The sun and her classmates aren’t up yet, but senior Hailey Robinson is on the road.
She sits beside her father, her daily escort on her two-hour one-way trek to Wando each day from Myrtle Beach.
Fueled by her passion for cosmetologyand determination to chase her dreams, Hailey has learned to embrace the early mornings. Her father is equally committed. He is inspired by the chance to watch his daughter blossom in the industry. For him, the four-hour round trip commute is worth it for her.
Robinson has been in the East Cooper Center for Advanced Studies cosmetology program for the past two years. However, her passion for the craft was sparked long before she joined the program.
“I kind of had the idea of going into cosmetology school because I have always liked makeup and hair and all that stuff. So [after] I realized I could make a career out of it, I decided that I want to pursue it,” Hailey said.
However, Robinson expressed that she had a defining moment that made her feel especially secure in her decision.
“It was when I actually started the program and began to take clients that I kind of had that revelation of knowing… this is where I am supposed to be,” Robinson said. “But meeting new people every salon day and that feeling when clients come back to me because they liked my work… that is what keeps me motivated.”
Robinson’s determination and vibrant work ethic in the salon leave a strong impression on those around her. Danielle Rinaca, one of Robinson’s advisers, notes that she has the privilege of watching her grow immensely every day.
“Hailey has truly developed into a talented stylist. It has been fun watching her confidence grow, her skills flourish, and her ability to talk with clients shine,” Rinaca said. “Hailey’s clientele has expanded greatly over this past year [too]. I can tell that she takes pride in her work by the excitement she shows when she finishes a client.”
Robinson’s pursuit of cosmetology education would not be possible without her father, who drives nearly two hours every day to get her there.
“I do it out of love for her. She is my daughter and it makes her happy, so of course I will support her,” her father said.
From haircuts to perms and everything in between, Robinson loves the wide range of services the cosmetology industry offers. What excites her even more is the opportunity for continuous learning, as each day brings new skills to refine and techniques to master.
“I’ve learned so much from the few years that I have been in the cosmetology program. Even Rinaca is learning new things every day. Nobody in the industry knows everything there is to know because the job is never the same thing over and over again,” Robinson said.
Robinson has a deeper dream to own her own salon one day, and she does not mind sacrificing a full eight hours of sleep to get there.
“Hailey will have no problem owning her own salon one day. She is so meticulous, engaging, and well-prepared. I know that she will create a salon that clients will want to come back to…[because] she is able to make lasting connections with …[them],” Rinaca said.
Despite having to balance challenges regarding school, travel, and her craft, Hailey remains strong in her commitment to pursuing her dreams.
“It’s definitely an experience. It’s not for everybody, but I do it because I love cosmetology,” Hailey said.
