Ally Myette: My Journey from Empire Student to Goldwell Artist
I was Ally’s Career Planning Specialist at Empire Beauty School’s Boston Campus, and we have kept in touch over the years (thank you, Facebook!) and I could not be prouder of her. Ally’s career is a great example of the sort of interesting, out-of-the-box career paths cosmetology has to offer.
When I spoke to Ally, she had just returned from Goldwell Color Zoom training in San Antonio, TX. She and the other Goldwell Artists got a preview of Disrupt – the latest Color Zoom color line. Disrupt features pops of neon and bright colors over a neutral background, with placement focusing on a spotlight pattern, over disrupted haircuts. (It looks like we just got a preview, too. Thanks, Ally!)
Q: What is your title at Goldwell?
A: Goldwell Artist. I love that Goldwell changed our name from Goldwell Technical Associate to Goldwell Artist. Although Technical Associate is appropriate for my job description, the term “artist” is much more a part of our industry. We are hair artists.
Q: Can you tell me what a Goldwell Artist does?
A: I give classes to stylists at different salons all over New England on how to create better blonds, reds, gray coverage, and current trends like hair painting. Elumen is a popular one; we do a huge class for it.
Q: How did you become a Goldwell Artist?
A: Education keeps me inspired. There could never be enough education, and there is always room to grow. Before Goldwell, I worked everywhere, from a busy salon on Newbury Street in Boston to small family-owned salons; some with higher-end products than others. I started educating for Blow Pro to earn extra money, teaching blow dries and updo styles in salons, and I immediately fell in love with education.
Q: How does a new stylist find out about Goldwell Artist and other product representative jobs?
A: It is so important to make relationships with fellow stylists, salon owners, and, most importantly, product sales reps. Sales reps are the gateway to the corporate world of hair. A few years ago, I sent my resume to my salon’s Goldwell Artist, and she forwarded that to the education manager for New England. After that, I was recruited to audition for the role as Goldwell Technical Associate.
Q: What was your goal when you graduated from Empire Beauty School? Did you think about being a product rep?
A: It’s funny, I had no idea what my plan was when I graduated from Empire! I just wanted to work in a salon to get my hands in hair and see what happens. I knew I wanted to work somewhere in education at some point, but it took a couple of years to find what I wanted to do.
Q: What do you love about your job?
A: I love the ability to transform someone. Good hair is a very powerful thing, and a stylist has the ability to completely create a whole new look for someone. You can transform them into the most beautiful version of themselves. You get to see your work come to life. It’s the same with teaching; It’s that “ah-ha” moment. When you see the stylist gets it, everything becomes real.
Q: What advice would you give to stylists who want to do what you do?
A: Be patient. Observe everything and everyone. Make relationships and take risks. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is becoming a master stylist. Take each client one a time, one class at a time, and before you know, you will be on your way to being a very successful stylist. The best advice is to be an active listener. Don’t try to do everything all at once. Enjoy every step of the way so one day you can look back on your progress of how far you have come.
Q: You see a lot of stylists. What are common traits among the most successful?
A: The most successful stylists have the best attitude. They are positive and supportive of everyone. They put their ego aside and are cheerleaders. At the same time, they put their own careers first. I teach on Mondays, and it’s exciting to see stylists on their days off. No one is forcing them to be there; they want to learn and are eager to grow.
Q: What was the most exciting thing you have done?
A: The most exciting thing about my job is having the opportunity to travel and learn. I have been everywhere from New York to Texas. I am constantly inspired by everyone and everything. The Goldwell trainings have opened so many doors and relationships, and I don’t think I could picture my life without this part of my career. It brings out a passion that is contagious when you are surrounded with other likeminded people.
Q: Anything thing else you would like to share about your experience?
A: It was a great decision to leave college and start at Empire. I love hair and this has been an amazing journey!