Nothing makes us happier than meeting artists we REALLY want to root for… Good people who love the industry, value education and aren’t afraid to put in the hard work. Cynthia Valdez is kinda a badass kids.. We think you are going to love her too!

You can catch her work on the big screen July 12, 2015 at Mandalay Bay as a finalist in the Newcomer category.

5 words that best describe you.

creative, crafty, loyal, perseverant, determined

How long have you been working in the industry? Tell us a it about your path right now.

My path..well.. I have been working in the industry about 3 years. I came to Austin, Texas seeking great education which is why I enrolled in Paul Mitchell The School Austin. After graduating, it was a real shock trying to find where you fit in as a stylist and as a person.

I began my journey working at small local salons but I always felt I wasn’t quite adjusting, so I signed myself up for the scariest thing and the one thing none of my hairdresser friends wanted to do: A YEAR internship. I decided to start small, be an intern, transition, learn, be taught. I have been working now with Jackson Ruiz salon for 2 years and yes internships are hard but being in a path to great hairdressing you need skill, someone that has been there and is willing to teach you.

A senior stylist told me on my first day at work, “Surround yourself with people that are already successful and you wont become any less”. Now I am in the path of growing my skill, keep building on my foundation and be the hairdresser that inspires, teaches and helps young talent grow in the future.

Why NAHA? What was the drive to enter this prestigious competition?

When I was in school I was part of the Beacon program which opened my eyes to the many possibilities in the beauty industry. Since I was in beauty school I found a passion for editorial styling and studio staging. Naha is a competition that allows us to have that creative freedom and showcase our vision not only as hairstylist but as artist. I have been driven by the passion I have for the beauty industry and wanting to be part of the amazing community of people that form the North American Hairstyling Awards and PBA.

Texture, texture, texture!! The guidelines are fairly open for the newcomer category… what made you decide to take this direction?

I LOVE TEXTURE!

Texture was my first love because there is so much you can do with hair in the texture realm. Texture can be such an intimidating thing that I find challenging and fun. Being able to change a haircut and an entire look with a little curl fascinates me. I love doing perms and sets as much as i love doing blowouts and I find that both have to do with adding or removing texture!

How did your actual shoot go day of?

Whoa. The day of the shoot started at 6am, it was an unusually cold texas morning so my boyfriend catered us some breakfast tacos and tons of coffee. I had a team of one makeup artist, two assistants that helped me with setting and prep, a photographer and a boyfriend as intern for the day that helped us with quick trips for coffee and food. I needed to make sure the vibes were UP and happy so we played good music, we danced and had fun.

I tried to make sure no one was tense or stressed because i feel it affects the project. Friends and coworkers stopped by to say hi through out the day to cheer me on and I felt it created such a positive energy in the studio that was well reflected on the work that was produced. It was honestly one of the best days of my life, seeing the vision come to life, having people that cared there to support and doing what I love it was great!

How has this competition impacted your career?

This competition has helped me create opportunities for myself, with my own work. It has given my career sense and direction. It was showed me that i can show the world who i am with good honest work and a lot of passion. Also I have been able to meet and be in touch with great industry personalities too which is the icing on the cake. It has definately caused a huge impact in the way I see my future now than before entering this competition.

Who is your mentor? What is the best piece of advice they have given you?

My mentor is my mother. She is a hairdresser that has made her way in the world with kindness and hard work. She has been in the industry for almost 40 years, she could be retired and at home but instead she is still looking for models and showing up to cut and color classes, working 6 days a week and loving life. She LOVES what she does and it is not in it for the money alone. She has shown me what it is to have true passion and the importance of Education.

We have been through really rough times in my family, losing my dad, my grandmother and my uncle in the past few years, she says showing up to work and being with her clients saved her from depression. I know my art and the beauty world has helped me survive those rough times too. I am who I am today because of a great hairdresser. The best advice she has ever given me is, “Be yourself and do your thing because that is the one thing no one can take away from you, your talents. ”

What are your goals for the next three years??

In the next 3 years i would love to be part of a creative team in New York Fashion week, It has been a dream of mine and I hope i can get there in the next 3 years. Another goal is to work more on my studio staging skills and shoot for editorial. Also i want to go to Disneyland and spin on pink tea cups.

What advice do you have for new stylists who are afraid to compete?

There is nothing to lose and EVERYTHING to gain. Reach out to people that can help you, gather your tribe, be yourself and let the world see your art.

You can stalk Cynthia on her blog BeautyRookie.net and instagram @cindi.love