There are thousands of powerful, personal salon success stories happening every day throughout the Salon at Ulta Beauty. Here’s an inspiring one—watch for more online and on social media, and in the next editions of insideLOOK!

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DEEJAY SWANEY

Services District Educator, Shreveport, LA

Years with Ulta beauty: 8

Career journey: I started as an Ulta stylist, level 1, then grew as a Salon Manager, Salon Market Trainer and now, am part of the expanded Services District Educator team.

Never did I think this country boy who made all the wrong choices early in my career and personal life would be able to impact so many other people’s careers.

I started at Ulta when I was 19, just wanting to do hair to pay what few bills I had at the time, and have fun. I was pretty successful working the closing shifts and building my book, and was able to level jump to a senior designer in two years. Then I thought I would try to pocket the $1,100 a week I was making, so I left Ulta and tried booth rental.  For 29 days. Turns out I don’t work for myself very well.

Fortunately, I was able to come back to Ulta at a different location. After some personal challenges and a serious accident, I built my business back up and was promoted to Salon Manager, then Salon Market Trainer. Through these positions, I was able to hire and coach Ulta associates on how to build their own business and thrive. Soon, as a team, we were rocking out $10,000 weeks, one of our associates became a $100K stylist, and we added a skin care educator on our team. I personally became a Redken Certified Colorist. Then, with the new services focus at Ulta, my role as Salon Market Trainer dissolved, and I found my tribe on the technical training side—as a Services District Educator.

Working on a team with such passion to support other salon professionals in making their dreams come true is a priceless career—one I never thought I would have. I am forever grateful for Ulta being the place I was able to turn my life around, and I love every day of it.

Check out the Salon at Ulta Beauty near you. Ask the salon manager for more info on local—and free!—Ulta Academy education and events. Apply at careers.ulta.com

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