Howell Women Never Gave Up On Their Dreams
When Andrea Howell (formerly Moore) graduated from Middleton High School in 1995, she had a dream of becoming a cosmetologist. At the time, it was just a dream and like many people and their dreams, Andrea placed it on the back burner and continued on with her life, while still longing for that dream. It was not until her daughter, Gracie Howell, decided to also pursue the dream of becoming a cosmetologist that Andrea decided she had put off her own dream long enough.
“When Gracie decided to follow her dream of becoming a cosmetologist, she inspired me to follow my dream too,” said Andrea.
Like her mother, Gracie aspired to study cosmetology, and also had several jobs in other fields before following the path for which they both were destined. Gracie, a 2021 graduate of Gateway Christian Schools, worked as babysitter and assistant baker while in high school. After graduation, she held jobs as a waitress, cook, barista, and a hostess. Andrea has worked as a cashier, baker, assistant night manager, babysitter, teacher assistant and substitute teacher at Middleton Elementary School, homeschool mom, and her last job was as a receiving clerk.
“Cosmetology is a great career and I’m so glad to be where I am now, but it definitely did not come without struggle and stress,” said Gracie. “It was really hard, but God and family got me through and I am thankful for that.”
They attended DAY College of Cosmetology in Jackson through its 12-month program. Although they both were excited about the new opportunity, they both admit there were some challenging periods in their journey.
“Although we learned a lot, made great friends, and gained knowledge in this industry, cosmetology school is definitely not for the weak,” Andrea said with a laugh. “There were good days, but there were some very hard days too. When you reach the halfway point, it can become a struggle because you feel like it will be a lifetime until the end.”
They had great support from their family while attending school. That included making sure the everyday chores were done as well as allowing the women to practice their newly learned skills.
“My sweet family, especially my husband, David, who kept things going at home during my many absences, allowed me the opportunity to follow my dreams. Also, my daughter, Anna Kate, who was my most frequent client,” said Andrea with a laugh. “My church family and the clients who trusted me enough to practice on them.”
Gracie also shared about the support she received during that time.
“My whole great family and my wonderful boyfriend, Payson, were very supportive. And most of all Jesus,” said Gracie who also expressed her appreciation for her mother. “She has been there the whole time to keep me going even when I wanted to give up, which was quite often. She has kept me motivated and even when I didn’t feel comfortable in my skills, she supported me and told me I was enough.”
Mother-daughter bonds are strong with both women. Andrea, is the mother of two girls just as was her mother, Dianna Lee Maxwell Moore, who was a “wonderful mother” to Andrea and her sister, Jennifer. Although Andrea’s mother passed away in 2019, Andrea has felt her strong presence during this time.
“My Sweet Angel Mama was always my greatest supporter in every aspect of my life. She was my first “unofficial client” and through the years, I had the privilege of perming, cutting, and styling her hair often. She saw the potential in me even when I didn’t. She went to be with Jesus in 2019, but I know the prayers she prayed over my life during the time she was here helped me through to where I am now,” said Andrea.
Andrea’s and Gracie’s relationship has grown stronger since attending school and now working together.
“We have gotten to know each other really well through this schooling. We’ve been best friends, (not so friendly best friends), we’ve argued and fought, we’ve cried, but most of all, we are mom and daughter and I feel like this adventure has definitely brought us closer,” said Gracie.
Andrea has had to take a different approach in her relationship with Gracie, who now as an adult and fellow professional, is her peer. Despite that, Andrea is still Gracie’s mother and is proud of her accomplishments.
“As her mother, I have enjoyed watching her grow into her personality and individuality. She has faced obstacles and overcome things that have just made her stronger and shaped her into a wonderful stylist! She is truly one of my best friends,” said Andrea. “Any opportunity I can spend with my kids is a blessing to me! I appreciate the knowledge Gracie has in certain areas and that she doesn’t mind helping me along the way . . . especially formulating color.”
Gracie has settled in well with her new career. She sees definite benefits of learning with her mother and now working with her.
“I love the contrast. She’s better in certain areas and I’m better in certain areas. We really balance each other out well and help each other understand things when we can’t quite grasp it alone,” said Gracie who also shared what she loves about cosmetology. “The creativity that comes with it and being able to create and bring to life so many different styles and colors. I love being able to create the visions that my clients have for their hair and helping them to be more confident in who they are.”
Andrea and Gracie are now certified/licensed to do hair – cuts, colors, perms; nails – manicures, pedicures, and acrylic; esthetics – facials, lash lifts, brow tint, brow lamination, and waxing services. They both love working with people and get to do that every day as cosmetologists.
“I love cutting hair and giving perms. I love pampering people and making them feel good about themselves,” said Andrea. “I love to help people see the beauty they already have. I love meeting new people and helping my clients feel good about themselves!“
Both women have set goals for themselves and are working to build their clientele. They hope to impact the lives of their clients with positivity and kindness every time they sit in their chair.
“I hope to build not only clientele, but friends who want to come hang out with me every few weeks, laugh, have a great time, and let me pamper them for a little while,” said Andrea.
Andrea and Gracie shared some words for people who may have a dream and are afraid to follow it or just keep putting it off.
“Follow your dreams! Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do something. Even when you feel like you are failing or you can’t do it anymore, just trust the process. Stay with it, and conquer all your goals,” said Gracie.
“I would definitely say go for it! It’s never too late! It took me 28 years to reach my goal, but I made it, with God’s help, and I am so grateful for this accomplishment,” said Andrea.
For your cosmetology services, you may visit Andrea and Gracie at Cuttin’ Up in Middleton, Tennessee.
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