Meet Lorraine Toledo of Hair by Lorraine T in Arlington

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lorraine Toledo.

Lorraine, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I started out working in a suite as an apprentice and six months in transitioning into a stylist. I would go in early mornings to take clients before my actual work shift started or stayed late. I worked more hours than I did actual sleep but I loved every moment of it.

The different color formula’s I was learning, the hustle, the amazing transformations and all the clients I’ve gotten to meet along the way. I became a stylist for the most selfish reason of all I wanted my opinion to matter to someone and my experience to follow through with it. I quickly learned that interacting with others and making every effort to ensure that they were comfortable, it was that moment I realized I had found “my why.” I love working behind the chair it changed not only me but my life completely. In doing what I love I became open minded, a good listener, and approachable which are all traits I wasn’t before. The person I was in the salon quickly became the same person outside of the salon and I became the person I always wanted to be. I provide an experience for my guest from the welcoming they receive, to customizing colors, trendy haircuts, and always finishing off with a blowout and effortless style.

All of my guests are absolutely beautiful before they even walk in. My job is to give them the best version of themselves. I’m forever grateful for being able to have started off on a great foot with The Mod Labb that gave me the opportunity to build my clientele and learned so much along the way. Shortly after, Leslie started apprenticing for me and have been a great team ever since.

In my passion for learning and desire to stay afloat with new techniques, I’ve been able to travel to different states for continuing education. After dedicating two years to the salon I decided to open up my own suite not truly knowing what the outcome would be. I can gladly say the transition was different but I now have the opportunity to dedicate more time to each service, provide a relaxing atmosphere and have a place to call my own. In May of this year Leslie and I made it through our first year; I do believe our continuing support has come from our resilience, consistency, customer service, continuing education and strive for perfection.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
A lot of my challenges have been growing pains, being in high demand and reminding myself I am only one person. Starting out I was a “yes man” and spent before sun up and sun down at the salon. Learning a healthy work/life balance was one of the most enlightening challenges it has taught me to take care of myself first before being able to service others. I use to have a misconception that people with limits couldn’t be successful I learned years later that isn’t the case. Being comfortable in saying “no” and truly believing in self-worth through experience and education. Transitioning from a salon atmosphere to a suite took time to get used to and has since been the best decision I’ve made for my career.

Please tell us about Hair by Lorraine T.
Our chic and spacious suite is our second home and is a consistent reminder that we can be anyone we want to be especially ourselves. We specialize in custom colors and haircuts while providing a relaxing and unforgettable experience for our guests. I would definitely say we are most known for two things: the amazing color they receive and how comfortable we make our guest feel from start to finish. We are most proud of the standard we hold ourselves as stylist in everything that we do to be able to give our clients our absolute best. I believe our passion, hard work, consistency and love for people is what has set us apart still till this day.

If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I wouldn’t start over, every struggle came with even bigger blessing. I believe I am right where I am supposed to be.

Contact Info:

• Phone: 9729898276
• Email: lorraine.toledo@yahoo.com
• Instagram: hairbylorrainet
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hairbylorrainet

Image Credit:
Lorraine Toledo
Leslie Belmonte

Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.