Today we’d like to introduce you to Estrella (Star) Garza
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Austin is home and always will be. I was born and raised in South Austin and grew up with a very keen interest and appreciation for art. From painting for hours on end in my room to creating small art pieces with house hold items. I was always looking for a creative outlet. As much as I enjoyed these things, resources for art supplies can quickly add up. My family did not have those resources. So I began to find other ways to fulfill my creative urge. Going into my adolescence I began to buy mix blended extensions and play with my own hair. From sewing wig clips to synthetic extensions to cutting my own bangs. I was able to not only express my self as an individual but also begin a life long love for hair styling and the art of cosmetology. As much as I’d like to say I followed my childhood dreams and passions as soon as I stepped into my adulthood, that is actually far from the truth. With the desire to break generational poverty I went to Austin Community College right after high school and began my journey to an associates in Computer Science. Far from my deep rooted love for hair and creativity, after college I began to work in the corporate world. Seven years later there was a deep sense of disconnect not only in myself but also in my life. I had to stop and reevaluate was anything I had done career wise truly made me feel accomplished or at that, happy? I made the decision to take control of my future and trade the spreadsheets for a pair of shears. However, the change did not come easy. I continued to work my 9-5 and attended Avenue Five Institute at night. Sixteen hour days for 10 months did not come easy. However, I knew I was making a move into a career path I’ve always had a calling for. Graduation came sooner than expected and I hit the ground running by committing to my Co-Stylist apprenticeship with Craig Piatti Salon a Safe Space; three months after graduation. It has been quite the journey. What at times felt so far from my reach was in actuality at my fingertips just waiting for me to take a full hold.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Nothing great comes easy. I’ve known that since I was a child. My mom was a single mom who truly tried her best to give me every opportunity. While she wanted me to flourish in my love for art and hair she just didn’t have the means. So instead, she taught me how to be tenacious and resilient. That really is what helped me on this journey. I would be so exhausted after working all day and then attending night school. Trying to remind myself that it would all be worth it. I just have to be patient. I fought to get my license. Not just in the battle of sleep deprivation and exhaustion but also my learning capabilities. Since I was young I knew I learned differently. I was even held back in the second grade. Those moments of feeling “behind the pack” carried into my adulthood and were highlighted once again when I went to cosmetology school. During this time I was also wrapping up a several year process of getting my late diagnosis of AuDHD. Where many of the students could pick up a hair cut or color theory rather quickly. I was still struggling to learn how to properly part hair. But I stuck with it and took my education outside the classroom when and where I could. The path that at times seemed bleak was graced with the bright light of other hair dressers who helped me along the way. I will always have the utmost gratitude to: Alex Arevalo, Brenda Hernandez and Hector DelValle. Their encouragement and my mind set, of not letting my diagnosis in the midst of a career re-set get me down made this possible.
I know now it’s never too late to start over but at the time there were days where I would ask myself “is this all worth it?” I’ve heard people say good things come to those who wait. I say good things come to those who self advocate! I knew paying for my own education out of pocket, working day and night along with having to ask for help as many times as I needed it. Would mean that I have to speak up and use my challenges as a platform to build my career and clientele.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m most proud of my extension work with Bellami Hair Latina Pro and Bellami Hair Español Pro as it represents my creativity, culture, and meticulous attention to detail. It’s been an honor to have my work showcased on the Bellami Latina and Bellami Español Instagram page. I have found that providing an exceptional client experience in the hair industry does not always equate to continuous dialogue. I am still building a clientele, in the future I would love to offer silent appointments. This, I feel sets me apart in a way that takes the pressure off both the stylist and the client. Of course, I love getting to know my clients but also want to create a safe space for anyone who would like to have the ability to enjoy a quiet service.
Any big plans?
I hope that, not only can I inspire someone who wants to follow what they truly love and turn into genuine dream career to go out and do it! I also have hope for the future generations of cosmetologists and creatives who have learning difficulties or are neurodivergent like myself. That with the right encouragement and information, I hope they can see there is a space for themselves in a fast paced, client facing environment. Yes, there will be struggles and specific obstacles they may have to face. Which is why I’ve used social media to highlight it all for me. The good the bad and the straight up “I’m not understanding”. In the future I’d like to use social media or even a community type platform to share information on testing accommodations, tools and equipment best fit for those struggling with fine motor-skills and over coming any client facing anxieties. These are just a few of the hurdles I’ve over come and would hope to share one day to help anyone who may think of their diagnosis as a set back to a career in the hair industry.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/hairxstar
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hairxstar/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/starza2015?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Other: TikTok: @hairxstar
Image Credits
Christopher Paul Cardoza
Estrella Garza
