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

Hi Ian, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
Building the tribe one curl at a time. This quote came to me and has guided my practice over the last 20 years. It means stay in the moment focus on the client in your chair or the task at hand.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art and practice is working with curly hair in all its forms from lose waves to tight curls. I have dedicated the last 20 years to this practice I have given at all that I have and continue to do so every day. It has not been easy but it is a labor of love and I consider my self super lucky that I love what I do and I am so grateful for all the clients I work with.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I have lived in north county San Diego for 25 years now and I love when I get to play tourist in my home town. San Diego is truly an amazing place. When I have people in town getting out on the e-bikes is a must swamis beach and cafe for breakfast. Head up the coast thru moonlight to Neptune and thru leucadia. There are so many great spots in Carlsbad the only true village in north county steady state coffee campfire and Himalayan Sherpa are some of my favorite spots. The Koby swap meet is always a must for me and the casbah is rockin roll church always a good time.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have had my lives and many masters, all whom I have taken inspiration and pearls of wisdom from. Starting with my parents who brought me in and taught me how to live thru educators who opened my eyes to the arts. And my biggest mentor in the hair industry Michel Benaroch who I apprentice for and spent 15 years working with. He taught me a lot about hair and probably even more about life. I have also had the honor and privilege to study one on one in NYC with 2 visionary curly hair artist Denis Desalvia and Nubia Rizzo..

Website: https://Socurlhair.com

Instagram: @socurlhair

Yelp: Socurl hair

Image Credits
Robin Gordon

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSoCal is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.