Today we’d like to introduce you to Taylor Duarte.
Hi Taylor, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’m originally from a small town right outside of Lexington, Kentucky. I decided to attend cosmetology school after about a year in college when I noticed the class work and the idea of having a normal job wasn’t cutting it. Once I finished school, I decided that staying in a town I had known my entire life was not the move for me; I wanted to start my own journey in a place I’d never been! So, with the help of my husband, I decided on Austin! The city seemed so bright and thrived- just want I wanted! I packed up everything and made the 13-hour drive to my new home and to say it was rough would be an understatement. My husband was deployed and I only had one friend in this new city. I was forced to step out of my comfort zone and start a new life here. When I found my current salon, I was in need of a family here and they are just that. They help me grow as a stylist and individual; knowing I had them in my corner was the best feeling. Since joining Mirror Mirror Salon, my skills as a hairstylist have grown tremendously, followed by my confidence. I’m not the same shy girl from the bluegrass state, I’m now part of something greater! I know have a group of friends I know I can call when I need them and a salon family is just that- family! This move helped me grow so much and definitely was the best thing I could’ve imagined!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Definitely not the easiest road ever that’s for sure. Life will always throw obstacles your way and that’s how you grow! My husband being deployed definitely was one of the biggest simply because I had to do all of this by myself. I never lived by myself, let alone move across states without him. I knew only one person in Austin and was forced to go out and have dates with myself where I got to meet strangers and hear their stories.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a hairstylist at Mirror Mirror Salon here in Austin. I’m still searching for what I specifically want to specialize in, but I do know I love curls and lived in color! I’m most proud of how far I’ve come as a stylist since being in the real world. I’ve gained the confidence I’ve always dreamed of and now get to create art in hair! I would say I’m very observant; I read people’s expressions and can always guess what they are going to say next. I love when a client or someone can’t get me to guess their next phrase/move- it keeps me on my toes!
What was your favorite childhood memory?
My favorite childhood memory was definitely when I played Cindy Lou Who in my 5th-grade play; all the cool hairstyles and makeup really had me obsessed with theatrics. I think that’s where my love of hair and makeup started!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: taylorduartehair
