Not everyone started their journey to cosmetology with a supportive group of people from the very beginning. Giselle Cupit started her journey years after she first fell in love with hairstyles back in the 80s. Once she finally started on her journey toward cosmetology proper, Giselle was able to fall in love all over again. Read on to discover more about her journey, as well as the incredible things she was able to overcome.

Giselle Cupit’s Journey to Passion

What made you realize you really loved cosmetology?

Well, I’m a little bit older than your average cosmetology student, but it was something I had always wanted to do growing up in the 80s–yes, believe it or not, I was falling in love with the 80s’ hairstyles. But at that time, it wasn’t something that, if you had a certain IQ, people would really allow you to do. And so that was pushed into the medical field. So I became a pharmacist; I did that for 20 years.

And then, at the age of 41, I was diagnosed with a rare bone marrow disorder and given a year to live. And it was at that time that I told them I didn’t really like that prognosis, that I was going to beat it. And if I did, then I was going to totally change everything in my life. I’m now 48, and I’m very stable with my disorder; I can live to 60 or 70.

So, the first thing I did, I wanted to make sure that I could handle being in the environment around people. I got my massage therapy license three years ago. And then, my big goal on my bucket list was coming to a cosmetology school. I looked everywhere and came to Ogle and fell in love with the school. And here I am. I’m just loving it. It’s everything I thought it would be and more.

What were you looking for in a school?

I was very particular with wanting an organized curriculum. I wanted something that would push me. I didn’t just want to learn how to cut hair and color hair. I wanted to learn to design. I wanted to totally be pushed out of my comfort zone.

I came to Ogle, and the sad thing is I wasn’t expecting to be blown away. It was just a name to be checked off my list. And I walked in, and from my recruiting agent, Rudy, until the whole interview going through the school, I was just amazed. I was just blown away by the school. I fell in love with it. It was a good fit for me. And just seeing the video that we have of the fashion show, I mean, the quality of the work and the students, these were first-year students producing work that could be seen in any New York runway show. I was blown away.

I just love everything that Ogle does. It’s not just teaching you the techniques but also really merging the right side and the left side of your brain to make you a better artist, which is what we are.

Who’s in your support group?

My oldest son, who’s 18, was the perfect American Crew model. He had just the perfect density hair, slight wave to it. And of course, he was so sweet when we’re walking into school, and I’ve been sick the week before, and I said, “Honey, I don’t want to scare you, but Mommy hasn’t actually done this haircut yet.” He goes, “Why are you telling me this, Mom?” And I said, “Well, I’m just warning you.” I said, “But this haircut is a combination of two that I’ve done. And I did really well in this, so I’m sure this will be fine.” I said, “I’ve watched the video many times. I practiced on the doll. I’m sure it’ll be fine.” And then he sits down in the chair, and he goes, “Mom, the reality is even if you make me bald, even if you shave all my hair off,” he goes, “I’d still love you, and it’s to help you finish school, and because you do everything for us, so I’m willing to go bald for you.” I thought that was so nice.

What obstacles have you faced during school?

When you’re in school 40 hours a week, when you have financial stressors, if Lord forbids, if one of your children gets sick, or if you have a significant other–those are stresses. And then you’re also working, so you’re tired. And on top of everything else, you’ve also got to find it in yourself to get up an extra hour or two if you want to be the best of the best, and look at the fashion, and work on your mock boards, and push yourself, and stay in shape, and all of that.

So, it’s all about time management. You’ve always got to be focused on time management. I deal with my disorder. That’s probably the biggest stress. The flu has been really bad this year; half of our class got wiped out, but you just pace yourself and keep your goals focused. I have a thing in my bathroom, a big note of my goals and where I want to be in a year, where I want to be in five years, and what it’s going to take. And I just know that some days are going to be hard. Some days, you want to cry. If you need to cry, you do cry. But the thing, you get right back up, and you stay on schedule, and you stay on track.

And those times that you may need a hug, you reach out to your teammates. I love all of the girls here, and I think I have adopted like 40. You just kind of lean on each other. It’s not just one of you. It’s all of you together. And if you go into it with the team atmosphere, at any point, one of you is going to be struggling with money, you’re going to be struggling emotionally, like maybe you broke up with your boyfriend. And as a team, if you pull together, there’s not anything you can’t accomplish as long as you just have your goals, really focus on your goals, and then utilize all the resources–your teachers, your teammates—and you believe in yourself. I do believe in myself.

Discover Your Own Beautiful Story

Whether your story is similar to Giselle’s or you have your own story that’s completely different, everyone has a Beautiful Story. With the Ogle School cosmetology program and esthetics program, you can discover your own journey toward the beauty field. Request more information to discover your passion with Ogle School.