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Meet Naomi Dove of The #itGirl in Buckeye

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Naomi Dove.

Naomi, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
After spending 13 years as an Aveda hairstylist, I felt the need to explore other paths in my career. In 2016 I took a trip that was sponsored by Inspire Greatness Aveda Institues to Rishikesh, India. I discovered the roots behind AVEDA as well as finding myself spiritually. After ten days of spiritual, physical, and mental cleansing at the foothills of the Himalayas, I began to embrace what I was seeking. A new me. An inspired me. A me who loves me. I was prepared to share my journey in the hopes to inspire others.

I came back to the United States recharged and ready to inspire. Early in my career, I was named “The Aveda It Girl” because of my passion for Aveda and my personal beliefs and mission was aligned with what they stood for.

Later in my career, I began to realize that I didn’t have a clear definition of who the “it Girl” was. I began to share my story with anyone who would listen about my struggles in the industry, my trip to India and my path to become a better me. When I thought no one was listening, I came to learn that EVERYONE was listening. I created a brand that was based on an empowering movement called the #itGirl brand. It relates to everything regarding self love, value and worth. I realized that I have the biggest influence standing behind the chair to encourage women to love themselves and their natural beauty. To look within themselves and find that beauty and not allow society to dictate to them what beauty means. People became so interested in what I do that I found myself wanting to expand to a bigger platform on social media through YouTube, Instagram and Facebook. It’s there, where I have a voice and freedom of expression. To show people that you can rise, grind, fall, pick yourself up and keep ongoing.

Because of the impact, I have had over the years within the Aveda network and my influence, I have received an abundance of opportunities with the company. Between product reviews, stage shows, podcasts, session work and speaking engagements, I have received one of the greatest honors thus far as an artist on Aveda’s Global Texture Team. The #itGirl brand is and will continue to grow based on being you, doing you, for you.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
In late 2018 I was in a head on collision that caused injuries where I feared I may not have been able to walk or continue in my career. It wasn’t an easy recovery, but I am now stronger than ever. There was a time I thought I was going to leave the industry after being let go from a position that I loved. Believing that when one door closes, another one opened that led me to an even greater opportunity at The Blue Daisy Salon and Day Spa.

Please tell us about your work.
In salon, I am a Master Stylist, excelling in all services provided while specializing in hair color and natural texture (wavy, curly, and coily) cutting and styling services. Additionally, I am the Technical Director for Hair Color Education. I am responsible for the growth in education for in-salon educators, coaches, and stylists by providing continuing education with Aveda and Blue Daisy curriculum as well as performing technical evaluations.

Within the Aveda network, I am an Aveda Hair Color Purefessional and Texture Team Artist. I am provided opportunities to travel and teach specialized classes across the country for Aveda professionals.

About five years ago, I was determined to live my life paperlessly. To do that, I had to evaluate and elevate my surroundings. I had to change my mentality at work and at home. I pitched an idea to the salon owner at the time about creating a paperless environment within the salon and education program. After nine months of integrating a program though Apple technology and supported salon software, I was being recognized for my talents by Aveda and other salons in the network. The “Aveda ‘it’ Girl” had evolved. Being dubbed a “tech princess” in the network was a huge accomplishment and soon led to many opportunities within Aveda.

Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
My level of communication, drive and outgoing personality. I’m a pretty straightforward individual, but I know how to have fun and not take everything SO SERIOUSLY. I believe my ability to speak with intention, follow through and deliver is what has made me successful.

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Image Credit:
Justin Proctor

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