Life and Work with Alex LaPointe

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alex LaPointe.

Alex, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I always knew I wanted to do hair! As a little girl, I would cut all my barbies hair, and I learned to braid on a Betty Spaghetti doll. As I grew up, I was always styling my friends’ hair and even had a fake salon with a childhood friend where we would style hair and do pedicures! (I definitely do not do pedicures now.) In 8th grade, a trade school presented to us the courses they offered that were available to take once you are a junior in high school. Cosmetology was one of them and I knew immediately I was going to do their program. I took summer school and online courses to be able to get all my credits in order and also be able to attend beauty school. Fast forward to my junior year, I would take my core classes at Higley High in the morning, and attend the cosmetology program at the East Valley Institute of Technology, also knows as EVIT, in the afternoon. It took two years and I graduated beauty school at the same time I graduated high school in 2010.

It took me a few months to apply for a salon job because I was so scared to start doing hair. I applied at salons & barbershops that were out of my comfort zone and specialized in areas that were my weakness so that I could get hands-on training. I jumped around for a few years, and now, I own a salon suite with another friend of mine! It hasn’t been easy and it’s been terrifying at times, but I love what I do and I wouldn’t have done it any other way!

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Has it been a smooth road? Yes and no. I say yes because doing hair is all I’ve ever wanted to do, so I knew no matter what I would find a way to do what I love. I say no because it’s a lot of work. Things don’t just get handed to you. You need to put in your time and work your butt off. That is my advice for anyone swathing out in the industry, or anyone starting a business. Work your butt off, take any and all education classes you can, work the hours’ no one wants to work, take the clients no one wants to take, and learn from every experience.

Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I have been a Hairstylist for nine years. I specialize in blondes but am also known to do fun textured cuts and extensions and I also do bridal and wedding styling!

I am always learning and willing to take on any client or color as long as it is nothing that will compromise the integrity of the hair. I listen to what my guests want and need, even if I don’t necessarily agree with what they want. However, I do always give my professional advice, but at the end of the day is it the guest who has to wear their hair, not me. I do whatever I can to make them happy!

There’s a wealth of academic research that suggests that a lack of mentors and networking opportunities for women has materially affected the number of women in leadership roles. Smart organizations and industry leaders are working to change this, but in the meantime, do you have any advice for finding a mentor and building a network?
If you need a mentor, just ask! I’m fortunate enough to be in an industry where everyone supports and lifts each other up. If they are a decent human being, they will be willing to answer any questions you have or offer advice. If you want to network, just reach out to people in the industry! Ask to do a collaboration or partner with them to offer packages and services. With that being said, I am an open book to anyone who has questions or needs advice!

Pricing:

• Haircut $50 – includes shampoo and style
• Blonding $105-$185+ – includes toner, Olaplex. And style.
• Extensions $250+ – Beaded Row sew-ins
• Brides $85+ – On-site options available

Contact Info:

• Address: Phenix Salon Suites
  6671 E. Baseline Rd
  Mesa, Az 85206
• Website: Www.pinandpainted.com
• Phone: 480-789-3329
• Email: pinandpainted@gmail.com
• Instagram: Instagram.com/pinandpainted

Image Credit:
Wedding Photographers, Katelyn Cantu @katelyncantuphoto, Maite Perez @maitemphotography

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