Where Are They Now? Claire Boyd (Collins)

Claire Boyd (Collins) graduated from our Academy in December of 2008.  She works behind the chair in Santa Claus, IN at Lori’s Day Spa & Electric Beach and is a Regional Education Manager for Sexy Hair.  She is also a wife and a mother of 5. We caught up with Claire when she came into our Academy last month and shared her knowledge and talent with our students during our Jump celebration. We are so proud of Claire’s accomplishments and happy to call her “family” at TSPA Evansville.
Why Cosmetology school?
There was never any other option for me.  At the age of 11 I knew my career path was going to be the beauty industry!
How did attending TSPA impact your career?
TSPA was the best decision I made in order to set myself up for success in this industry.  It is amazing the time they put into the small details all the way up to the details of our income that truly prepared me for what was to come. 
What cool things have you experienced as a hairstylist?
The cool things I have experienced are countless.  I love that my guests trust me enough to let me know very personal things about their lives, I’ve had women tell me they are pregnant before they tell their family.  I think it is so cool that I can remain in Santa Claus, Indiana, working in a 3 person salon, building relationships with my guests and building my books, but still get to travel the world educating fellow stylists who have the same passion I have.  I love getting the opportunity to work on stage at hair shows across the US working with all walks of life!  But the coolest thing is working for Sexy Hair, I have friends worldwide, I get to stay on top of the latest trends, with the best hands on training I could imagine!
When people say, You cant make money as a hairstylist, what do you tell them?
When people say there isn’t money to be made in hair, I laugh at them!  I agree that the first year or so is challenging, but once you get those solid guests who love you and share their love for you, its only up hill from there!  Also, with all of the social media platforms, stylists options are endless when it comes to income!  As I stated earlier, because of Sexy Hair, I have friends worldwide, I have friends in small towns making $75,000 and friends in huge cities make $400,000.  My biggest inspiration is a woman who owns a salon in Savannah, she no longer works behind the chair, instead she runs a high end salon that brings in over $1 million per year!
How has the beauty industry impacted your life?
The beauty industry has impacted my life in so many ways!  I have learned so much about myself through the people I have worked with over the years.  I have friends from all walks of life and experiences that I would have never had if it weren’t for this industry.  I have a career that I am SO excited to go to each day, I have the flexibility to take off for my kids field trips and games AND I make enough money to have a full retirement fund so I can retire at 57 and still be able to travel the world!  The impact this career has made through and through is next to none!
What advice would you give to someone thinking about cosmetology school?
I would tell someone who is thinking about cosmetology school to take the leap.  The secret about the hair industry is your personality, if you can relate to people, make them feel special, remember important details from their last visit and be honest with them… the hair doesn’t have to be perfect.  It is truly in the way you make people feel.  I would also say it is not a hobby, it is a career… a career that can take you to places you never thought possible!