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SEARCHCreative Director, RARE NYC Salon/Studio Pureology Creative Team Editorial/celebrity stylist
RUTH ROCHE
Creative Director, RARE NYC Salon/Studio
Pureology Creative Team
Editorial/celebrity stylist
Licensed: 1984, Kristofer's School of Cosmetology, Santa Barbara CA
First job: Apace Hair Design, Santa Barbara, CA
Clients per week: 25
Price point: Cuts: $200, highlights: $250 and up
rarenyc.com
Why did you choose beauty? I was obsessed with hair from about age 9 on. I had such desire to do hair that I dropped out of college, where I was studying to be a mechanical engineer.
Milestones: Being chosen by Trevor Sorbie to be on his artistic team in 1988; winning NAHA Hairstylist of the Year, with my father there with me (my mother passed away right when I got on Trevor's team, so she never got to see how far I have taken my career); signing with the Timothy Priano Hair and Makeup Agency in NYC, which started my editorial and celebrity career.
Big break: Trevor saw raw talent in me and believed in me. If he hadn't, I have no idea what my career path would have been.
Career advice you’ve received: Focus on your craft and have an attitude of service.
Career advice you’ve given: Focus on your craft and have an attitude of service.
Your mentors: Trevor Sorbie, Vivienne Mackinder, Mary Brunetti, Billy B
You mentor: Some people through email, along with my apprentices. One in particular who doesn't work at Rare anymore, asked me to continue to be his mentor. Fatima Sheik is my former employee who I passed the torch to and now owns Rare Salon I continue to help her when she needs it, and I am so proud of her!
Are there challenges for women in beauty? I think that a woman who has been lucky to achieve what I have is a message to other women who have it in their heads that it is harder for women to 'make it to the top.'
What does “work/life” balance mean to you? Ha-ha. Still trying to figure that one out!
To follow in your footsteps, a woman would have to: Stay open to opportunities that may come your way, and to criticism and honesty.
Famous woman you would like to style. Meryl Streep! I think she is the most amazing actress of our time
Next change to my personal style: I am classic with an edge, and a little rock and roll thrown in every once in a while. Not sure ...
Reading: Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell
Playlist: “Low Rider” and “Lovely 2 C U” by Goldfrapp
Every day, just for you: My first cup of coffee is non-negotiable.
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Working on: Hmmm. . . it's a secret!
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