Today we’d like to introduce you to Francisco Olivares.
Hi Francisco, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Imagine living in a small West Texas town where life is simple, the internet was becoming a thing, and satellite dish (you remember the HUGE ones on our lawns) was the only connection I had to the world. Life didn’t get much better than that because what you see what’s right in front of you is what you get. But when you have big dreams in a small town, you start to stand out from all the rest.
I knew very well that I was different and that my interest with fashion was a creative expression that helped me understand what I wanted to do when I was older. I just had to get my foot in the door in another city and leave everything simple behind. I put myself through college and decided to quickly start hair school, so I dropped out of college and I began my journey with hair.
I understood that this career was going to be more hands on. And quite obviously, if you haven’t caught it yet, I don’t hold back. I immersed into each service possible, asking questions, trying it out, from experiences with clients with highly textured hair, coarse, thick, or extensions, any service – you name it. My goal was to be prolific. While working and going to school, I finally saw the light at the end of the tunnel- I graduated. You can’t call me a beauty school dropout!
I took a job with a couple of hair salons to gain more experience. I was determined to learn the ins and outs of this industry and help provide a service while maintaining a special bond with each reservation. It was necessary for my next endeavor.
During a road trip with my Mother, who at the time was discovering she had cancer, I walked into a salon and applied here in Austin. I got the job, so I quickly packed when I came home and stuffed my vehicle with clothes and my shears. It was a bold move, but I was hungry for more experiences. I met some of the greatest individuals where I worked. I couldn’t be more grateful for learning and growing within a salon that took a chance on someone like myself. The people I met with each reservation accepted me and my talents. They believed in me. These were things I never felt or experienced before. You see, I didn’t have the luxury to ask my mother or father for money for anything. I’m pretty sure that they would’ve, I just knew better. So I was passionate about learning everything this salon had to offer.
You cannot teach passion.
When I heard that for the first time, it was a compliment from one of the best bosses I’ve ever worked with – I got it tattooed on my arm. I have never put any negative thought or have ever felt like I hated work. I was so passionate about hair. I reached every goal I set out. I reached the highest level of stylist in the salon I worked in… I became part of a team, the most elite of the company, I won many awards within the company. Nothing could go wrong. Until I was let go. That was a bad day for me. Again, I do not have the luxury to mope around and knew it was a blessing in disguise.
I was with the salon for 11 years, and I had a good following of clientele. Fortunately, I was able to relocate, but each place I worked at had unexpected transitions that forced me to find another salon. That made me realize that I will have more experiences like that until I own a salon.
Pandemic
Now that I put that out in the universe, I just didn’t know when owning a salon would happen. I did start looking several times. But I just couldn’t find a location. I understood all the responsibilities, and I have experienced many salons at this point and all the employees I met too (what a headache with some of them!). I was ready.
It literally took a pandemic to get this salon to exist. The pandemic shook the whole world, and gurrrrl, I was shooketh!…But it was either curled up in a fetal position or face it head on. The world shut down, and the city kept pushing back the opening dates. We were also instructed (in the salon I was currently working in), per the city – six feet apart. Meaning that the salon was limited to certain stylists. The owners drew out names from a hat to determine which day we were going to work. I then decided to look for a two bedroom apartment and make the second bedroom into a salon. Hey, when push comes to shove! But then a friend informed me of an opportunity of a location. I went to look at it, and then we signed the lease.
Kool Arrows was born. Kool Arrows is a Spanish slang term for culero. It shows you my comical side while also representing my Latino roots. My brand has a following of great individuals who represent me so proudly. It resembles a community that I feel helped give me the passion in my art and craft and being able to make my guests feel and look like a million bucks without spending the millions. It is because of each guest that I am here. They have been my biggest cheerleaders, and I am grateful to them forever.
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?
I had many challenges. Growing up gay in a small town makes you a target. Imagine being a gay hairstylist! Lol.
Funding is always a challenge when you want to expand. I plan on expanding and hope to continue grow a following holla at me if you know people with extra money. Lol.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a stylist that provides services for men, women, and children. Keratin treatments, Brazilian blowouts, hair extensions, balayage, color, and cuts.
I take lots of pride in my styles. I love glam looks. Trendy cuts. My chair is for the bold, and who know who they are and are confident in wearing it.
I love doing editorial looks. Thats usually the stuff you do not get to do to people for their everyday look. This is fantasy, avant garde
I have worked with great hairstylists and was able to assist them. As well as being connected with friends in LA who recommend some of their clients to me.
I’ve been flown out for weddings to do hair.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
You cannot teach passion.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.koolarrows.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/koolarrows512/
