Today we’d like to introduce you to Codi Mims.
Codi, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I always knew I wanted to do hair!! As a girl, I would sit in my mom’s friend’s salon in amazement. So, I took the quickest route but sometimes shortcuts are not the right way. I went to cosmetology school in high school during my junior and senior year. When I turned 18, I had my cosmetology license in my hand but had never cut anyone’s hair yet. Typically, high school programs give little to no experience. To say I was nervous to get a job behind the chair is an understatement. Lucky, I found a salon that was willing to teach me from the ground up. Once I became confident, I was unstoppable. However, it took me years to get there. I took that on myself. Educating new coworkers and in that, I found what I believe is my purpose. I became a cosmetology instructor in 2010. Since then, I have accomplished more than I ever thought possible. Ten years ago, I never would have thought I would be in Leadership of a Paul Mitchell School. I truly get to live out my passion and purpose every day. I never take that for granted.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Is any road truly smooth? Lol. I wouldn’t change a thing though. My challenges made me better. Because I had never cut anyone’s hair when I first got my license, it made me that much more hungry for knowledge. Because I had to make a decision of giving up on my dream job or pushing through and finding a way, I never want anyone in our industry to have to do that. It may be cheesy but the challenges along the way have made me stronger. Once you start viewing your challenges as opportunities, your opportunities turn into an experience and your experience turns into a career.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Paul Mitchell the School Arlington – what should we know?
Being Clinic Classroom Leader, my day could look one of two ways. Some days, I am behind a desk answering emails, attending meetings, pulling reports, interviews. Still being a hairdresser at heart, my heart really sings though when I am educating. I help train our Learning Leaders to be the best teacher they can be. I help educate our future professionals. I love it when you can visually see their light bulb moment. The moment when all of a sudden, it just clicks and it makes sense to them and in return, they are happy and confident. I educate our guests at the school or at Salon Turnage about any and everything that will help them with their hair needs and wants. Our purpose as a company is “To develop technically strong professionals that have been given the skill set to succeed in the beauty industry.” One year at the work Christmas party, I won the “Our Purpose” award for embodying our purpose daily. I have achieved a lot in my 15 years in this industry, even broke some records. But I am most proud of that award. It sits on my vanity and I look at it each day as I get ready for work. It reminds me that I can make a positive impact on someone’s life today. Who could ask for more than that?
Finding a mentor and building a network are often cited in studies as a major factor impacting one’s success. Do you have any advice or lessons to share regarding finding a mentor or networking in general?
Finding a mentor is very important. A mentor is someone you respect. Someone who lines up with your core values along with being skilled. When you ask someone to be your mentor, you are asking them to hold you accountable with love. I love accountability. Everyone needs that person to push you, help you grow. People would like to think that they can do it all by themselves but it takes village honey. Everyone needs that one person who you know has your back, will console you but then push you back into the ring to finish strong.
Contact Info:
- Address: Salon Turnage
8201 Preston Rd. #110
Dallas, Texas 75225 - Website: www.salonturnage.com
- Phone: 2144532843
- Email: codi@pmtsarlington.com
- Instagram: CodiMims
- Facebook: Codi Mims
- Other: MimsMob
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