Many people have family members in the beauty field, and this may be what initially makes you become familiar with the beauty industry. That’s how Mariama Dashiell first started learning about the beauty field. And although she kept learning afterward, that was her first contact with the world of beauty. Keep reading to learn more about how Mariama’s relationship with the beauty field developed.

Mariama Dashiell’s Passion

What made you realize you really loved cosmetology?

Well, my uncle, was a barber. When I was 11 years old, he gave me one of his mannequins that he kind of chopped up, so he gave it to me. And there was this lady that would do our hair, my younger sister and me. So, I would practice braiding on that mannequin. And from then, I would just always do my own hair. Then in high school, I’d do hair for the other girls on the basketball and volleyball team.

What are you most passionate about?

I just love all of it. I’m not really “most passionate” about anything because I want to be a well-rounded artist and hairstylist. That’s something I don’t want to stay set on, like the makeup, the hair. I just want to do everything.

What was a challenge you faced during your schooling?

When I was 19, I moved here into the Dallas-Fort Worth area on my own, and it wasn’t what I thought it was. It was a little harder for me. So I had to actually go back home and live with my mom again. Now, I’m ready and I’m more stable. I’m able to do it on my own this time.

Why did you choose Ogle School?

When I first got here, I actually came through the wrong door as everybody does. I didn’t know, but I found eventually it was upstairs. When I came in, everyone was just so welcoming, so warm. The instructors, especially Ms. Dee, gave me a hug. She didn’t even know me. Ms. Tonya showed me where to go. It felt like home. It felt like I was accepted here, not getting a cold shoulder or anything.

What did you learn about the beauty industry during your time?

Well, I discovered that it’s never-ending. There are so many avenues in the beauty industry. There are so many different routes you can take—from hair to makeup and everything. I didn’t know that, for example, under a cosmetology license, it covers actual makeup. You just take classes and get certificates to be able to do what you want. That’s one of the things I have learned.

What is the most rewarding part of being in the beauty industry?

What I see in the beauty industry is that we have the power to make someone’s day. We have the power to make you feel beautiful. We have the power to make you forget about whatever obstacles, whatever you’re going through at home.

We hold that power as a stylist or as a makeup artist to make you feel like the world has stopped or time’s stopped, and everything’s about you at that moment. That makes me feel great inside. And even if I’m going through something, it makes me feel better to know that I made someone else’s day, or I made someone feel beautiful. And they just came in, and it was like the world was gone.

What advice would you give a struggling Ogle School student?

No matter what you’re going through, it’s not the end of the world. A lot of people, they’re going through way worse. Someone’s always going through something, and you are too. But you have to stick with it, and you have to continue to be positive. If you just give up and quit, you’ll never know if it would have worked out.

Why would you recommend Ogle School to other students?

Here, with Ms. Dee, she always teaches us that we’re a second chance school. We’re a school of many chances. So, if anything ever happened, they welcome you back with open arms. And from the instructors to the students, we’re all like a big family. That’s what I love about Ogle. And I would definitely advise them to come here. Because if something happens, they’ll always try and help you out versus just kicking you out of school or anything.

Discover Your Own Beautiful Story

Your personal connection to the beauty industry may be similar to Mariama’s or completely different. Either way, Ogle School can help you navigate through the cosmetology program or the esthetics program, depending on which one calls to you. You can request more information to discover how Ogle School can help you develop a new interest.