Industry Celebrities: Rachel Ani Gives Hair & Beauty Industry Advice & Why She loves being a Hair Stylist

This episode of Industry Celebrities, Kimberly D. Scott interviews Rachel Ani, a talented licensed hairstylist and makeup artist at Salon D.  

In 2002, after Rachel graduated, she started her basics at the University of North Texas. After she finished her freshmen year, she was offered by her uncle, Ardem Keshishian - the owner of Salon D - to work as a part-time receptionist at his Salon. With her background in makeup, she used the opportunity to hone her skills by doing events like weddings, proms, and special occasions. While working at the salon, she had thought about going to cosmetology school. The turning point was when she was sitting in her accounting class and she felt like she was drowning by being there. She never went back after that because she knew that she did not want to be trapped on something she did not want to do. This decision made her parents upset. It’s understandable because every parent would want their child to be able to finish a degree. 

What’s admirable about Rachel is the fact that she was brave enough to pursue what she was really passionate about. Her heart belonged behind the chair so she took a leap and studied Cosmetology at Paul Mitchell School and graduated with honors. The beauty industry gave sparks of joy to Rachel because aside from creating and immensely improving her client's beauty, she loved the feeling of being with clients who were always happy to get pampered by her. This was the kind of joy that made her love her work even more. 

So to all those who wanted to get into the beauty industry, she wants to remind all the aspiring hair and makeup stylists to be prepared, to always take the challenge on doing something out of your comfort zones and never stop improving yourself because these are the best ways to hone your skills. 

Looking back, after every road that she traveled, her piece of advice for her younger self and to those who are feeling unsure on which road to take for their career is to take the time to explore all the options and to never follow someone's cookie cutter mold they put out for your life. Listen to your heart, ponder on what career you want for yourself and know what it’s going to take to get you there without fully worrying on the dollar amount that goes with that career. 

Connect with  Rachel Ani online https://www.rachelani.com/ 

IG: @theRachelAni

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/therachelani/

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