Life and Work with Maylynn “Seoul” Oswald

Today we’d like to introduce you to Maylynn “Seoul” Oswald.

Maylynn, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
When you talk to people that have pursued a passion, I think everyone’s story starts out similar. There is an intrinsic desire to pursue a specific path. During my childhood, I was surrounded more by agriculture and the FFA than the beauty industry. Despite my upbringing, however, I still wanted to pursue a career as a hairstylist. That calling would come back after every significant milestone. It was there after high school graduation, college graduation and up until I dropped out of law school.

I took a lot of detours and learned a lot about myself in the process. If I would have gone to cosmetology school straight out of high school, I would not be the stylist I am today. I spent time getting my degree in Criminal Justice, living in a hostel on Maui and completing my first year of law school at UGA. It wasn’t until law school when I finally realized I needed a change. I felt as though I had completed an arbitrary checklist of how to be an adult but was still left with the desire to work in the service industry. I would daydream in the law library about my alternate life.

The summer after my first year, I worked at a law firm in Seoul, South Korea. One morning, I googled cosmetology schools and emailed the dean to tell him I was dropping out. And when people ask about a moment in your life when you made a risky decision not knowing how it would turn out – this was mine. I was terrified. Terrified to tell my parents, terrified of being judged by my classmates, terrified I had risked a career in law to follow a fruitless dream, absolutely terrified.

Looking back now, it feels like a different life. I don’t look at it so much as quitting anymore. I didn’t quit. I took another path that was better suited for my personality, my strengths, and my mental health.

I graduated from the Aveda Institute in Charlotte and got my dream job at Van Michael Salon. I started on Valentine’s Day, 2012.

Great, 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?
It hasn’t been smooth but it definitely smoothed out. My advice to young women is to explore all of your potential paths and surround yourself with people who are doing different things than you.

If something continues to call you, don’t be afraid to take your life in a new direction. I wish someone had told me it was okay to depart from the road I was on. Don’t let it get to the point where it starts to affect your well-being. Do what you know is right for you.

There’s no shame in changing directions. Honor the people that you met on that journey and move on to the next.

Please tell us about Van Michael Salon Virginia Highlands.
The salon is wonderful! Transitioning from law school to the beauty industry was a complete 180 for me but the structure and guidance Van Michael provided has helped tremendously. There is a big emphasis on education which is why I chose Van Michael right out of school. The training program is rigorous and taught by some of the most talented people in our industry. I feel very fortunate to have that kind of access. They also encourage continuing education and support stylists by providing opportunities to continue learning.

Van and Michael are also extremely personable people and care deeply about their employees. They know everyone by name and do a lot to make sure we are taken care of. I’ve been with the company for over seven years now and feel lucky to have found this family.

Are there any apps, books, podcasts or other resources that you’ve benefited from using?
For hair, some of the best inspiration comes from Instagram! When I have downtime, I will scroll through #mulletmonday & daydream about giving all my clients shags! It’s a great way to explore what other artists are currently doing and an amazing platform for sharing education.

As far as life goes, my dad gave me a book called The Financial Diet by Chelsea Fagan and it has been helpful in navigating finances as an adult. I also enjoy podcasts when I’m driving. Some of my favorites are Malcolm Gladwell: Revisionist History, Invisibilia, and This American Life.

Yoga has also been a great resource for me because of the wonderful community I have found through it. It has helped my self-esteem, my strength, and my mind.

Pricing:

• Haircuts: $72
• Blow out & Style: $60
• Keratin Treatment: Start at $295
• Extensions: Starting at $75 plus the cost of hair

Contact Info:

• Address: Van Michael Salon Virginia Highlands
  778 North Highland Avenue
  Atlanta, GA 30306
• Phone: (404) 874-6604
• Instagram: @scissorandseoul / @maylynnlikewaylon

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