When it comes to hair, Alyssa Hrisko is a natural. She officially started her career in beauty the summer before her senior year of high school. Alyssa has been doing weddings for 15 years, but has been a licensed hair stylist for 10. Even so, she's still utterly obsessed with her craft. Alyssa wouldn’t be caught dead without two things -- a stash of hot sauce and her favorite attire of all-black-all-the-time. Although, her wardrobe is rather neutral, her personality is unabashedly colorful, bubbly and high energy. I love having her on shoots because she makes everything so much more fun.
Tell us about your career.
A normal day in my life is spent coloring and cutting my clients at 7 Salon in Bellevue, mixed in with weddings and formats both onsite and off. When I'm not actually in the salon I've had the opportunities to teach for SEVEN Haircare which most recently has taken me down to California. Otherwise my time is spent focusing on the next big photoshoot or collaboration with other talented artists.
Tell us about yourself!
Born and raised West Seattle, a Washingtonian (we are a dying breed apparently), and I still love everything that is Washington. If I wasn't a hair stylist I would love, love to run my own food truck and feed people. I love to cook. And, in the summer and fall I grow my own vegetables with my mother, nothing better than grocery shopping in your own backyard! It's not uncommon to find me reading at minimum 3-4 books at time. I'm definitely that person that reads and walks. lol. The best part of where I live and what I do, is the chances and opportunities to give back and be conscious of the effect we have on others and our surroundings. At the end of the day, I love feeding my clients and friends and family -- whether that be through hair styles that make them feel as amazing as they are on the inside, cooking for friends and family or giving back in my community. It's what drives me to want to be the best every day so I can keep sharing what I love to do with others.
How did you get into the beauty industry and what do you love about it?
Typical stylist answer. I was the girl in high school who couldn't seem to understand why every updo had to look like a cross between Shirley temple and a ShihTzu puppy, and their had to be a better option. After finding out that I could actually do this as a living, I was like, “sign me up now right now please!!!”
What is your advice for someone getting into the Fashion/ Beauty Industry?
Be humble and be open. Find someone in the industry who you respect, and ask them what they did and what they wish they had known going into it. Work harder than the boss and be open to saying yes to anything and everything in the beginning. You never know when that yes will set you on a future path that may not have been previously open to you. And, for heaven’s sake write thank you cards! Personal notes of appreciation is a lost art and makes a huge statement!
Words of Wisdom
Be the person your younger self needed. Know that any point someone you may not even notice is looking up to you or towards you for guidance and support. Give grace and have patience.
Is there anything else you feel led to share?
No one is going to set out your road map of your career, it's up to you to bust your buns to keep it moving forward. Don't panic if you detour a bit. Sometimes the best detours lead us to better destinations and goals.
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