What country are you from and where do you live?

I have a dual citizenship in Mexico and the United States.  I live in Atlanta.

Title of what you do and the company you work with?

Creative and Educational Director at Free Spirit Salon.

Education background (Hair school, art school, no school)?

I trained at Vidal Sassoon in North America and UK.  I go back annually to Santa Monica to keep up on the newest collections.  Following this, I have Tim Hartley and Tina Haukjaer Andersen education, Ted Gibson Academy, Sally Rogerson education, Damien Carney Professional, Federico Advanced, Mazella and Palmer, Zgat Academy, Antoinette Beenders Senior VP Global Profession Artistry Aveda, and Sharon Blain education.

What is your signature style/artistic expression?

I love creating different types of texture and color.  I like to give my clients custom tailored options for a presence instead of just a haircut.

What was your career turning point/your big break?

My biggest turning point was when I got my professional training at Vidal Sassoon in Santa Monica – I felt like I had made it!  Having the Vidal Sassoon team (Mark Hayes and Tracy Sakosits) as my foundation, along with Damien Carney, Tim Hartley and Tina Haukjaer Andersen, Ted Gibson and Jason Backe as mentors was also pivotal for me.

What was your scariest and proudest moment in your career?

Taking my first collection course with Mark and Tracy was intimidating working next to such big names in the industry.  It turns out they are super humble, approachable, and they love to share their knowledge. That meant a lot to me. Working with Ted and Jason on Fashion Week was my proudest moment.

What is next for your career goals?

Creating new and innovative collections and having my work photographed by Damien Carney and his amazing team (makeup artist Joanne Gair and creative director of wardrobe Nikko Kefalas).

Also, locally, I work with JR West Photography, Johnny H Le, and Allen Cooley to continue refining my experience with collaboration with local photographers. This allows me to be able to maintain an Adrian Experience to my clientele.

What advice would you give to someone starting out in your business?

#1:  BE HUMBLE.  Take advice/instructions as much as you can soak up.  Put in the work by working long hours. If you think you know, you don’t know because I learn new things every day.  Educate, educate, educate yourself and then practice, practice, practice and then patience, patience, patience. Surround yourself with a team of people who will elevate you.  Eliminate any negative association who doesn’t have your best interest and career goals in mind – this is one of the most crucial. In the end, you will have yourself and very few people.  That is your team. Cut the fat!

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