Phagans Success Story – Former Student Opens Her First Portland Salon

Phagans graduate Heidi Aldana opened her first salon, Studio 90, in Southeast Portland less than two years after graduating. After changing careers from healthcare to cosmetology, she gained salon experience before becoming a business owner offering hair, nail, facial, and waxing services.

Her story highlights:

• Making a career change into cosmetology
• Overcoming challenges as an English-language learner
• Gaining experience after graduation
• Opening a two-chair salon
• Building a business with support from family and friends

When Heidi Aldana worked as a certified nursing assistant one of her favorite parts of the job was working on patients’ hair and makeup.

Phagans graduate Heidi Aldana’s first salon, Studio 90.

So when the native Guatemalan found herself unemployed she decided to follow a dream that began in her native country and enrolled at Phagans School of Hair Design in Portland. Now, less than two years after graduating, Aldana has her own salon.

Phagans was a name that rose to the top during her search for a school, Aldana said. The 30-year-old mother of four decided to enroll in the full course after she made an appointment with admissions and visited the school. Because English is her second language, she initially felt nervous and found some of the coursework difficult. But, she said, helpful instructors, a good environment and newly formed friendships helped and supported her along the way.

The salon, which Heidi Aldana has owned for about 2 months, features 2 chairs and stations for nails and waxing services.

She said it was equally important to have the constant support of family and friends as she went through school.

Her hard work paid off. After working for a chain hair salon she decided to make the move and open her own salon, Studio 90 in Southeast Portland. She has owned the salon for two months and features two chairs and offers pedicures, facials and waxing services.

Aldana said she likes being her own boss. “It feels nice to have something that belongs to me,” she said.

Aldana said her advice to other beauty school students is to work at other salons for a few years. The experience will help teach them customer service skills, which, coupled with advertising, is key to long-term growth, she said.

She said she hopes to grow her salon so she can employ other stylists and support her children and their dreams. “I have a positive mind that I am going to make it,” she said.