We recently connected with Alyx Hawkins and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Alyx, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.
When I felt my most insecure in the beauty industry I did not even know the term imposter syndrome. Learning this term was the first step in gaining my confidence. Years ago, I made the scary decision not to finish my Biology degree. I left college to attend a trade school and study esthetics. I had no idea what an esthetician was, but I was so excited I found something I was passionate about. I uprooted my whole life and moved eight hours away to attend the Aveda Institute in Dallas. I knew one person here. When I first made the move there was a moment when I didn’t think I could do it alone and I was trying to move back home already. But this huge change in my life forced me out of my shell, I had to create my own community. I graduated and fell in love with Texas, so I decided to stay and find work in Fort Worth. I started building up my confidence, I boosted myself in the mirror and I showed up every day. I had been fortunate enough to receive several promotions within my first job as an esthetician and ended up in the manager role for the salon and spa as well as an Aveda Ambassador which opened the door to education for me. I hosted in-house education and people showed up to hear what I had to say. Even though I knew I was going above and beyond and working hard I always felt I was too young or did not have enough experience to manage professionals that were older than me. I felt like an imposter. In 2020 when the world paused, so did business. I decided this was the best time to make the switch over to full-time education. I always thought I would have had more experience before I jumped into education, I was second guessing myself. I got the job and had to intern for 500 hours before I passed more state board exams for my Instructor License. When I passed those exams, it boosted my confidence enough that I hit the ground running. I learned how to lesson plan, create presentations, lead lectures, teach all the techniques my students needed and then some. I still have to remind myself some days that I’m not too young to teach those who are older than me, because each one of us has something to learn from each other and what I know is esthetics. Every student that comes through my classroom has taught me something new and that is what gives me the confidence to ignore the Imposter Syndrome. Remember your journey and how hard you worked to get where you are. Give yourself some credit and grace because you deserve good things.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
Growing up I always loved being creative and the beauty industry. Second to that I loved science. I studied Biology in college and when I was almost done with my degree I realized this wasn’t my passion anymore. I needed a career that was hands on and creative. I discovered Esthetics, which was the best of both worlds that I loved so much. I wanted to touch and move people. I wanted to give the confidence to women that I lacked so much when I was younger. I found a school that was perfect for me and that was The Aveda Insitute in Dallas. This company cares about more than just the skin. It cares about the environment, giving back, and involving the whole body when it comes to wellness. My time in Esthetics school truly changed my life, the beauty industry changed my life, and my educators changed my life. I knew then I wanted to be a part of education and inspire students the way I was inspired. I struggled when I first started. I was so shy. I couldn’t speak up for myself let alone speak up for my students or control a classroom. Early in my education career, I discovered HydraFacial when Aveda partnered with them to create a program for esthetics students so they can be certified by the time they graduate. This would enhance our students’ resumes and launch them toward success. I was lucky enough to be chosen to help create this curriculum and be the first educator to teach this program to students. We made some tweaks the first year and now we have a well-oiled machine that I got to assist in creating! Since then, Hydrafacial has rolled out this program at other schools across the country. Being an educator the past few years has pushed me into a season of growth I did not know I needed. My community continues to grow and life continues to change with every student that walks through my classroom doors. I had this idea of what I was capable of and that idea was a fraction of what I could actually handle. Alan Cohen has a quote that helps encourage me when I’m questioning myself, he says “personal growth is not a matter of learning new information, but of unlearning old limits”. Most of the limits we feel are holding us back are limits we created ourselves, let those go and see how far you can truly go. I know we can surprise ourselves.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
The three most important qualities that assisted me in finding success in this industry were the desire to build relationships, attentiveness, and passion. This industry is all about networking and who you know. The right connection or relationship could land you your dream job. You must be willing to network and build relationships. Everyone you meet whether it’s your student, your mentor, or even a new client could hold a new opportunity for you down the road. The best thing I did in my own practice to build a strong clientele is to focus on the relationship part of it. With any relationship you must have mutual trust, understanding, and empathy. The same goes for your clients who could stick around and support you for years to come. Attentiveness jump starts your career. Before you become a professional you are the student and how you spend your time as a student could decide your career. Attentiveness remains a very important quality when working on clients and growing in this industry. Being able to read body language and the energy of your client will better help you serve them. One of goals as an esthetician is to help our guest relax and feel taken care of. Being attentive is the first step to that. The most important quality that leads to success is passion. Being an educator, I learned very quickly that passion cannot be taught. When choosing a career, it’s so important to find something that interests you and intrigues you. Burnout is a scary term in this industry and is too prevalent, having passion for what you do is the best way to avoid burnout. Within the scope of esthetics there are so many different paths you could take and ways to grow, that’s what makes this industry so great.
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
Two things stand out when I think about my parents, their support and their work ethic. They taught me how to work hard, seeing them both work to give my brother and I everything we needed and wanted. They have also always been my biggest support system. When I decided to move to Texas and start this journey in the esthetics world, they were right by my side helping me move into my new place. They even volunteered to drive nine hours to be models for me to practice new techniques. Growing up they cheered me on with any new hobby I would pick up. And for me as a kid, there was something new every week whether horseback riding, ballet, volleyball, or joining a band. They have always been my biggest cheerleaders, celebrating all my successes, big and small. Their support has given me the confidence to try, even if I fail, I know their support will carry me.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alyxwiththegoodskin/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyx-hawkins-936698139/
