Conversations with the Inspiring Denise Mobley

Today we’d like to introduce you to Denise Mobley.

Denise, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My story starts in cosmetology school in Collingswood, NJ. What should have been ten months to get licensed, turned into five years for me. Life would get in the way and I needed to put school on hold. This happened a few times, but I always went back. I knew I wanted to make people feel good! I have been in this amazing industry for 32 years! It’s been a lifeline for me. Financially, yes. More importantly, I have built many relationships throughout the years.

I started my career working for a salon that, at that time… 1987… haircuts were $5.99 and $4.99 on Tuesdays! Do you remember Skater cuts or Bowl cuts?? I could do that cut in 6 mins flat! Lol. What I realized, the stylist sitting next to me had four guests for the day and I would be cutting 25 skater cuts a day! Work Smarter not Harder!

So, I turned my attention to color and changed who was sitting in my chair, and how many guests I had was cut drastically! I went from 98% of men’s cuts to 98% color and chemical services.

I then decided the way to become a better hairdresser was to work for a manufacturer. I began to train with Davines hair color line and had exceptional training in chemistry and color correction. Then started teaching other stylists. From there I then received education through Redken and became a trainer for them as well.

These experiences allowed me to be a successful stylist and learn from the best!

I now have started to shift again in my career. For the last three years, I have been putting my attention toward curly textured hair. I have three biracial grown children. I remember being naive as to what to use on their hair. I had advice from their father’s side for products that ended up being too heavy for their curly fine hair. What I used in my own hair didn’t work either. I ended up putting it up and never let their beautiful curls take hold.

I have found that many women and girls with textured hair have stories on how they felt and feel about their hair. How stylist either run when they come in with their hair type or cut it like its straight. I have been training with Devacurl and I have to say the more I learn about curly, wavy, and super curly hair the more I want to share this with my textured sisters and show them how beautiful their hair really is! I have had women sit in my chair and tell me they have never liked their hair and after sharing education on how to take care of their curls these girls are head over heels!!

The best part of my curly specialist journey is seeing the change in the way someone sees themselves when we are done! If you like what you see in the mirror, it can change your confidence and self-love. Can’t beat that for a career! How many other industries touch people’s lives like a hairdresser does?

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The road is never easy… I had to sacrifice time with my family to learn my craft. I had to work full time and go to school at night, then come home to my babies. I had to put myself out there and plow through the fear of failing! I failed many times and tried to learn the lesson each time.

My advice to other women, young and old… older.. lol… is to push through the negative thoughts that go through our minds. You are good enough! You are worthy! You are brave! You are phenomenal women! Go out there and work hard on your dreams. And when it doesn’t work out the way you planned, know that God is in control and it may not end up the way you pictured it but then again God’s plan is usually better!

Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I am in the hair industry! I touch people’s lives! I specialize in hair color and curls. I am known for my education background. I love to share ideas and information with other stylists. As well as educating my clients on how to take care of their hair. I’m most proud of making people feel welcomed in my chair. I listen and include my guest’s opinion before I cut.

I think what sets me apart is my ability to really listen to my clients and figure out a plan to help them feel beautiful my goal is to see my clients loving their hair!

Who do you look up to? How have they inspired you?
I’m inspired by so many women!

To start would be my own mother. She lived thru the depression. Stories of nothing to eat and money was scarce. She only had an 8th-grade education but thru perseverance and hard work and a huge will to succeed, she became our towns mayors secretary and was respected by many.

I’m also inspired by the women who sit in my chair! They have stories of hardship, love lost, children, parents, love found, exciting careers, all while building families and showing how strong us women can be!

Pricing:

• Devacut and style .. $76
• Devacut maintenance $56
• Single process $69
• Balayage . Starts at $125
• Corrective color as per consult.

Contact Info:

• Address: Instyle salon inside Jcpenneys.
  7750 W. Arrowhead Towne center
  Glendale, Az 85308
  623-206-6074
• Website: Coming soon
• Phone: 623-206-6074
• Email: ned1664@gmail.com
• Instagram: #dmobleyhair
• Facebook: @dmobleyhair

Getting in touch: VoyagePhoenix is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.