A Former Marketing Pro Follows Her Dream into Cosmetology

In February 2018, Quia Querisma decided to close the door on her 14-year-long career in marketing. Years prior, she beagn to realize that her heart was no longer in her work, which forced her to reflect on where her interests truly lay. 

For as long as she could remember, Querisma had been passionate about three things: travel, writing and hair. And while she still traveled and occasionally wrote, she felt it was time to get serious about hair. Her longtime stylist, Samara Garth, inspired her to be brave and take the leap into cosmetology--and she did just that. 

While attending Toni & Guy Hairdressing Academy in Dallas, Texas, Querisma applied for and won one of three Rosy Rewards scholarships. Her winning essay outlined her plan to build a facility to house multiple salon suites in an upwardly mobile community of young professionals near her home. Querisma's ultimate goal was to create passive income from tenants while running her own salon suite. The dream would allow her to stay close to her family and build a legacy for her children. With beauty school behind her, here’s how things are going so far:

What has been your most significant realization or accomplishment since school?

QQ: Don't be afraid to ask for what you want. By pushing my fear aside and asking for what I wanted, I was able to do hair at an New York Fashion Week show just four months out of hair school. Also, when I was laid off from a commission salon due to COVID, I opened my suite once shelter-in-place was lifted. After being in that suite for nine months, there was an opportunity to move into the best suite in the building. I was afraid to ask about the cost, but again I pushed fear aside and learned that my suitemate and I could actually afford it. It's a beautiful space that I am proud of, and I almost let fear cheat me out of it.

What are you looking forward to in the future?

QQ: I recently accepted a role as an educator for Pureology, so I am looking forward to the experience of teaching other hairstylists all about new cutting and styling techniques. Also, my business behind the chair has grown so much in its first year, and I'm looking forward to continued growth.

How did your scholarship win make a difference in school and after?

QQ: The funds helped lighten the financial load of school costs. After graduation, being able to include my scholarship win as part of my resume helped me stand out as I searched for apprenticeships.

What words of advice do you have for future professionals looking to succeed in this industry?

QQ: I'll tell you what one of my favorite instructors told me: never stop learning. Take every opportunity you can to learn from proven experts in the field. Don't just learn techniques; learn about business and wellness to ensure you have a long, lucrative career as a hairstylist.

Know a first-time cosmetology, barber, or esthetics student who could use a leg-up? Click through to enter the Rosy Rewards scholarship.