<strong>About the employer: </strong>Eclektica Salon, in Kansas City&#8217;s Briarcliff Village, is a high-end salon.</p><p><strong>My role: </strong>As a hairstylist, I&#8217;m able to move around all day, interacting with people and observing clients&#8217; hair while I create what I feel is most flattering for each of them. Making a difference for clients in a way that only I can provide and that will become part of their everyday lifestyle is my main responsibility.</p><p><strong>How did you find your job?</strong></p><p>Soon after the salon opened in November 2006, I walked in and was able to talk with the owner and master stylist, Carolina Coleman. She accepted me for an apprenticeship at the salon in January 2007, and after I had proved myself in that role, I was hired as a hairstylist in late spring 2007.</p><p><strong>What helped the most in the job search? What didn&#8217;t help? </strong></p><p>Defining my own goal for the type of salon I wanted. What didn&#8217;t help was going to interviews at area salons that had been recommended by the hair school program at which I had studied. None of those salons felt like they were places of which I wanted to be a part.</p><p><strong>What is your best advice for others in the job search?</strong></p><p>Try to stay positive the first year. Keep an open mind about improving yourself and continue to pursue advanced education. Make yourself available to opportunities and people.</p><p><strong>What is your educational background?</strong></p><p>I have an associate degree in liberal arts from Maple Woods Community College (June 2000) and graduated from The Aveda Institute in November 2006.</p><p><strong>Is there anything else you would like to share related to the job search?</strong></p><p>I have had more opportunities at a small business because I often work directly with the owner and the overall business plan. Also, by starting as an apprentice at a high-end salon, I have gained more confidence, preparation and consultation abilities than I would have gained starting as a stylist somewhere else.</p><p><strong>How does this job fit into your long-term career plans?</strong></p><p>Perfectly. By having a world-class salon as my home base, I can still advance to the highest levels in the industry while staying in Kansas City.