I can be a big personality too so anything to keep things mellow, I’m there for it. My partner and I prefer house parties or bbqs for that reason since I generally keep my circle very small. I can’t give any recommendations on bars or nightlife since I don’t usually go myself but I can always connect people with hosts for different clubs in the LA/OC area.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

To my son: You are my best creation by far, I love you K.

To my Honey: Thank you for saying yes and sticking through the mess. I can’t imagine doing life with anyone else.

To Nhi: For being the best mentor and friend. A boss baddie with a heart.

To Mommy + Mimi: For teaching me how to hustle like a man because why depend on one?

To Daddy: For always making me feel seen over chicken nuggies and fries.

Website: Chelseathestylist.com

Instagram: chelseathestylist

Image Credits
Kaelea Ronquillo