Today we’d like to introduce you to Christie Garza.
Hi Christie, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
Well, my story began back in 2006 when I became a single mom of 3. I had my cosmetology license since I was 18 but never used it fully other than for friends and family members. I remember being told that I would never make it on my own with 3 kids, nor would anyone want me as a partner. In that moment I felt a big push to not let that statement define me. So, I went back to school and got my RDA, and worked full time at a daycare so my kids had care and school at night from 6-11 pm. My parents helped me out so much with my kids. Once I finished school, I got a job as an orthodontic assistant and also had a part-time job at retail stores. I literally hustled for my kids. Then one weekend one of my close friends asked me to come and do hair at her wedding for her mom. I said Of Course, while I was there another company was working AWWedding Hair Artistry led by Angie Williams. She approached me after we finished getting everyone ready and asked if I worked at a salon, I told her no I am just doing this for my friend I’m actually attending the wedding. Well, she had just had her business up and going for a little over a couple of years and was needing an assistant to help with hair, we talked that next week and she ended up hiring me. I remember being so nervous but so excited. That is where my adventures in weddings began! Mind you I was still working my other jobs but this just added more life to me as a woman and a sole provider for my kids, God was so good to me and He truly opened up this door for me in this industry. My love and trust in Him are the reason I am where I am today, it paved the road that led me to work beside some of the very best makeup and hair artist in the DFW area! Thru all of them, I have been able to start to grow my own company in hopes to leave my mark in the wedding industry.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I don’t think it’s been smooth at all, there have been bumps in the road. When you are an independent contractor and working for multiple companies and also trying to build your own company all while working a full-time job you definitely have challenges. You have to keep so organized; you have to adapt to each company and their artist; you have to keep up with your own company and also try to balance a spiritual life and family life. When I look back, I know I gave my kids anything and everything they could want or need but I also know I was gone a lot hustling and working so I could do that. Don’t get me wrong I made it a point to be a part of all their activities but just didn’t have enough of me to go around at times. Also just overbooking myself can lead to exhaustion and also to missing appointments. I never wanted to say no, that can be a problem. But what I’ve learned over the years is that it’s ok to say no so you can take time for yourself, your spiritual life, and your family.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I do hair for weddings, lots of people ask do you only do weddings and I say 90% of the time, yes, on occasions I still do hair for proms or quinceanera but normally that’s for close friends or family members. I specialize in weddings. I feel like I’m known for creating looks straight from Pinterest! I like when they bring me pictures, I’m told 9 times out of 10 I got it spot on, it’s my creativity. It’s my gift from God. In school, I remember entering a contest for updos and I won 1st place, that was a proud moment and when I knew I had a passion for hair. I’m told not everyone can do wedding hair or have the creativity or passion for it, I’m totally opposite. I feel so much passion in my work and I’m told I have such a gentle touch but that I’m super-fast! The fast didn’t come till later lol But I’ve learned to work quickly and efficiently. Especially if I have a huge wedding and time frame, I am never late. You will get done on time! I feel like that sets me apart from others. With my speed, efficiency, and final look I think I leave people speechless and for that, I am so blessed.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Risk-taking can be tricky. I feel like my only risk I’ve truly taken is working for so many companies along with working my own business. People and myself might view that as risky because I could be working for a company and doing a bridesmaid’s hair and they may love it and say I’m getting married next year and I want you doing my hair how do we make that happen. Now you’re there working for a company that’s not yours and this person wants YOU. Do you take that business and run with it or do you let them book with that company and have them just request YOU??? Very Risky!!!! For me, I’m a very loyal person so I don’t take that risk, I give it to the company I’m working for because I feel like God WILL provide, He always has!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Christie _Garza Weddings
- Facebook: Specialty Wedding Hair by Christie
