Meet Givini Vega of Curltured Studio in Tucker

Today we’d like to introduce you to Givini Vega.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Givini. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Being the oldest daughter in my household of three girls, I, by default, became the designated hair stylist in the house. I remember teaching myself to cornrow on my Barbie mannequin whose hair would turn green and pink depending on the temperature of the water. My middle sister was my braiding and color guinea pig while my baby sister was my first natural hair client.

Fast forwarding to college straight out of high school, I originally enrolled at Columbus Technical College in 2009 for their nursing program. Halfway, I realized it was definitely not my passion. I gave myself an ultimatum and decided to change my major to Master Cosmetology. My family and friends were not the most supportive but I always enjoyed doing it. It made sense to me to study something I liked and if I wanted to go back for something else, I could.

During college, I also worked at Sally Beauty Supply for about 1.5 years. It helped back the information I was learning in school. I graduated December 2011 and was given my 1st chance by Shannon Buckner (owner of The Boyz Barbershop and Salon in Columbus, Ga.) Though I was not there long, Shannon gave me my first out of school experience and was readily available to answer any questions I had along with the other barbers.

Being a new stylist, especially in a barbershop, one has to put in the work to gain clientele and in turn make money. I anticipated it being slow but I was excited about the real-life education. Unfortunately, everyone was not as enthusiastic and I was constantly told to “get a real job” to help around the house. Being riddled with anxiety and feeling obligated, I left the barbershop within a few months. I entered the world of corporate America.

In 2014, I married my husband and moved to Alabama. I found myself unexpectedly unemployed. Thankfully, a friend owned a salon and needed some help. Here, I learned even more skills. One work day in 2015, I suffered a miscarriage and was not emotionally stable to go back to the salon. I honestly avoided it and found work later on in the corporate world once again.

In 2016, I suffered another tragedy that resulted in the loss of a second pregnancy. Our daughter, Sarai. At this point in my life is when I finally stopped caring about what others thought and we moved to Jacksonville, Florida. Here, I met my mentor, the Natural Hair Fairy, Gabrielle Zalina. With her creating the Texture Masters program, my husband’s major support, and with the help of Jehovah, I found my peace again. I rediscovered my happy place and never looked back. I was able to build my own tribe of support.

Once we moved to the Atlanta area, I was able to secure, not one but two jobs. I was a stylist at Hi Texture Hair Salon and a product consultant at Kinks and Curls Natural Hair Boutique. Both of these positions allowed me to meet inspiring individuals and build my clientele. Within months, I was being booked 2 months in advance.

At the cusp of my 7 year industry anniversary, I promised myself that if the opportunity to go off on my own were to arise, I would take it. Shortly after, I resigned from Hi Texture and began my journey as an independent stylist. At this time, Curltured Studio was birthed.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Ha! Not a smooth road at all. Postpartum depression and grieving were extremely difficult. I have suffered from years of depression and anxiety so I have always had to find ways to cope. Putting myself out there and taking chances goes against everything my mind says to do. The beauty world is not for the faint at heart. Fighting the inner voices and the well-intentioned naysayers is a task but must be done.

Regular life can also throw some roadblocks. While in Florida, my husband accepted a job in Atlanta. It was an awesome opportunity for him but put an abrupt halt in my career.

Once again I had to put myself out there and essentially start over.

Please tell us about Curltured Studio.
Curltured Studio is a texture focused healthy hair salon.

It is a play on the word culture. Coming here is a whole vibe as our clients will say. It is not somewhere clients book an appointment, wait for hours and have their hair done. We are known for punctuality, educating our clients and having a relaxing, judgment-free environment. We are creating a new culture revolving ethnic hair.

Curlture is also the result of combining Curls + Texture.

We are located with Mona Venus Med Spa in Tucker, Ga. Our services start with an in-depth consultation followed by scalp and shoulder massage with an essential oil blend of your choice. Our top requested style is the Curlture Method which is the styling technique that helps define each person’s unique kinks and coils. If you are new, we highly recommend booking the New Client Special that will give your hair the best head start. It includes a cut, steam hydration treatment, and style that is best suited for your hair. Everyone leaves with a plethora of information and a game plan for your hair goal. Clients leave with a new sense of confidence and knowledge.

What I am most proud of is the calm my clients feel upon arrival. The traffic alone can drive someone mad. To have clients tell me they countdown for their appointments for the “Me Time,” I am honored.

Curltured is different because we truly believe in community over competition. We have truly created a partnership with several businesses in the area most of which are also a minority, woman-owned. We are located in a woman-owned spa, suggest products and goods that can be purchased from a female owned store if we do not carry it, make referrals for health practices, etc. Our clients are all talented and normally offer a service someone can use. We spread all the love.

If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
All of my experiences allowed me to be the woman I am today as cliche as that sounds. Life has a way of giving you a wake-up call. I needed it all.

Seven years ago, I would have laughed in your face if you told me I was going to open a salon, be booked 3-4 months in advance, be forced to work towards hiring someone and be able to educate the masses. Things are funny that way.

Jehovah provided me with enough strength and support to pick myself up. My daughter is always in the back of my mind. I keep things around that remind me of her. Her nursery would have had elephants so I keep elephants in my workspace. It keeps me focused. It helps me to think that I am becoming the mommy she would have been proud to have.

In short, no. I would not have changed a thing.

Pricing:

• New Client Special: Curly $115
• Curltured Consultation $25
• Curltured Method $75

Contact Info:

• Address: 2256 Northlake Parkway
  Suite 204
  Tucker, Ga 30084
• Website: www.curltured.com
• Phone: 4703100578
• Email: givinivsalon@gmail.com
• Instagram: @GiviniV @CurlturedStudio
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/givinivega/
• Other: www.giviniv.com

Image Credit:
Lawrence Young, Jillian Nicole Cornwall

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