Today we’d like to introduce you to Sophia Avera.
Sophia, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
You could say it happened organically, I had a knack for hairdressing from the start. Now, 15 years later I’m proud to be a national educator for L’Oreal Professionnel and stylist behind the chair at Muse Salon and Spa. The story begins in my hometown of Minneapolis. After 7 years of hairdressing and multiple amazing mentors, my father suddenly passes. After closing out his life, I found myself reevaluating my career path. The timing was the during the recession. I read in a book to invest in a skill when business is down, to prepare for when it bounces back. I bought my tickets to NYC and paid to get certified in Balayage at the L’Oreal Professionnel Soho Academy. Nancy Braun was my mentor and she was just the light I needed. Fast forward I moved to Atlanta in order to continue progressing. Atlanta has the airport I needed to travel for work, and a thriving beauty industry. Atlanta has exceeded my expectations. I feel I can attain the greatest levels of skill be it cut, color, or styling. However, without vision, all these skills will ultimately fall flat.
Has it been a smooth road?
Losing my father put every other bump in the road into perspective; first world problems won’t shake me.
Have you ever wanted to stop doing what you do and just start over?
Yes, I have had moments where I felt like quitting. Felt like this career path wasn’t where I belonged. Following my dad’s death, it was incredibly challenging to find the energy and enthusiasm to execute a client’s service. I found solace in learning, so I took classes towards my associates at the local community college. This was a band-aid, but it wasn’t the cure. One of my many mentors in hairdressing demanded I invest in classes in NYC to learn a new technique in hair-coloring. She said it’s worth it. Less than six months later I walked into the L’Oreal Professionnel Soho Academy and everything else is history. The artists on stage spoke to my soul. I’m forever grateful for the ones who have spoken up along the way and the willingness in my DNA to listen.
What would you tell someone who is just starting out?
My advice to those new in the industry is to do your research, find and follow a mentor. This will give you direction. “Use my voice until you find your own.”
What are you looking forward to?
I’m most excited about gaining national and international exposure through social media. It’s an incredible high to be able to meet so many like-minded people with the touch of your finger.
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.musesalonandspa.com
- Salon Address: 11705 Medlock Bridge Rd.
- Sophia’s Phone: 612-812-8478
- Salon Phone: (678) 393-2214
- Email: ssophia808@gmail.com
- Instagram: Ssophiacolor
- Facebook: Stephanie Sophia Avera
