My Daughter the Hairstylist

Last Christmastime, my daughter came to my husband and I (for the upteenth time) about attending cosmetology school.  She wanted to attend Aveda Institute.  She was already taking classes at a local community college and was a few classes shy of receiving her associates degree.  She had come to us before this asking to attend Aveda, but our constant response was "no."  No, you need to finish your degree and when you do, if you still want to pursue Aveda you can.

See, at the time I knew she had a passion for doing hair.  She has had that interest since she was young.  Geez she cut her own hair when she was 4 years old!  It wasn't the best style might I add and it was the day before her PK pictures.  She cut her bangs into a zig zag cut!  (Enter wide open eye smiley face here).  Nonetheless, she had an interest.  She tried to take cosmetology classes in high school, but her high school only accepted a certain number of students.  She didn't even get a chance. Since she was younger she would be the one called on to do everyone's updos.  She would trim her own hair.  She had a true gift for it, but I was still adamant that she attend college and work towards a degree.

Around this time (she was asking about cosmetology school) she also met a friend who attended Aveda and did hair.  So, naturally I began to think she is only excited about it because her friend does it.  It looks exciting for her-of course it did!  I started to think is this going to be a phase?  I was wrong.

It was not a phase.  She continued to ask about attending.  It wasn't until last Christmas when it hit me.  I've always wanted my children to make a life that would make them happy.  Do something not for the amount of money it brings in, but for what it does for you to make you happy.  If it helps you make a comfortable living-then great!  We then gave her our blessings.  Boy was I impressed with my daughter's ambition and determination she gave to her new choice of school. 

She started Aveda last May.  She is about half way done.  She is already taking clients and doing full cuts and color with supervision of course.  However, she has been told she's a natural at hair! 

I was able to see her in full action a week go when she did ombré on my hair.  She was so focused and professional.  I saw my little girl as a grown professional.  She did an amazing job.  I was so proud of her! 

Sometimes we have plans for our children. We have plans on what they are going to do and what path they will take. However, there will be times when we do have to let them live and learn on their own.  They do develop their individuality and grow into a responsible adult making informed decisions.  That is what we want for them as parents.  Now I will just sit back and take in the fact I have my personal hairstylist.  Anytime I want to try a new style, I'll have a professional at my fingertips to ask- "how will this look on me?"