From High School Graduate to Level 4 Stylist: Alyssa’s Journey in Cosmetology
From High School Graduate to Level 4 Stylist: Alyssa’s Journey in Cosmetology
For Alyssa, the path to a rewarding career in cosmetology began shortly after high school. With a passion for the beauty industry but uncertainty about her specific direction, she took a leap—and landed exactly where she was meant to be.
Discovering Her Passion
After earning her high school diploma, Alyssa took a well-deserved summer break before enrolling at the American Institute of Beauty (AIB) in August. Although she had long known she wanted to work in beauty, she initially considered microblading and makeup. However, discovering that those required only a short program inspired her to pursue something more comprehensive and lasting.
“I knew I liked doing my own hair and wanted to explore a career doing that,” Alyssa recalls. “Once I came to the school, I knew this was exactly what I wanted to be doing!”
Choosing AIB
Alyssa chose the St. Pete campus of AIB primarily for its proximity, but what sealed the deal was its reputation as a Redken school. “This was important to me because most salons carry Redken products,” she explains. “I knew there would be a lot of job opportunities if I understood the Redken product lines.”
Alyssa credits her educators—especially one standout instructor—for helping her gain a solid foundation in color theory and formulation, giving her an edge early in her career.
Finding the Right Salon Home
A recommendation from Kari, the Campus Director at the time, led Alyssa to check out Salon Volo. “It was kind of on a whim,” she says. “But once I saw the vibe and what they had to offer, I knew I liked it.” She started working there right after graduation and hasn’t looked back.
Salon Volo is a Summit-Based Salon, offering stylists a structured, tiered path for professional growth. “It’s like a mathematical equation,” Alyssa says. “If you do x amount of retail, x amount of services, and x amount of rebooks, you move up.” That formula worked well for her—within just two and a half years, she advanced from associate to Level 4 stylist.
Advice for Future Professionals
Alyssa has clear advice for aspiring beauty professionals: get hands-on with every service while in school. “That helped prepare me for the real world and not be scared of doing any service,” she explains. She also stresses the importance of practice. “Even if you think you know how to do something, do it again. There’s never too much studying you can do.”
What She Loves Most
Today, Alyssa’s favorite aspect of cosmetology is hair color. Not only does she love transforming clients’ looks, but she also finds fulfillment in teaching others. As a Redken Salon Trainer at Salon Volo, Alyssa now mentors fellow stylists, helping them master color and extensions while supporting clients in healing from hair damage.
“It’s rewarding to help other stylists grow,” she says. “When we all succeed, the whole salon succeeds.”
