Starting a new career can be scary or intimidating, but the opportunities far outweigh the risk. In the beauty and fashion industry, the sky is the limit and, with the right mindset, hard work, and passion for the craft, dreams can come true.
At the Cinta Aveda Institute, we firmly believe that our students have all the opportunity in the world, and if they follow the process, they will succeed. We love hearing success stories and how people have achieved their dreams, so we sat down with Rocky Boyle, Mentor Stylist at Cinta Salon to find out what inspires and drives her.
- What made you decide to go to cosmetology school?
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My inspiration for school was my mother’s best friend. We used to hang out in her salon all of the time in my hometown.
- Where did you go to school?
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I went to Miss Marty’s School of Beauty & Hairstyling here in San Francisco. Beauty school was something I had always wanted to do but, in my twenties, I was too immature and more worries about having a good time. So, when I moved to San Francisco, I cleaned up my act and decided I wanted something better for my life. My husband and I bought our condo around the corner from Miss Marty’s, so I took this as a sign! At that point, I was now 30 and felt ready to take on the responsibility to pursue a career as a hair stylist. I enrolled within the month and off I went.
- Do/did you have any mentors or important people who have had a hand in your success?
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While in cosmetology school, I met my mentor and hero, Cinta Gibbons. She was very generous with advice on how to pick the right salon for you. Cinta advised to intern at as many places you can and ask many questions about the assisting program.
One thing she said that always resonated with me was, “There is a salon for everyone, and not everyone is right for every salon. Choose wisely where you train because it will set the foundation of the stylist you’re going to be.”
- What were some of your assistant jobs?
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Of course, I ran straight to Cinta Salon as soon as I received my license. I assisted for about 2 years before becoming a Stylist. I know it seems like a long, huge time investment, but it was the best investment that I have ever made in my future. Assisting teaches you the technical skills, timing, and culture of the salon, which helps you decide if it’s the right place to pursue your career. I highly recommend it!
- What do you think has made you successful?
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After all the training and 11 years at Cinta Salon, I love that I get to pass what I have learned to the newcomers while focusing on being the best hairstylist that I can be.
I definitely attribute my accomplishments to education. Any time you have the opportunity to take classes, do it! It is one of my favorite things about our industry. Whether I get to be a teacher or be the student I feel we owe it to our guests to always put our best foot forward.
Everything I have learned to this point I owe to my own mentors, Arvin, Sara, Jackie, Dympna, and, of course, Cinta. Thank you for making me the stylist and person I am today.
- What advice do you have for students who are looking to move up in the beauty industry?
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My best piece of advice to not just aspiring professionals, but to all stylists: Education, education, education! Be a sponge and soak it all in—you’ll never regret having more knowledge.
