theconnectionsnj.com PAGE 16 SHOPPING, DINING, BEAUTY & EVENTS By Katrina Musto A Beautiful Beauty Experience in Bedminster Katie Garcia has a vision for beauty and it’s apparent when walking into Beautique Hair Design’s new location in Bedminster. After a recent move from Martinsville, the stylist and owner of the salon felt like Bedminster was the perfect spot for her. “I knew I always wanted to be in the beauty industry; I went to cosmetology school after graduating high school,” she says. “I love taking care of people, so I briefly considered going to nursing school but took a leap of faith and haven’t looked back!” She began by shampooing hair when her mom suggested she work at Glamour Shots, doing hair and makeup to get more hands-on experience. Then, after nine years of styling, her boss (and mentor) at the time decided she no longer wanted to own a salon and encouraged Garcia to open her own place. “At the time, I was comfortable styling behind the chair but walked through my fear and pushed myself out of my comfort zone.” Six months later, in November 2017, Beautique Hair Design was officially open. Her old boss joined her and started styling there. “I will always be grateful for that push and the belief she had in me, even before I saw it myself.” Some of her staff, from the time she officially opened, still work for her now, which is a testament to how important relationship building is to her. “I want everyone that walks through our doors to feel welcome, important, and cared for. I want everyone to feel like they are a part of the Beautique family,” adding, “I truly love this industry!” Recent trends Beautique Hair Design has been seeing are “color blocking” (having one area of the hair be one color and the rest another), blunt bob cuts, butterfly layers, bangs, middle-parts, and new technology in curling irons and blow-dryers to repair your hair. The salon has four levels (Rose Quartz, Jade, Amethyst, and Citrine) for the different tiers of stylists. In addition to hair and makeup, there is an aesthetician who offers facials, spray-tanning, and full body waxing. Making people feel glamorous is the best feeling a stylist can get and Garcia especially loves working with clients interested in experiencing hair extensions. One of her most memorable transformations was when she spun a client around and afterwards, she said to her (with tears in her eyes) that she hadn’t felt that beautiful since her wedding day. Experiences like that are an instant gratification for Garcia. “Whether you’ve been in the industry for 2 years or 40 years, your clients need to be offered the latest and greatest. You need to be educated on your craft,” Garcia says. “Working as a stylist, you never know what you’re going to get, and the day will never be boring.” Garcia says, while smiling, “When you stay on top of the trends, you feel confident, like you can handle anything! It’s so rewarding and I’m grateful to call my passion my career.” 2436 Lamington Rd, Bedminster, NJ 732-369-3936 beautiquehairdesign.com COMMENDS CONNECTION “Whether you’ve been in the industry for 2 years or 40 years, your clients need to be offered the latest and greatest. You need to be educated on your craft.”
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