We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Alex Dale a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alex , we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?
I have developed my confidence by continuing to put myself in situations where I am out of my comfort zone. I’ve recently joined networking groups in my area that are focused on elevating women and minority owned small business. I really enjoy learning about people and their differences in perspective, without focusing so much on negligible things like income level and job titles. I especially enjoy being in rooms where the majority are further along in their endeavors, so I can learn by actively listening to their stories. Reaching out in this way has helped me cultivate my self-esteem tremendously both personally and professionally, because I can sit in the comfort of knowing there are other’s out there with similar goals and struggles. Exposing myself to these groups has helped me grow into a better person who knows my worth and can connect in a room full of larger than life individuals, without allowing my insecurities to take over. It has also given me the confidence to remove myself from tables where there is a lack of respect and open-mindedness. I believe, knowing when and how to set boundaries for yourself and sticking to them regardless of how you’re viewed by others, is the best way to build your confidence and self-esteem.
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?
My given name is Alexandra Estella Jane Dale, I’ve always gone by Alex and I have no idea why, but its stuck with me for my entire life. When I first started my business in January of 2013, I was working for a neighborhood salon with some of the most talented, funny and loving individuals I have ever had the honor to meet. While working there, I started a “side-gig” business and named it Estella Jane Style. I started working with local photographers traveling to different photo studios in Denver, styling hair and applying make up for models, family photo sessions and even curated two fashion shows, one in 2015 for RAW Artists and 2017’s Retro-con.
Over the past 4 years my business has changed dramatically, I mainly travel on location for work and service a small amount of clientele from a private studio called “EJS Beauty” where I specialize in vintage and modern hairstyles, soft and bold glam make up, lived in and vivid hair color, haircuts and treatments for ALL. My typical clientele consists of bides and small wedding parties, local fashion models and people wanting hair styling and makeup before boudoir, family photos and other special events. This May, I’ll be working behind the scenes of Denver Fashion Week, helping designers curate the perfect hair and makeup looks for models wearing their designs on the runway.
With my years of knowledge and a diverse portfolio, I have had some of the best opportunities of my career so far! I am so grateful for all the experiences, good and bad, that have shaped me into the artist and business owner that I am today. I can’t wait to see where life takes me next!
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Perseverance, courage and discernment have been the most impactful skills and qualities that I’ve continued to develop on my journey. My advice to other’s who are just starting out, would be to have the courage to step outside your comfort zone, the discernment to decide which opportunities will give you the best return and the perseverance to keep going, even when you’re unsure of what the future holds. Slow and steady growth is the best way to enjoy the ride.
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?
I believe the most impactful thing my parents did for me was to allow me to make my own mistakes, provided guidance (when I ask for it) to the best of their abilities and trust that I was making the right decisions for myself. I appreciate them for letting me be myself without any questions or outward disappointment.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.estellajanestyle.com
- Instagram: @estellajanestyle
- Facebook: @EJSBeauty
- Linkedin: Alexandra Dale – EJS Beauty
- Youtube: @EJSBeauty
Image Credits
Professional branding “lets makeup” photo taken by Woodville Dream Photography
