Today we’d like to introduce you to Darlene Duran.
Hi Darlene, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself
My name is Darlene Duran. I’m a Hair Cutting and Extensions specialist, makeup artist, and event/bridal hair and makeup artist. I’ve lived in Dallas since 2007. I was born in El Paso, Texas Grew up in Joplin, Missouri, and moved to Laredo, Texas going into high school. Growing up I used to love playing with my mother’s makeup. That was the earliest I can recall having interest in beauty. When I was a tween I remember tearing pages from J-14 magazines taping them to the wall, listening to my CD player in my room while passing time sketching fashion designs with big dreams of getting people ready for big events, red carpets, and fashion shows. In high school, I was totally that girl that would do other girls’ makeup in the back of the classroom. Outside of school, I would do friends hair and makeup for proms, pageants, and events. Fast forward going to college full time and working retail part-time, I wanted to study fashion design and fashion marketing. I soon realized the industry was very competitive and careers in retail. With my creative spirit, Love, and passion for fashion and beauty I decided to leave college and go to hair school. I wasn’t the best academically but I figured if hair school doesn’t work out for me, I can always go back to college (not knowing I would never look back). I’m grateful I had strong, loving support from my now fiancé and family.
I went to the Aveda Institute of Dallas in 2012-2013. After I graduated, I apprenticed at a departmentalized salon in Preston Center, I assisted 4 haircutting specialists. I often traveled on location with my Mentor Christen Swearingen where I would assist and do hair and makeup for events and weddings. Working at this salon it helped build a great foundation for me persevere in my career. I worked in commissioned salons for 5 years before I became my own boss. I’ve been independent since 2018 and I’m excited for what this career has to offer.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
At the beginning of my career, I faced LOTS of challenges. During my apprenticeship, I was required to find two hair models a week. Being new to Dallas and not knowing very many people at that time was difficult to find a willing client to trust me cutting their hair while practicing my craft. If I was unable to find a hair model I had to walk outside of the salon and approach strangers on the streets of Preston Center (with lots of other salons in the shopping center. Though it was tough love, I learned so much about myself. Here is where I got out of my shell and learned sometimes you ” have to put yourself out there”, “the worst thing someone can say is no”. While practicing my craft and building a clientele came a lot of life lessons. While I was assisting full time in the salon. I worked part-time at Aveda working retail and I worked for Bumble and Bumble as a sales representative in Sephora stores. Here is where I continued to practice getting out of my “comfort zone” and try to network with other aspiring makeup artist as well as potential models. Even though I didn’t have a day off weeks at a time, envisioning myself having my own clientele and helping people “get ready” inspired me to push through the hustle and I knew there was a light at the end of the tunnel.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
As a hairstylist, I continue to learn and grow up with my clients. Though I’m hairstylist that “just does hair”, I’m faced with a lot more responsibilities while maintaining a relationship with my clients. Hairstylist can become mini-Therapist. When people open up to me a lot of the times, I don’t have the right words to say. However, People often need someone to listen to them, though we hear the good and the bad, it is a rewarding feeling making someone feel better leaving the salon, then they felt coming in. I’m a firm believer in, “when you look good, you feel good”. I recently had the honor of working with “Bachelor” winner Madi Prewett and blogger and podcast host of “Caroline’s Obsessions”, Caroline Kraddick. In the past, I have worked with Tiffany Hendra of real housewife of Dallas season1, and other dallsite’s. I love education and with the beauty industry constantly evolving I crave to learn the latest trends. I want my clients to have the best the industry has to offer,
I have had the privilege to travel to many cities in the States and take classes with Celebrity hairstylist such as:
Hair by Crissy, Priscilla Ono (Rhianna’s Makeup artist) Gina Bianca, Vivienne Mackinder, Howard McLaren, Kiara Bailey,
Eric Vaughn, Heather Champman, Kelly Peach just to name a few, and many more to come.
During this career, I’ve been able to travel working weddings, debutants, and other major events.
My Bridal work has been featured in Brides of North Texas, Wedding Chicks, D weddings, Brides of Houston.
I have been extension certified for 7/8 years. I’m certified in:
Habit Handtied hair extensions
Hair Lingerie Luxury Tape in extensions
Great Lengths Keratin Bond Extensions
Halo Couture distributor – This is a great option for someone who wants hair extensions without the maintenance.
I have some very exciting news to announce soon with a business partner. Please follow me on Instagram for a big announcement.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs, or other resources you think our readers should check out?
My current favorite podcasts to listen to is “Highest Self” podcast with Sahara Rose. She speaks about spirituality and interviews a lot of other guests who have common interest about self-development and how to live life in your highest form leaving the ego behind. – The Gina Bianca Podcast is awesome as this boss babe is a hairstylist, salon owner, and yoga studio owner shares insight and advice for hairstylists and entrepreneurs.
Contact Info:
- Email: darlene.duran07@gmail.com
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/darlenedoesdallas
- Other: http://www.vagaro.com/us04/mane2
Image Credits
Laura Brown
Parker Grey Photo
thephilgreens
