Hair Artist
An artist since birth, Cecelia is an internationally published, award-winning hair artist residing in Boulder, Colorado, and works at 1313 A Salon. Cecelia also styles for Paris Fashion Week and is the Artistic Hair Lead for Fashion Week Studios (FWS). Connecting stylists worldwide, Cecelia curates the hairstyles for the opening day of Paris, New York, and Milan Fashion Week twice a year. In 2019 Cecelia was recognized at the Southwest Hair Awards as a nominee for “Hair Stylist Of The Year.”
Cecelia's journey to the runway was not an easy one. As a young, single mother, she experienced setbacks and challenges. She attributes her success to a pivotal moment where she put a stake in the ground and vowed to change her life for herself and her young daughter.
Here is Cecelia’s story.
TK: As a young girl in California, you were the only girl on the football team. What was that like, and what did you learn from the experience?
CK: Growing up in Monterrey, California, sounds like paradise. But not for everyone. As a very athletic and aggressive girl, I always gravitated toward sports. In fourth grade, softball led me to become the only girl football player at my elementary school. As I got older my love for the sport came with a price tag, a big target on the back. The bullying began around middle school where I was the “new kid” after having been homeschooled for a few years prior. I spent my afternoons playing football with the boys; since grade school this was the only place I felt accepted.
With high school approaching, the football coach sent out a sign-up sheet. I remember asking my Mom for permission. As usual, she distractedly dismissed my request replying, "you don't need my permission." My Mom always encouraged me to chart my own path. The next day I turned in my form and became the only girl on the high school football team. I worked harder than I had ever worked. I pushed myself past all my comfort zones to prepare for football. I did the 2-a-day practices playing both running back and safety. I remember being scared all the time. I don’t know if I was more afraid of getting hurt on the field, or of the aggressive bullying I endured off the field. But I kept on playing, I was determined to complete the football season.
Cecelia (bottom right) on the high school football team.
At the end of the season, I received the "Hardest Working Player" award. My Coach invented the award for me. As he handed it to me at the award dinner, he said. "Cecelia never makes excuses and has more dedication than anyone." I took those words to heart, and they served me well throughout many challenges I was about to face throughout my life.
TK: How did you begin your career in the beauty industry?
CK: High school brought bigger hallways and bolder bullies. I continued to be the target. After years of constant abuse, I enrolled in a dual credit program at the local community college and left high school for good. The good news was that the bullying stopped. But I often felt isolated and alone.
At the age of 19, I found myself pregnant with my first love. Ready for a change and a fresh start, my family, fiance and I relocated to Boulder, Colorado. On our fourth day in Colorado, I took my dog for a walk. Upon my return I discovered that my fiance had packed up his belongings and left. Six weeks later I found out on social media that he married someone else. Prince Charming was no prince after all.
I lived with my mother and my family for a while as I tried to figure things out. My mother always encouraged my creativity from the time I was born. I knew I was a talented artist, I struggled for a long time to figure out where to channel my energy. I just didn’t know where to begin and I kept falling into the same old patterns of dead end jobs or bad relationships.
Cecelia and her daughter, 2007
Cecelia and her daughter, 2020
TK: What was the pivotal moment that changed things for you?
CK: My daughter was 5 years old, and I was financially and emotionally bankrupt. I had to leave an abusive relationship, and a sympathetic police officer paid for a hotel room for my daughter and me. That night, as I sat on the floor of this old hotel room, my little girl came over and gave me a hug. And at that very moment, something inside me said, "Enough.” I stared straight into my daughter’s eyes and declared, "No More. No more working for $9 an hour and scraping together enough to pay the rent. No more partying, no more broken men who drag me down into despair with them. “
TK: Many women find themselves in similar situations, but they find themselves stuck. What actionable steps did you take to change?
CK: I got to know myself by looking at what I was doing to hold myself hostage. I recognized my relationship patterns that always turned to heartache and grief. I began to meditate, and read self-help books. Writing and journaling helped me to explore and reconcile with myself. I set a dream in motion, including the salon I would work at, the house I would live in, and the hours I would work and the hourly rate.
Soon things started to shift. Thanks to the Boulder Housing Partners, I got an apartment, and within six months, I moved us into a two-bedroom home, and I got a job at my dream salon.
“The power of intention and declaring what you want for your life is powerful. Once you are clear on what you want, you can take actionable steps to achieve your dreams. ”
TK: Who is your Role Model?
CK: My grandmother, Marie, was a true soul mate. She provided a peak support system and refuge throughout my life. Without a college education, she became the Revenue Officer for the City of Monterey. I spent every weekend at her house when I was very young. We had our own little world, just the two of us. She traveled the world and had a very full life and passed on her work ethic and love of life.
TK: What is your favorite quote?
CK: My favorite quote is, "Everything you want is on the other side of attachment." There is so much pressure to stay in a relationship or a job. We are paralyzed by fear. As I let go of the attachment, things began to change for me.
TK: How did you get your position at Fashion Week Studio and end up on the runways in Paris, Milan, and New York?
CK: I started my fashion journey with Charlie Price of Beauty Underground. I participated with the team at New York Fashion Week. From there, I continued down the 303 Fashion Week path, volunteering and participating at shows. My work online was noticed by Fashion Week Studios via Instagram. They reached out wanting to have me for an upcoming show in Paris. As we got discussing ideas and came closer to the date, I was offered the hair lead position. The first show was a success, and I have been working with them ever since. I travel to Paris twice a year, managing the hair team.
Cecelia working Paris Fashion Week
Cecelia with Jay Alexander
TK: Tell me about your FWS Education Program. What was the catalyst to create the program?
CK: I have been very fortunate to have an industry mentor. From day one, Jules Juno has been my rock. Recognizing the impact of a good industry mentor, I created the FWS Education program to create an opportunity for passionate artists to break into the runway. The class serves as a platform for artists to gain the foundational tools needed to launch their careers. These classes provide the student's experience and an opportunity to build relationships in the industry. The hair team now draws students from around the world to be a part of the elite Paris Fashion Week. It is just one way I can open doors for the next generation.
“Grow consciously and gratefully.”
Find Cecelia
Visit her website: ceceliahair.com
Follow her on Instagram: @ceceliahair
