Today we’d like to introduce you to Aleczandria Dobson.
Aleczandria, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Growing up, my parents instilled in me to always be kind and pull the gold out of people. I try and carry that superpower into each and every endeavor. I got into the beauty industry at the urging of a few friends, and at the time, I didn’t realize the impact hair could have on a person-but knew immediately upon touring the Aveda Institute, that I had found the one thing where I could use my love of helping people and turn that into a career.
I knew delving into this adventure would be hard and a financial hit at first. Building a clientele is no joke-but I also knew the reward would be far greater than just a paycheck. I found my salon home at Craig McQueen in 2016 and am surrounded by the ultimate group of stylists turned friends. I have been able to build an amazing clientele of the fiercest women out there. To be able to see a woman come in with the stresses of life, and leave looking and feeling like she could conquer the world, is a gift in and of itself. To be able to know I had something to do with that is even better. You don’t realize in the moment the impact you have on someone, and the mark they also leave on you.
In 2018, I lost everything I owned to a house fire. My work family and clients were among the very first to not only send well wishes but completely swept in, took charge, and made sure myself and my daughter were completely taken care of. My parents’ lesson on being kind has and is continuously coming full circle. I always say that I have the best career out there. Hair won’t grow and you want length? I can give you that. Went through a life change and want to reflect that externally? I can help you there too. Extension work is a favorite of mine for the instant gratification and the complete shift in self-confidence I see on my clients’ faces. That might come across as superficial confidence to some. But I’ve personally witnessed women coming into their own when they feel amazing about how they look. There’s a shift in attitude and a boost in self-esteem that transcends far past hair. I love getting to experience that. I am overwhelmed with the goodness my career has brought me, and am beyond excited to see what the future holds, and who’s next in my chair.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Smooth seas don’t make skilled sailors, right? Of course, it hasn’t been easy. Nothing worth it ever is. Coming into my salon, Lisa Craig, the owner, took me under her wing and mentored me. From my skill set to how I interacted with clients-everything at the moment felt poked and prodded like I was under a microscope. And ya, at the time, it hurts. You get too introspective and forget that you’re growing into a better “you”. She took on a new stylist with zero confidence in her craft and spent countless hours investing. I’ve yelled and cried and hugged and laughed with her. I wouldn’t be the person or stylist that I am, had she not been there to simultaneously teach me and give me room to be myself. She, in a large part, is the reason for my career and personal success. Being uncomfortable is hard-but it’s a fleeting moment. The fear of becoming stagnant is what helps get me through tough times.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Craig McQueen Salon – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
At Craig McQueen, we focus primarily on extension work and color. Yes-we are trained in everything and I have plenty of clients that are strictly cuts. I specialize in extensions, from hand-tied extensions, tape-ins, individuals, etc. My favorite type of extension work is utilizing the natural beaded row method, using hand-tied hair. It’s the least damaging extension service out there and the most versatile. It can absolutely transform someone’s hair, giving them the locks that they naturally can’t have. My favorite color service is any type of blonding. I’ve been loving a rooty blonde look and my clients have had great success with it. It’s less maintenance, while still maintaining a brighter overall look. From warm tones to cool tones, I LOVE all blondes. I swear I work with the best team out there. Craig McQueen is a company that I’m incredibly proud to be a part of. From giving back to the community, to continuing education, to investing so much of ourselves into our craft and love of what we do, I couldn’t imagine working under a better leader. Lisa Craig goes above and beyond to ensure her team and customers are taken care of. We strive as a whole to make sure each and every client is heard, seen, and happy. It’s what we do and we do it well.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
Listen, what I know all too well, is we typically have this idea of what our life is supposed to look like and how we’re supposed to get there, and it tends to never go as planned. My personal goal though, will always be to grow my relationship with Jesus and to continue raising my daughter to be the best version of herself. She’s pretty awesome, by the way. My goals in my career are weekly, quarterly, and yearly. I have certain financial milestones that I’d love to achieve and believe I will. I want to continue to grow my clientele to include more extension work and more color. My ultimate goal is to empower as many people as possible to go out and pursue something that sets their soul on fire.
Contact Info:
- Address: 3872 Roswell rd suite c6
Atlanta, ga 30342 - Website: Craigmcqueensalon.com
- Phone: 4042669696
- Email: aleczandria11@gmail.com
- Instagram: Aleczandria08
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