Conversations with the Inspiring Chelsea Bardzik

Today we’d like to introduce you to Chelsea Bardzik.

Chelsea, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I have always been interested in the life of the beauty industry but in my family, it was a must that you attend college. I made an agreement to myself that I would do both. I attended Penrose Academy in Scottsdale, Arizona and graduated in 2011. Shortly after I got an assisting job at a hair salon in Scottsdale and started at a community college. I attended classes for a few years and discovered, I was drawn to psychology and the study of human emotions, etc. I finally decided what a better way to combine the two! As a hair stylist, we have the ability to help people not only feel beautiful on the outside but also on the inside as well. I threw myself into my passion for people and beauty and my career took off! A year after cosmetology school, I was renting a chair part-time, then moved to full time and now I am running my business out of my own studio. It’s my goal that every client I see leaves my chair feeling beautiful physically and mentally. My favorite thing about doing hair is seeing client selfies showing off my work and hearing that they have a new sense of confidence after leaving my studio.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I’ve always said anything worthwhile will not come easy. This industry can be cutthroat. You have to constantly attend continuing education courses to keep up with the changing trends. You have to learn how to juggle working in a salon full time, then get off work and respond to all your client’s messages all while still maintaining a life outside of work. Give yourself personal days, it’s so important. You also have to accept that perfection doesn’t exist and no matter how hard you try, sometimes, you just will not be a good match for certain people. I learned that as long as YOU do your absolute best no matter what the outcome you know you worked to your full potential. You also become a part of your client’s life. Hair stylists are considered part-time therapists after all. You know their deepest secrets, you watch them evolve and get married, have children, go through breakups and loss of loved ones. You get to be a part of someone’s life journey and its so rewarding. Keep it professional but be compassionate. Hair is a women’s crown she never takes off. Someone can be having the worst day ever but after a cute cut or change of color and a listening ear, you have the ability to turn someone’s entire week around.

What should we know about A Breath of FresHair inside Sola Salon Studios Phoenix? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I love color! I do color, cuts and extension install. I specialize in women’s hair medium to long length. I love doing big color transformations and I also have been big into extensions over the last few years. I do bead and tape install. My favorite color technique right now is balayage. Hair isn’t just a paycheck to me. My favorite part about the job is showing your client her finished result and seeing a huge smile spread across her face. I love the “I just got home and my boyfriend is OBSESSED!” texts. I live for the Instagram posts of girls showing off my work in their selfies and posting about how much they love their hair. It’s a rewarding feeling knowing you contributed to boosting someone’s self-confidence.

Who do you look up to? How have they inspired you?
My mom inspires me every day. She is such a go-getter and never settles in life. She always pushes me to shoot for the stars. She encourages me every day to better myself, both in my personal life and my career. She has taught me to get comfortable being uncomfortable because comfort never brings growth. You can not succeed if you don’t take risks and even if some of the risks you take end up unsuccessful, at least it was a learning lesson. There are also many famous hair stylists I admire for their sheer talent and drive. It’s so motivating to hear someone’s story about how they started with nothing and pushed for success. We are lucky to live in a world where thanks to technology we are able to follow their social media accounts and learn about new products or new techniques they are using.

Contact Info:

• Address: Sola Salon Studios Phoenix
  A Breath of FresHair suite #5
  4727 e cactus rd
  Phoenix, AZ 85032
• Website: http://www.solasalonstudios.com/locations/paradise-valley-village
• Phone: 4803690867
• Email: cbardzikk@gmail.com
• Instagram: chelseab_azhairstylist

Image Credit:
Chelsea Bardzik

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