October 15, 2016

Meet Candler Park Hairstylist: Alex Dobbs

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alex Dobbs.

Alex, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I went to Brenau University with dreams of becoming an Art Teacher. I’ve always loved creating and making beautiful things, but while traveling (and soul searching) the summer after my sophomore year, I realized that clay and paints might not be the creative outlet I was longing for. Loving hair and makeup the way I do, it seemed natural to go to cosmetology school! I started working in an Alpharetta salon immediately after graduating from Paul Mitchell. I was there for a little over 2 years. Unfortunately, I was in a horrible accident and couldn’t work for a few months. While on hiatus, I traveled (another passion) to NYC and fell in love with the city. I applied for “fast track training” hairstylist position in the Williamsburg Arrojo Salon and was accepted. BUT, to be able to afford to do it, I had to work another job and still borrow money from my parents to eat…honestly, I wasn’t ready for that yet. I hung with it as long as possible but eventually came back to Atlanta to be near family and friends. I’ve found a great salon home and clients that really appreciate my creative talents at Salon Red in Candler Park. I know it’s a place I can really grow.

Has it been a smooth road?
Well everyone has challenges, but mostly, I’ve been lucky. I’ve been able to work and learn from some amazing stylists. I’ve been able to save money to travel. But let’s be honest, this profession can be really hard on the body…and that’s the hardest part!

What is the most difficult part of what you do?
The hardest part of my job is the toll it takes on my body and limbs. After 4 days of working 10-12 hour days, I hurt. Also, another challenge I have is with building my clientele. I love the marketing aspect, but it can be tough work and it takes a lot of extra hours outside of the salon.

What are you striving for, what criteria or markers have you set as indicators of success?
The dictionary definition of “success” is; an accomplishment of aim or purpose…or achieving desired prosperity. Those things are very important of course, but I think “success” has more to do with that which makes you happy, the satisfaction you get from doing what you love, developing lasting relationships with stable and supportive people, continuous learning and believing in myself. It’s a journey for sure.

What are your plans for the future?
My future plans involve growing with my salon home. I want to meet and learn from platform artists. I want to get more involved in hair shows and fashion shows. I want people to know who I am!

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