Today we’d like to introduce you to Angelina Leon.
Angelina, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Hi! I’m Angelina; most people call me Nina! I’m a specialty hairstylist here in Fort Worth, Texas! I grew up in a pretty large family; I have 4 sisters. I was the only one with curly hair, so they were always experimenting with my hair type, doing my makeup, etc., which I think initially sparked my interest in beauty.
Growing up, I never embraced my hair type, although my parents begged me to; I struggled to maintain my hair or really find someone who could show me how to really take care of my curls. So, I damaged it significantly straightening it, putting heat on it, you name, it I did it.
When I got to high school, I was able to really find myself creatively through beauty. I experimented with all things makeup, hair color, body modifications and fell in love with the beauty industry.
I found out my high school offered a cosmetology program and began my journey in the beauty industry in 2017.
My goal was to not only learn about my hair type but to help people like me who liked to be a little different & look a little different learn about their hair type, how to care for and maintain it, especially curly girls like myself, and most importantly look and feel their best.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. I think one of my biggest struggles were accepting the fact that this industry is an investment. You have to invest in yourself and your craft. I struggled a lot with realizing I didn’t know anything when I left cosmetology school, I think a lot of people have this preconceived notion that once you’re done with school, you know what you’re doing, and it’s okay to accept if you don’t, I definitely didn’t. I realized how important continued education is in this industry, keeping up with trends and not acting like I know everything because I don’t! There’s always room to grow, to learn, to connect.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in fantasy hair color, hair extensions lived in color, curly hair, and alternative hair. I think I’m most known for doing all things alternative hair, from jellyfish cuts to rainbow colors to shags, to mullets.
I’m most proud of how far I’ve come and how much I have grown as an artist. I look back at last work of mine, and am like “damn, I’ve come SO far!”. I love learning; I love educating myself. I’m super critical of myself.
I think that’s what sets me apart; I have a really strong work ethic. I think I get it from my dad, he’s a Cuban immigrant and he has always been willing to work to get to where he’s at. He taught me that you’re always gonna have to work hard, you’re always gonna have to learn, the world’s always changing, there’s always gonna be something new, something trendy to keep up with. I will take any class I’m offered, even if I have already been to it. I think staying on top of myself and my education is so important; it helps me hold myself accountable, to stay refreshed, to stay up to date, and be the best stylist I can be.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
You can check out my work @haircrafthaven on Instagram.
Thank you to my wonderful salon family at Tribe, that has given me a safe space to express myself artistically, creatively, and freely. My salon has truly helped me grow as a person, a stylist, and always made me feel welcome.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/haircrafthaven
Image Credits
@chrisxrissler
