Iles Formula Hair Talk welcomes Sonya Caruthers the passionate and proud owner of a new hair replacement salon in Palmdale CA, STUDIO.NO.1. With 25 years of experience in the hair industry, her passion has always been centered around hair.
Instagram: @STUDIO_NO_1
With 25 years of experience in the hair industry, her passion has always been centered around hair. However, it wasn’t until about six years ago that she discovered her true calling in Hair Replacement.
Sonya says,”After experiencing significant hair loss following multiple pregnancies as a surrogate, I was truly traumatized. This personal struggle ignited a deep compassion within me for those who experience hair loss, and I was compelled to find a way to help others in similar situations. I didn’t want anyone to endure the emotional pain that I had gone through, and I knew that I had to make a difference”
“Becoming a hair replacement specialist has opened my eyes to new experiences and has allowed me to meet remarkable individuals who are beautiful inside and out. My salon is more than just a business, it’s a place where people can come to feel safe, confident and beautiful again. I am dedicated to provide top-notch service and create a welcoming space for all of my clients. I am committed to using my expertise and compassion to help those who are struggling with hair loss, and I look forward to making a positive impact in their lives.”
What would you term as your specialty within your trade?
100% HAIR REPLACEMENT
What’s the most enjoyable part of your job?
One of the most enjoyable aspects of my job as a hair restoration specialist is the opportunity to make a tangible difference in people’s lives. Many of my clients come to me feeling insecure and self-conscious as a result of losing their hair, and it is incredibly rewarding to be able to give them their confidence back. Seeing the transformation in their demeanor and self-esteem is truly fulfilling.
Beyond the physical aspect of restoring their hair, I also have the privilege of witnessing the positive impact on my clients’ mental health. It is not uncommon for individuals who have experienced hair loss to feel a profound sense of loss and sadness, and I take great satisfaction in being able to help them feel like themselves again. The joy and relief in my clients’ eyes when they see the results of our work is truly gratifying.
Why did you choose the path of hairdressing and was it easy to fall into this work?
I think part of the reason I was drawn to hairdressing is because I have always been a creative and artistic person. I love the idea of using my skills and passion to help others feel beautiful and confident. There is something incredibly rewarding about being able to transform someone’s look and boost their self-esteem through something as simple as a haircut or a new color.
Additionally, I have always been a people person and enjoy connecting with others. Hairdressing allows me to form close relationships with my clients and provide them with not only a service, but also a listening ear and a source of support.
Furthermore, I am someone who thrives in an environment where I can constantly learn and grow. Hairdressing is a constantly evolving industry, and I am always eager to learn new techniques and stay updated on the latest trends.
If you had not made the decision to be a hairdresser what would you have been?
If I had not made the decision to become a hairdresser, I honestly have no idea what I would have been. I have always had a passion for the world of beauty and making people feel confident and beautiful. It has been my dream job ever since I can remember. However, if I had to choose an alternate career path, I would say I might have pursued a career in interior design.
I have always been drawn to creating aesthetically pleasing spaces and have a love for color schemes, furniture arrangements, and overall design. I enjoy transforming a space into something beautiful, just like I do with hair.
Interior design would allow me to utilize my creative skills and eye for detail in a manner similar to hairdressing. I would still be able to make people feel comfortable and at ease in their surroundings, and accomplish a transformation that brings them joy.
Ultimately, I am thankful for the path I have chosen as a hairdresser, as it has allowed me to express my creativity and passion for beauty every day. However, in an alternate universe, interior design would have been a close second choice for a career that would still allow me to bring beauty and happiness to others through my work.
What is your greatest strength?
One of my greatest strengths would have to be my compassion and attention to fine details. These two qualities define my approach to both personal and professional interactions and have been instrumental in shaping the way I navigate the world.
My compassion enables me to understand and empathize with others, allowing me to connect with people on a deeper level. This strength has been invaluable in fostering positive relationships and resolving conflicts. Whether it’s a colleague going through a tough time or a friend in need of support, my compassionate nature allows me to provide a listening ear and offer genuine support and guidance.
My attention to fine details sets me apart in the professional realm. I am meticulous in my work, ensuring that no detail is overlooked and that tasks are completed to the highest standard. This has led to the successful execution of projects and has earned me a reputation for reliability and precision.
In conclusion, my compassion and attention to fine details are two of my greatest strengths. They enable me to build meaningful connections with others and excel in the professional realm. These qualities are fundamental to my approach to life and the way I contribute to the world around me.
Your favorite hairdressing tools?
My Ergo round brushes
Tell us about your relationship with Iles Formula. How you discovered us and which formula is your favorite?
