Sometimes, what leads you to hairstyling is something no one would expect. For Taylor Robinson, the entry into cosmetology was an initial desire to be a psychologist, which she realized fit perfectly with the world of hairstyling. Learn more about Taylor’s love of people and love of hair with this Beautiful Story.
Taylor Robinson’s Journey
What interested you in cosmetology?
So, my family was a really big support system for me. I went to college, and I really wanted to be a psychologist, but I kind of just figured that whenever I go get my hair done, I tell my hairstylist the most about me anyway. So, I was like, “What can I do that’s similar, but I don’t have to do as much work?” And I was like, “Well, I can just do hair.”
Honestly, I feel like that was the best choice that I’ve ever made. Not only do I get to listen and help people and lead them with their life obstacles, but I can lead them with their self-image issues or just make them feel good all the way around.
What led you to Ogle?
Whenever I came in here, everyone just seemed really positive and upbeat. I just really liked how welcoming it was. Everyone was very family-oriented, and I just felt like I fit in really well here.
How did you feel about your instructors?
All my instructors were great. I loved every single one of them—no more than the others, just in different ways. I felt like each one I related to was like a mom. I saw every one of them just helping me to be the best person I can be, not just in hair, but also as a person in general. They were always guiding me to be better. Whether it was giving me advice on personal issues or instructing me on how to fix someone’s hair, they were just always there for me, and I just really relied on them a lot.
What are you the most passionate about?
Hair has always been a passion of mine. I struggled with self-image issues myself, and I guess hair and makeup were my way of expressing myself. So, I feel like if I can make someone else feel as good as I feel whenever I have my hair and my makeup done, then I feel like I’ve accomplished my goal.
What was your biggest obstacle during school?
Haircuts! They were my biggest intimidation because, with hair color, you can kind of go in and fix it, but with haircuts, you can’t glue the hair back on a strand, you know? I feel like that was the hardest part.
But all my instructors really helped me be confident. Each one showed me different techniques to make it easier for me as a person. And just them knowing how to teach for every individual student I think is really cool. They don’t just teach on a broad spectrum. They really get to know you. They know what works best for each student, which I really like.
What advice would you give current students who want to create a name for themselves?
Social media is huge. I can’t stress that enough. I mean, people don’t really flip through the yellow pages or anything like that anymore. It’s very much about networking, and just having different connections and getting those personal referrals. If one of your friends comes to see you, you’ll have that 9/10 turnover rate. If you lose one client, by posting on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, whatever, you’ll get those nine back. If you have a strong social media presence, it won’t matter as much if you lose one client.
Discover Your Own Beautiful Story
Ogle School is all about encouraging students to uncover what makes them most interested in cosmetology and the beauty industry in general. If you feel like this is something you might want to do in the future, you can discover your own beautiful story through the cosmetology or esthetics programs at Ogle School. Get in touch today to learn more.
