We had the good fortune of connecting with Angie Woods and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Angie, what role has risk played in your life or career?
When it comes to taking risks, I can testify there will be good rewards and lessons learned. I started my own business before I could have an alcoholic drink legally, I was young and optimistic. I attended cosmetology school while in high school, and graduated both at the same time. In my community many felt a college education offered more stability and financial freedom. Many college careers won’t allow freedom of expression as an artist. Taking a risk, like not going to a traditional college made my family and friends so worried about my future. I took my life into my own hands, not worrying about the naysayers. I started from the ground up and haven’t slowed down since. I joined an industry that has blessed me in so many ways. I have met many influential people who have become my mentors and best allies. I look back and I can confidently say I wouldn’t change the choices I have made in my career. My risks brought many rewards.
My family now considers me to be the “Fearless One”. From a small one person studio, then operating a four chair salon, to now owning a beauty school. Taking risks has played a major role in my life because, it forced me to believe in and encourage myself when I often felt unsupported and alone. Many will have opinions and suggestions about what you should do with your life, but I trusted my intuition. Believing in yourself and your abilities is one of the scariest things to do. Living a life for others and doing what they want is wrong. The realization you’re stuck in a life that’s not what you truly want, that is more scary. I took a risks to pursue my passion. Now Im living my dream!
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
The name of the corporation is Better Hair Education. The theme is urban, industrial, techno and chic. The first question that rises for most is, “What does it mean?” If you asked that question, know that you probably are behind technology and don’t have Instagram or Tik Tok, where mass symbols and visualization play an important part in marketing. We refer to it as being, “hip and up to date” and that is what Better Hair Education is, “a new age service, product and training center for hairstyling professionals of Southern Arizona. Arizona’s population is growing every year. This private educational center will be an elite school of hairstyling, servicing a small student body. This will serve 3 purposes:
1. Basic training for the industry, focusing on preparing students for the hair industry.
2. Service the price conscious economy in the Tucson area.
3. Encouragement of furthering professional education and employment.
Better Hair Education is the only Hairstyling training center in the Tucson area. BHE offers a full line of Design products noted for their commitment to the environment. As a concept school for Design, BHE is allowed to carry products other salons and schools do not. The front of the school is committed to being a strong retail center, inviting shoppers and students to interact.
It is the goal of Better Hair Education to provide the community with an institution of hairstyling that targets all socioeconomic standing and is a model for the industry nationally. This models the Better Hair Education’s objective, placing an emphasis on personal as well as environmental wellness. It is this objective that ties together the school, the retail center and salons.
BHE wants to bring a new refreshing expense when it comes to enrolling in beauty school. Not only is the beauty industry a fun career but also very lucrative for those who take the business seriously. When it comes to the experience of attending cosmetology school many are left not learning enough skills to make it as a professional in this career and often quit before they start or within 6 months to 2 years. BHE mission is to inspire and educate students to be creative and set themselves apart by treating their talent as a business generating a means to further their dreams and professional goals.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
When good friends come to visit I always make sure to get them a drink from Eegee’s. A business native to Tucson, Az that has the best flavored slushy drinks. My friends are also from the East coast, I would also take them out for some good Mexican food.
One thing that all my visitors are blown away by is the beautiful mountain views. Some say they look like a picture or from a movie. A hiking trip is a must also.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Paul and Cynthia, my grandparents who have always supported me. Even when they weren’t sure of the outcomes of my choices.
Corie Woods, My amazing husband! My true love and motivation to grow and evolve as a wife and mother.
J-Ted Pima Program. I was able to attend cosmetology school free! This was the best program for me and helped jump start my career.
Website: bhetucson.com
Instagram: betterhaireducation
Linkedin: Angela Woods
Facebook: Better Hair Education LLC.
Youtube: Better Hair Education LLC
Image Credits
Angela Woods, Royal Cooper, Mercedes M