Today we’d like to introduce you to Chasmine Anderson.
Hi Chasmine, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
How I got started?
I’ve always had curiosity about everything in the beauty industry. The make-up, hair, fashion, etc. Hair has always been my passion and it comes very naturally to me. I attended college at Prairie View A& M University, where I would do all of my friends’ hair just for fun. It was about 2 years before I realized I could turn my passion into a career. I then attended Regency Beauty Institute in 2010 where I obtained my cosmetology license.
How I got to where I am today?
Doing women’s hair started to feel like work to me after year 8, it was no longer something I enjoyed. It became very repetitive. As someone who loves to reinvent myself, I wanted to try something different. I was introduced to men’s grooming. I fell in love with how meticulous men’s cuts and shaves are and I wanted to learn more. I went to barber school at Modern Barbering Academy and perfected my skillset.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Like anyone successful I have had obstacles along the way. The beauty industry has come a long way. It’s not always consistent. I moved around to a few different shops just trying to find the right fit financially and culturally. Some shops I loved culturally but it wasn’t the best fit financially. I tried booth rentals, chain/ corporate shops, etc. I even went back to corporate America for some consistency and stability. I was so unhappy. The money was great but I was miserable felt like I was shrinking creatively. So, I had to make a decision, do I want to be miserable but wealthy or do I want to at peace and living comfortably. I knew I could have both wealth and happiness if I found the right fit. that’s when I found Scissors & Scotch.
Some of my struggles consisted of my worrying about the opinions of others. We as humans act like we don’t care about what others think but subconsciously we do. and those opinions can either affect you negatively or positively. I let the opinion of others discourage me initially. “You can’t make a career out of this” “you won’t make enough money to support yourself” I wanted to prove to myself and those people I could do something I love and make a living for myself. I did just that!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a cosmetologist, barber and educator; I specialize in men’s grooming only. When I’m not cutting, I am an elite educator traveling to new cities to help our leadership team train groups of 6 to 8 stylists/barbers. I teach them our style of cutting and I monitor individual training progress and help new employees reach their full potential. I am most proud of the effectiveness my training has had. It’s so fulfilling to see those that I’ve trained advance in their careers, knowing I had something to do with it. What sets me apart from others is my willingness to help others and continue to learn. No matter how much experience I had I’m always learning. I am strong-willed, determined and I give maximum effort in everything I touch.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
Dallas is home! Its where my roots are, my family. Which is so important to me. The best thing about Dallas is it’s just small enough to make a name for yourself but also large enough to not run into the same people twice a year. What I like least about Dallas is that there aren’t enough networking events for my career field (or maybe I’m unaware of those) I would like the opportunity to connect with those who can relate to my experiences and grievances. Discuss advancement and share knowledge and tools that can help us all be more effective and professional.
A lot of hard work, sacrifice and opportunity got me where I am today. Along with the support of my friends and family and I’m incredibly grateful and blessed!
Contact Info:
- Email: cece.anderson@scissorsscotch.com
- Website: https://dallas.scissorsscotch.com/
- Instagram: cece.a_scissorsscotchdallas
- Other: linkedin.com/in/chasmine-anderson-013a49125
- Photographer: www.southpawmedia.net
- MUA: @indigohillsbeauty via IG
