Many of my peers, family and co-workers know that I attend Paul Mitchell the School SLC. Many of those people know how long I've been trying to get my dream machine to start working (It took me 2 years). Some may say it was bad luck, bad timing...bad government in CA..I just decided it wasn't in my written book for me to start so young. I was right.
I went to school after school, trying to search for a place that I belonged. I researched ROP programs-after school programs for 16-17 year old teens still in highschool for credits-community colleges, cheap ways to get each license I need, beauty academies...I searched everywhere. It took me about six months to decide on Paul Mitchell. My stylist at Lunatic Fringe, Soula, the only person I fully trust to do my hair any way she wants, told me she went to this amazing school, Paul Mitchell. I thought to myself "yeah, 15 grand would be amazing..you get high end tools and fancy instructors". She corrected me, it's the culture, the things they teach you. I just brushed it off and went to tour at The Academy for Salon Professionals. It was perfect for me, my type of personality, MAC makeup, 3 doll heads! What a dream...right? Wrong, 22 grand for 16 months and interest rates that could give an old man a heart attack. Besides the finances, I didn't hear the Admissions woman mention anything about a culture...about becoming a good stylist AND a good friend to clients. I kept in mind that I waited 45 minutes for my tour..I was even early. I was excited to talk about it to my mom and get going on my dream. However, something held me back, I still can't put my finger on it, but it was big enough for me never to speak to The Academy again. Another woman from my church in Palo Alto went to PMTS and she loved it, her husband vouched for the school telling me there's just such an amazing atmosphere and even on the slowest days (usually a Tuesday or Monday) they made it seem so busy, and happening. After hearing this during a mutual activity I just had to check this school out and research...like I always have to do with every decision I make. I look up online PMTS, pro and con list. It was also 20 grand in SF...ouch. I went back to visit home (Utah) and got my hair done by Soula. I told her I was seriously considering PMTS and her face lit up. She made me so excited to even just talk about the possibility. Immediately after I get back to CA I call the school, make an appointment, send in my application and awaited February of 2010 to come.
I hopped on Amtrak and rode 18 hours to attend Alta's Sweethearts dance and to finally see PMTS.
The day arrived and I was so nervious, anxious and excited...just about ready to puke up my homemade pancake breakfast..and my soon to be McDonald's lunch.
I walk in, I'm welcomed by this urban looking chick who had a huge smile on her face..odd I thought. I check in and I meet Blue-eyed Brent. He was happy, ecstatic to meet me and couldn't wait to show me around. It was love...I took three steps onto the floor and just felt like I was surrounded by my best friends. He took me around and everything just fit in.
Long story short, I postponed my first day about 4 times, kept switching back and forth from part time to full time almost moved to North Carolina, and then it was time to sign my contract from January 11th, full time.
My first day at PMTS, intimidating..quiet and nerve racking. I was actually taking my first step towards my 19 year old dream. I honestly almost wet my pants from my excited nerves, and joy. My CORE instructor, Kevin. My type of teacher, doesn't shoot around bush, blunt and knows how to put a smile on anyone's face...quite the trend setter. I hear these knew vocab words such as Discoveries instead of mistakes, challenges instead of problems and to stay away from the lunch room and angry people in black. hah. He told us about the culture at PMTS, no tolerance for malicious gossip and definitely no tolerance for negativity. We're given these books...like how to be nice, how to turn around your negative outlook and make anyone feel happy..just as the staff executes so nicely. Our classes aren't just book work, each one has a bonding experience, whether it was meeting someone knew with the same dream or finding out your friend's dream that's total opposite of yours. Each instructor has an inspiring way to speak to people and each day has literally changed my outlook on the type of professional I want to be. There's one educator specifically that I'm drawn to daily. She's our color expert, vibrant, exciting and outgoing woman.
Friday's are color classes and I look forward to them every week.
This Friday's class was one that was needed, one that is Paul Mitchell appropriate, and one that I know for a fact changed every FP's (future professional) mood, outlook and logic on life. She shared so many things with us that made you feel odd if you didn't share as well. It wasn't anything to do with color, and it was well worth my tuition cost. She shared the things she used to help her get to the person she is today. It was heart warming to hear, and tears flowed. My past three months at PMTS have been the best three months at a school. I've bought the books she swears by and I've sworn to complete honesty with myself. I've set goals for myself and I DO intend on keeping them.
For anyone who is struggling with who they are, who they want to be and how they feel each and every day, I have one word of advice.
Honesty.
Happiness.
Optimism.
I could go on and on about how excited I am for my next thirteen months at PMTS but I think you all get the point.
Do what you love, do it how you want to do it and, don't let anyone tell you how to go about it.
We all have challenges, we all make discoveries.
S**t happens, and so does life!
Make the crap worth smelling and life worth living (Don't steal that)..and maybe pop into Target and grab "90 minutes in heaven" or "the art of racing in the rain"...and attend ZUMBA! ;)
The songs that inspired me the most:
F****** perfect-Pink
Wouldn't it be nice-Beach Boys
Anything by Bob Marley.
