For Woman's History we want to spotlight Fallene. Our fearless leader, who inspires all of us to follow our dreams every day. Fallene sees the potential in all of us and encourages us to go outside of our comfort zone. She supports us and treats us just like family. Fallene is genuine, and caring. I can guarantee you there is no other salon owner like her. We are so grateful for her and that she does for us. She is a rare gem for sure. Here is to you, Fallene!
1.Tell us about yourself.
My name is Fallene, I was born and raised in Las Vegas. When I was 17 I packed up my 2 cats, my car and drove to Denver and never looked back. I'm an entrepreneur at heart, since I was little I was always trying to find ways to make something into a business. I used to run a store outside of our playroom with my brother. We would buy candy, soda, popsicles, chips. When I was 15 I attended a vocational business school after graduating from homeschool. Fast forward a few years, when I was 19 I didn't know what I wanted to do with my life. I had just started dating my now husband and business partner, Kyle. I wanted to be a fashion designer, but I thought learning hair & makeup would be a great way to learn that side of fashion. I enrolled at FIT fashion college in NY and Cosmetology school in Denver. I thought whoever called me first was the direction I would take, so I enrolled in Cosmetology. I knew I would want to have my own salon in 10 years from that point and fast forward to being in the industry for 19 years, I have an incredible salon with a wonderful team and a culture I have always envisioned.
Project Runway Season 9
2.What are you most proud of?
I'm proud that no matter what profession I'm in, producing a clothing line, fashion shows, or building our salon culture, I have always been the kind of leader to empower others to grow to their full potential. I really enjoy seeing people come into their own and be the kind of person they want to be in the world. Helping people break down the barriers of self doubt that can hold them back. I know personally when I have leaped into the things I'm afraid of is when I feel I'm growing the most, I really enjoy helping others to push forward and do the things they thought were impossible.
3.Who are some badass women who have inspired you?
I'm really inspired by Brene Brown, Eileen Fisher, Betty White, Dolly Parton. They are all so different, but the common thread that inspires me, they create paths and opportunities for themselves, they don't let gender get in the way, they're authentic and embrace being vulnerable.
4.What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far in your life?
I've learned that when you feel fear, you overcome it by doing what you're afraid of, that nothing is impossible, to always live your truth, and speak your mind.
5.When are you the happiest?
When I'm outside in the sunshine, gardening, kissing my cats, a hot bath, and having a delicious wine on our patio with Kyle.
6.What does it mean to be a woman to you?
I've experienced some discrimination in my lifetime, especially growing up in Vegas! Being a woman to me means that people might underestimate you, that sometimes you have to work much harder to be taken seriously. I think of it as a good thing, it keeps me motivated to strive to be the best, think out of the box and never use my gender as a crutch. Women are natural caregivers, empathetic, and compassionate. We lead with our hearts and our minds, and I think having that balance is what it takes to have a strong culture.
Forever Darling 9 Fashion Show
Painting the ceiling at Let Em Have It Salon