Connie Fitzgerald

I started out in the Cos industry at the young age of 15. On a work permit, I started a job at a salon in the mall called Trade Secret (my friends mom was the manager). I learned about product knowledge, booking clients for stylists, retail sales, and how to perform day to day functions of a salon/retail space. After my manager left, I became manager and also attended beauty school (the first time because I was young and never finished). I spent 7 years there and learned to LOVE EVERYTHING about the beauty industry-I wanted to try EVERYTHING, and if I couldn't, I found someone I knew who would!! When the salon closed down, I was at a loss, but I continued on as a server for a Vito & Nick's in Joliet. I really enjoyed serving and just taking care of what people needed. I left the restaurant and decided to go back and finish beauty school since it was my first love. My first job out of beauty school (the second time) was a commissioned salon, and since I had no clientele, I did EVERY service I could to make sure I kept busy and built a clientele. I became the salons hairstylist, esthetician (with some extra training from Decleor), and nail tech. It was a lot of work, but the most fun I've ever had. That salon ended up moving into and renting space from another salon close by and I followed. With my multitude of skills, I also assisted other stylists already employed by the salon, did my own clients, and took walk ins for any service they needed. I eventually got offered a position through career builder for a supply company called SalonCentric, so I took the part time work, and still worked part time at the salon. When the salon closed down, I kept working for SalonCentric part time until an opportunity arose to be the stores assistant manager only 1 year after being employed there. I currently work there as an assistant manager and am also a beauty guru. I have seen just about all aspects of this industry, and I cannot picture myself anywhere else!!!