Vanessa York

Hi there! My name is Vanessa! I’m a fur mamma of three and married to my best friend. I love the bohemian lifestyle; it is very calming to me. I adore the array of styles and new techniques, especially since the beauty world is ever changing. Personally, I love knowing the story of how people decided to jump into the beauty industry. So, here is a little bit of my story! 

Before beauty school had started, the childhood question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” kept coming to mind.From the time kindergarten started to my first semester of high school, I had the longing desire to be a social worker. I dreamt of becoming this, then one day my sister-in-law suggested that I look into neonatal nursing.  I graduated high school with the intention of going to IUPUI for my RN degree. I tried out a semester, and I ended up coming to the realization that I was enrolled in school to please my family. I decided to work for a Jimmy John’s franchise, starting as a sandwich artist and worked my way through the management positions. I worked long hours, multiple back to back shifts, and trained many employees as a general manager. I kept wondering if there was a next level for me. I did not realize I was holding myself back from becoming something greater. During the stay at home order, I realized I had two options. I could work on myself to become my greatest self or do nothing. I decided and took action. I chose to apply for Paul Mitchell Schools. Something my self-motivation coach, Michael Bernoff, has stated is, “There is adversity that challenges us in the steps to success.” When I have taken the steps toward my wants, adversity has shown up to test what I needed to learn to get where I wanted to be. You may be wondering how we went from social work to neonatal care to cosmetology. For me, the answer is simple; having a desire to express my compassion for others, to help them feel good about themselves, and to help them build confidence. My ideal vision for my future is to build my own shop, full of different opportunities for people to evolve into their true selves:stylists and clients.  I will have multiple booths available for an array of talent. I will employ a diverse group of stylists, willing to extend a hand to all personalities and people. Leading my own shop, I will be able to watch people grow from the experiences they share with each, both clients and stylists.  I love offering help to others; seeing an empowering change come from within a person’s core, runs chills up and down my spine. I do believe that this is my motivation for my career in the beauty industry. I believe educating myself through Paul Mitchell hasbroaden my cosmetology niche. I have learned to step into my uncomfortable zones, which has definitely helped me grow as a person.  I welcome any journey of exploration, learning, excitement, adversity, failures, and successes.