My name is Julia and I graduated from MVRHS in 2020 with an MVYouth workforce scholarship. Since then, I have been working as a dual-licensed cosmetologist and barber in Massachusetts. As of January 2023, I have been working as a booth renter rather than a commission stylist. This means that I am considered self-employed and fully responsible for all aspects of my business. I have learned a lot this past year as I took a large leap into the workforce world and accomplished one of my goals as a business professional. Within the last several months, I’ve had to adapt to new ways to advertise myself in my new rental space. Beyond the traditional annual courses and classes I take to keep up with modern trends and techniques, I took an extension certification program, social media classes, business classes, and even some mental health training. In October of 2023, I married a wonderful man who fully supports and encourages me in my field. As an electrician, he understands the workforce well and has been helpful in my new business endeavors. He always pushes me to take that additional step to always stand out from the crowd. I commuted a few days a week from my rental space to the island and serviced my MV clientele at Panache Salon in West Tisbury owned by Tracy Briggs. Although housing keeps me off the island, I still plan to commute through the summers for as long as possible, as the island’s clientele feels like home. 2023 was a wonderful year of learning. I learned so much about my business, the industry, extensions, and most importantly to be patient with myself and to have fun along the ride. I can’t wait to see what I am able to accomplish professionally in 2024 and I am forever grateful for MVYouth.
Julia Gomes - New England Hair Academy
What a year!! Throughout this past summer and fall, I commuted to the Vineyard a few days a week and did hair at Panache Studio for Tracy Briggs, while simultaneously working at a salon on cape. MVYouth has been life changing in regards to my continued education, beyond my barbering license. This year alone, I attended a total of four workshops and classes, two of which that were taught by the Picassos of the industry: Linh Phan & Linson. I have soaked up so much knowledge and so many new & intricate techniques that have lead me to my current specialty, dimensional brunettes. This has completely elevated not only my clientele, but also my passion as I have found my niche in such an expansive industry. I’ve also been working hard to perfect my career skills and expand my business on social media platforms. Hopefully, I will take more classes this coming year to focus on the business aspect of the cosmetology field. This will help me to continue working towards my ultimate goal of owning a hair salon on the Island. Overall, I think that the last few months have really paved the way, professionally-speaking, for me. I’m excited to see what comes next and I'm eternally grateful for MVYouth’s continued support every step of the journey so far. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
Julia Gomes - New England Hair Academy
Overall, 2021 was a remarkable year for me. I was able to graduate from New England Hair Academy with my barbering license at the beginning of the year and I moved back to the island. I spent this past summer (& third season) working at Panache Salon and built my clientele tremendously with my additional license. It feels really great to be able to help all sorts of people and to greatly increase my client pool. I have been able to refine my barbering and coloring techniques by taking several classes throughout the year in Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, and Boston. Taking these intensive workshops has only deepened my passion for my industry. I plan to use my remaining funds to take a class in textured hair, as well as business oriented workshops that’ll help prepare me to open up my own island salon within the next few years.
Other than my educational advances, I have also been able to volunteer a good portion of my time doing house calls and private appointments for immunocompromised clients and elderly folks who are in need of hair help. It has been a very rewarding experience and a silver lining of this pandemic. I hope to incorporate more of these activities into my schedule in the new year. I would like to sincerely and genuinely thank MVYouth, all the donors, and board members who have made opportunities like these available to me by means of the Workforce Development Scholarship. I can’t wait to give back more of my services, skills, knowledge, and trade to our beloved island. All in all, everything I've been able to accomplish since graduating has molded me into an incredibly driven and passionate professional who is optimistically looking forward to my future as an individual member and asset to the island community.
Julia Gomes - New England Hair Academy
Covid took a toll on many plans I had this past year, but I thankfully made the most out of this past fall. During my time at New England Hair Academy barbering program, I have mastered several cutting techniques, as well as learned how to use a straight edge razor for shaves and line ups. Working with the public can seem intimidating at this time, however the school has taken immense caution to make sure both the barbers and clients feel safe. Because of this, I have been awarded this past semester with an outstanding freshman, perfect attendance, and most clients serviced certificates. I have made new friends at school, but also at my salon job on Newbury St, in the heart of Boston, where I have met both donors to MVYouth as well as island residents! I also got a kitten that keeps me company in my apartment! This past semester has moved quickly, but it has also been refreshing, invigorating and busy. I have had a very smooth transition from the island to the Boston area, and I am adjusting happily to my new routines. I’m extremely grateful for MVYouth’s generosity towards so many young islanders, and I would not be where I am without your help. Thank you!