April 2022 was the first time writing “salon” and “art gallery” together. It was in a simple and humble grey journal containing years’ worth of goals, plans, and dreams. At that time, I was on a one-year leave of absence from Northwestern University, and approaching graduation from The Salon Professional Academy. Before my 1000 hours were completed, I won a $5,000 “Great Clips” essay scholarship contest where I had the opportunity to share my story and passion for the industry. This was a career-affirming moment that occurred less than one month after brainstorming the salon/gallery journal entry idea.

 

I had previous experience in the beauty industry as a makeup artist and "dorm room hair stylist", so I followed my dream of pursuing cosmetology full time, instead of returning back to Northwestern. I graduated into a salon assistantship, then worked as a hair and makeup artist at The Salon at ULTA Beauty. After less than a year, I was in a car accident resulting in about 8 missed weeks of work. After returning, I needed a change of pace:

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I reached out to a family friend who had owned a shop on Hertel Avenue since 1986.  My mom was a client since before I was born, so I technically “grew up” in that salon. As a side job, I helped my mom clean it in middle and high school so there was always a strong energetic, and emotional connection.  I asked to rent a chair a few days a week, but had the opportunity to own the salon I used to clean. I accepted, and began the process of fast-paced entrepreneurship almost overnight-- Put into perspective, I reached out in November 2023 and was a salon owner by January 1st, 2024.

 

HiLites Salon & Art Gallery, LLC is inspired by authentic and vulnerable resilience and holistic creativity. In between seeing new and existing clients and after less than one month of being in business, I curated and hosted my first Art Show on February 2nd, 2024. The show was called “Hour Before Dawn” to remind myself and others, that the darkest hour really can/does come before the dawn. Our next art show, March 1st, 2024, took place exactly 6 months from the date of my accident. It was even a Friday. That show was named “The Reward is Greater than Imagined.” My testimony, depicted by a “greater than” sign (>)

 

Our gallery is open for public viewing on the First and Third Friday of every month from 6-9 PM. No salon appointments take place during the art show. Due to safety and etiquette, further gallery viewing is for salon clients only.  KAS, my first business and online boutique which first launched in 2019 is the online extension of the gallery's physical location.

There is nothing else I’d rather be doing. This experience is a privilege.

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