I've always had a deep admiration for skilled tradesmen. I grew up around a few, including my father, who designed and sculpted rock pools until he felt it was time to step away from the work he loved due to his age; as well as friends and family who learned to blow glass, stain glass, install windows, and build entire structures from the ground up. There’s an art to it, and I’m continually inspired by the tradesmen I’ve known and the others who’ve crossed my path throughout life. Their influence has shaped me in ways that often go unnoticed by those around us but it’s something that touches everyone, every day. Even something as simple as stepping into historical church. Have you ever seen the Sainte-Chapelle in Paris in person? Its completely wonderful; Seeing the sunlight filter through stained glass and scatter vibrant colors across the floor and bricks; evokes emotion. And behind that moment are the hands of many skilled tradespeople who made it possible. Masons, Carpenters, Stained-Glass-men, Sculptors, Tile setters,(The list goes on!) Its like its own personal artist collective and its something that been around for centuries. What I want to pursue might not last for centuries the way stone or stained glass does, but it creates something just as meaningful in its own way it kindles confidence, and self expression. Cosmetology. Like more traditional trades I grew up admiring, it takes skill, precision, and an eye for detail. But instead of working with bricks or glass, I’ll be working with hair, color, and the individuality of each person who sits in my chair. It’s a trade that puts a smile on people’s faces every day and that’s the kind of impact I want to have. As a little girl, I was fascinated by the simple act of picking up a pair of scissors and cutting my own hair (even if the results were far from perfect.) That fascination never faded. My grandmother, who’s been a guiding force in my life, always encouraged that curiosity. She never shut me down and always helped redirect me with patience and love, always reinforcing the idea that learning a skill, picking up a trade, and expressing yourself through your hands was something beautiful. Her, herself was artistic as well. I’d wake up to the sound of her sewing clothes, embroider, or watch her solder pieces random metal parts together for her latest art project. Her creative spirit shaped mine and she is still an inspiration to this day. Even though she’s passed, I think back often to how she nurtured my creativity, how she believed in learning through doing, and how she quietly pointed me toward the path I now feel ready to fully embrace. I remember her asking me what I wanted to do after high school and her suggesting cosmetology school without missing a beat. At the time I brushed it off; but she saw something in me that I didn’t yet understand. I know cosmetology school has its challenges. Building a clientele is one of them and marketing is crucial. I plan on starting a social media page on my journey through school building a portfolio right from the start to give me a foot in the right direction. Another thing to overcome those challenges is "True patience". I know that it wont be easy. But I'm ready to take this new path in life, I am both scared and extremely thrilled to take this step into a direction that fuels my passion.