We were lucky to catch up with Sarah Gonzalez recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Sarah, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
I honestly found my purpose by accident. In 2010, I was over 10 years into a successful Real Estate career. I really enjoyed piecing together all of the moving parts involved in getting the deal from negotiations to the closing table – I was really good at it. However, something was missing and I wasn’t happy. I can’t say that I gave it too much thought when I made an abrupt career change, because I really didn’t. While it worked out for me, I definitely wouldn’t recommend this to anyone. As I was looking through my options, I found a cosmetology course offered near me with the hours that worked for my “single mom” schedule. My thinking at that time was that I wanted to be around happy people. I mean, “Who isn’t happy when they are getting their hair done? How hard could it be?” Of course, I soon found out how much it actually takes to be successful as a solo entrepreneur, but that’s a story for another time.
It wasn’t until a few years into my career, as a hairstylist, that I really sat down to consider my “WHY”. My “why” beyond making money to provide for my family. When I did this, it hit me. What brought me joy was seeing my clients’ faces light up at the end of their appointment. Being able to support women build confidence, through my art of doing hair, was what filled me up. It’s no secret that a little confidence can go a long way in changing someone’s life and I was thriving on being a part of it.
Over the years, the services I offer have changed, but this passion and drive to build up others has remained the same. I cannot imagine doing anything else.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Throughout my journey, I’ve always been a go-getter and a risk-taker, taking on multiple projects simultaneously. In recent years, I’ve taken a step back to carefully evaluate my commitments. I have felt a calling to expand more on my purpose and drive of helping others, by mentoring other beauty professionals in the industry. My favorite way to do this is one on one with a customized approach. Whether they are just starting out or wanting to level up, helping other like-minded entrepreneurs grow and succeed, has been a rewarding part of my journey.
I’m also thrilled to share the launch of Anne & Jade Hair Collection, my very own line of hair extensions. Developed with professionals in mind. The inspiration behind this venture stemmed from my own frustrations in 2022 when I struggled with the quality of available hair extensions, directly impacting the outcome of my work. Determined to find a solution, I set out to create a line I could wholeheartedly rely on. After years of trial and error, I am finally ready to share it with other professionals.
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?
My background in real estate set me up for success with the business side of running my salon suite. As much as I cringe at the thought of ever doing it again, I don’t regret it. It is a huge contributing factor to my success in the beauty industry. I have learned to really lean into my intuition when it comes to making decisions like choosing clients that are the right fit for my vibe & talents, choosing my circle of trusted friends & advisors, and especially when taking on new projects.
If I were able to go back and speak to my younger self, I would tell her to trust her gut – always! I would also say that education is key to building confidence but to be sure to mix it up – technical skills, business, and self-development. All of these are essential for success and sustainability.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
As an entrepreneur, overwhelm can come on really fast. Just when I feel like I’ve gotten everything balanced and flowing, something new pops up that throws everything in a different direction. It really is the nature of being a business owner. When I find myself paralyzed with anxiety and not sure which fire to put out first, I stop. I am just too close to and too emotional about what is happening to be effective at making decisions. Sometimes just a really good night’s sleep does the trick to bring clarity. For the times a little more is needed, I do something that recharges me and has nothing to do with my work. For me, this is usually something alone and outside. The beach will forever be my ultimate happy place. The sound of the waves hitting the shoreline calms my soul and brings me back to what truly matters. If I haven’t found clarity after this, I will “phone a friend.” I have learned the value of having a strong group of peers, friends, and mentors in my corner. Sometimes going it alone just isn’t going to work. Learning to ask for help when I need it is one of the hardest things I’ve learned to do, but one of the most rewarding.
Contact Info:
- Website: serenityhairstudioflorida.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therootedstylist_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/tV2poqXTykzAiuu4/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
Image Credits
BRITTINE MANTILLA PHOTOGRAPHY