I first discovered Iles Formula through my hair factory, where they mentioned a few lines that worked really well with their hair. Intrigued, I decided to look it up and was immediately captivated by the brand. The sleek and sophisticated packaging was one of the first things that caught my eye, and it ultimately played a significant role in my decision to try the products.
Upon using Iles Formula, I was absolutely enamored with the scent. It is truly exquisite, and I was so taken with it that I even decided to base my Salon’s signature scent off of it. The fragrance alone was enough to sell me on the product, but I soon came to appreciate its effectiveness as well.
Among the products, my favorite has to be the Iles Formula Curl Revive. Not only does it work wonders on hair extensions, but it also works miracles on our own hair. The results speak for themselves, and it has become an essential product in my salon.
I am proud to say that I have established a great relationship with Iles Formula, and I am continually impressed by the quality and efficacy of their products. I am grateful to have found a brand that meets and exceeds my expectations, and I look forward to working with Iles Formula in the future.
What was the most challenging job you ever made?
Owning a hair salon has been the most challenging job I’ve ever had. The responsibilities of being a salon owner are vast, including managing finances, marketing, human resources, and customer relations. Additionally, working behind the chair as a stylist while managing the business presents its own set of challenges.
As a salon owner, I am responsible for the financial health of the business. This means I must manage costs, maintain cash flow, and make strategic decisions to ensure the salon’s profitability. I also need to create and execute marketing plans to attract and retain clients, as well as manage a team of stylists and support staff. These responsibilities require careful attention to detail, strong leadership skills, and the ability to multitask.
Furthermore, working as a stylist while managing the salon adds an additional layer of complexity to my role. I am responsible for providing high-quality hair services to clients while also overseeing the day-to-day operations of the business. This requires exceptional time management and organizational skills to balance both aspects of my job effectively.
Additionally, managing a home life while juggling the demands of salon ownership and working behind the chair adds another layer of difficulty to the mix. It often feels like a juggling act, and finding a work-life balance can be challenging.
Despite the numerous challenges, owning a hair salon has been incredibly rewarding. It has allowed me to pursue my passion for hair styling while also developing valuable business and management skills. While it is undoubtedly the most challenging job I’ve ever had, it has also been the most fulfilling.
What was your worst hair moment and why, privately or on set/stage or in the salon?
As a professional hair stylist, there are few things that are as terrifying as experiencing a hair disaster firsthand. One of the worst hair moments of my career occurred about two years into my practice when a client came in asking for a bleaching treatment, despite having never previously used bleach on their hair. Against my better judgment, I proceeded with the treatment, only to have the client’s hair begin falling out in clumps in the shampoo bowl. The feeling of helplessness and panic as I witnessed the client’s hair disintegrating before my eyes is something that I will never forget.
To make matters worse, it was later revealed that the person who recommended the client to me was well aware of the client’s lack of experience with bleach and had frequently bleached their own hair without issue. I was left feeling completely unprepared and utterly traumatized by the experience.
The memory of that incident still haunts me to this day. It was a stark reminder of the immense responsibility that comes with working with a client’s hair and the potential consequences of even the smallest misstep. It was a moment that forced me to re-evaluate my approach to client consultations and to prioritize thorough communication and informed decision-making in all future treatments.
Ultimately, this experience served as a valuable lesson in the importance of trust, honesty, and transparency in the client-stylist relationship, and it has shaped the way I approach my work to this day.
If you could style anyone’s hair, who would it be and why?
Donald Trump!! That comb over lol. I could change that mans life.
Where do you pull hair inspiration from?
My inspiration comes from everywhere, I couldn’t name just one.
Your advice to young hairdressers starting out?
One of the best pieces of advice I could give to a young hairdresser starting out is to assist. Beauty School provides a solid foundation and understanding of the basics, but there is so much more to learn outside of the classroom. Tricks of the trade and valuable experience are gained through hands-on work in a salon setting.
I believe in the power of mentorship and have implemented an open chair volunteer program at my salon, giving hairdressers the opportunity to gain valuable experience without the financial burden of paying station rent. This program allows them to work in a professional salon environment, build a solid clientele, and learn from experienced stylists before transitioning to another salon.
Assisting in a salon setting is an invaluable learning experience. It provides the opportunity to observe and learn from seasoned professionals, gain practical skills, and understand the day-to-day operations of a salon. This hands-on training is essential for honing skills and developing a strong foundation in the industry.
By offering support and guidance, we can help young hairdressers navigate the challenging and competitive world of hairdressing. Assisting allows them to learn the ins and outs of the industry, develop their craft, and build a strong foundation for a successful career in hairdressing.