LaRen Gardner

I am the most optimistic person and the only thing that makes me that way in this life is when I’m doing something that makes me feel good on the inside. It just happens that I enjoy making others feel the same. Cosmetology and esthetics allow me to do just that. Growing up I lived in a dominant white area. I was the only black girl in school and everyone loved touching my hair. I always wished that I had long straight hair like all of the other girls. Through out my life I relaxed my hair, had hair extensions. No one knew how to even tackle the mane I was blessed with. I chose this industry since I was a little girl. I loved how classy everyone looked and how happy they seemed. Grew up doing all my friends hair and my sisters. I literally envisioned this life. It didn’t look like work to me. I finally found a hair dresser from Maryland that knew how my hair worked and I felt understood. She has been my mentor for the last 10 years. She did more than my hair. She gave me confidence to move forward in everything that I always wanted for myself and family. This industry allows me to live more fully ✨