An Interview With The Owner of Cocktail Hair Studio

TRICIA WOOD

As a guest of Cocktail Hair Studio, not only are you visiting to have your hair enhanced and made over, but you also get to experience all that comes with being around Tricia Wood, the owner. Anyone who gets to spend time with Tricia knows that there is so much more to this woman, than being a creative, hair magician. So I, Alice, took the opportunity to conduct a more formal “interview with the owner”, that way we all can get to know Tricia even better. We shot this interview the day of our Fall/Winter photoshoot in the salon, so you can look forward to seeing snippets of it on our social media @cocktailhairstudio. If you’re not already, be sure to follow us on Instagram and TikTok. On to the interview!

ALICE: Tell me a little about your early life, where did you grow up, your education, etc?

TRICIA: I grew up in the South Bay, graduated from Mira Costa High School in Manhattan Beach, went to makeup school at Joe Blasco, then attended John Perri Beauty School in Torrance, CA.

ALICE: That’s quite a history, did you know right out of high school that you were going to work in the beauty industry?

TRICIA: I actually thought I was going to go to school for art and specialize in pottery! And then one of my friends, that I was in fashion design with, showed me this pamphlet for Joe Blasco Makeup School and I was immediately enticed. I’ve always loved makeup and  beauty. I had sisters growing up and I was the oldest, so I got to use them as my guinea pigs. Once I was attending Joe Blasco, I really fell in love with working with people, and from there, “that’s all she wrote”!

ALICE: You really never know where each choice in life is going to lead you! What steps got you to where you are today?

TRICIA: I think the number one thing is being led by passion! And following my heart with whatever I am currently being passionate about. In the beginning it was makeup, then I fell in love with hair and now it’s this color studio! I can see in the future being passionate about educating and becoming a more dynamic owner of a bigger scale salon.

(Interview with the owner of Cocktail Hair Studio continued below!)

ALICE: It sounds like you truly have followed your passions in your career! You mentioned that after being a Makeup Artist you fell in love with hair, what was the catalyst for that change of interest?

TRICIA: I think for me, hair was always in the background. When I was doing makeup I always ended up doing something with hair because I love a full picture product. I’m not someone who can just be like, “oop, I’ve done your eyeshadow, that’s enough!” I’ve always been someone to be like “oh, well let me cut your bangs, you don’t have bangs, this up-do would look so much better.” When I was pursuing makeup I was also working at a restaurant. I had styled a co-worker’s hair for an event and she was showing pictures around the restaurant of her hair that I’d done. This girl was relentless and was like “you have to go to beauty school, you’re so talented!” and I told her “no, I’m a Makeup Artist, I already went to this prestigious school, and spent all of this time. This is gonna be my life now.” She would not let it go and figured out a way to convince me to apply for a grant that allowed me to sign up for beauty school! The day I walked in, I was obsessed! With hair, with the lifestyle, and it was just one more thing under my tool belt. So hair kind of fell into my lap actually!

ALICE: That makes sense, well her persistence paid off! Ok, so what are three important things to know about you?

TRICIA: The first thing you should know about me is I am creative to my core! Anything I do, anything I see, I am constantly in a creative process. Even when it comes to doing laundry, and how I fold towels. It’s the essence of who I am! I’ve known that since I was in Kindergarten.

Secondly, I love people and I love deeply, and hard. I love to host, and create an energy and an ambiance. I’m all about creating an experience. Whether you’re going on vacation with me, coming into my salon, or you’re at my home for a birthday party. I love the details of everything!

Third is that I’m very family oriented. I love my family, they’re a huge aspect of my life. This includes my fiancé Will and my dog Bordeaux, my parents, my sisters, and my nieces! When I’m not here working and doing hair, I’m loving on my family. I’m lucky to have cousins that are local enough and we’re always finding time to spend together. I’ve also made my friends my family! I’ve known them for over a decade, and when you’re a part of my life, you’re a part of my family!

ALICE: Those are all so true! What is one thing that you feel proud about your career thus far?

TRICIA: Oh, that’s a hard question. I’m actually super proud that I’ve grown to be comfortable working by myself because I love to be in a crowd, and I love to be with people. I really thought that I would loose the essence of who I was when I became a suite owner. I feel like I’ve really come into my own being here and have been able to grow and feel more confident about who I am, what I stand for, and where I’m going.

ALICE: That is great, I love that! My next question is, what is one short term and one long term goal?

TRICIA: One short term goal that I have right now, is to upgrade my studio to accommodate some new services that will be performed on the weekends by you, Alice! We’re going to  be upgrading the salon with some new furniture and design; give it a bit of a face-lift!

A long-term goal for me right now is that I’d love to open a larger storefront. I also want to become Master Colorist certified. I have a few companies that I’m exploring. Those are some long term goals that I have set for myself, and I’m doing little things to work towards those everyday!

ALICE: I’m eager to see all that is to come! Where do you find inspiration for your art?

TRICIA: I actually find inspiration, a lot, at the beach! I love to look at peoples hair when it’s in its natural state. I’m also super  inspired by Pinterest. If you’re ever in my chair, or getting a service done by me, you know I’m very visual. So Pinterest is a great resource to get inspired by other people’s work. I used to LOVE watching people work in the salon and I loved working with people who inspired me! But now that I don’t have that, Pinterest and the beach!

ALICE: Ha ha perfect! Last serious question, what is your favorite part of your job?

TRICIA: My favorite part of my job is revealing your hair to you! Being able to deliver a look that you walked in desiring. Thats what gives me the most joy. Watching you be able to express yourself the way you want to see yourself. And having the creativity to be able to give you that makes my heart explode!

ALICE: That’s so sweet! Ok, now for the fun questions! What is your favorite genre of music and who is your favorite artist?

TRICIA: I mean, that’s hard! For music, I love Post Malone. Lately in the salon I’ve been really vibing out to the Dua Lipa station. I just love that there is a remix of every genre. Because I love classic rock, I love Calvin Harris, I love other artists and they remix it with a more up beat flow. It definitely creates a vibe and an energy that is more enjoyable!

ALICE: Love that! What is your favorite candy?

TRICIA: mmmmm! I recently went to the Hermosa Beach pier and I was walking around and there was this vendor who was selling freeze-dried lemon drops. I’m obsessed! Anything sour really. But that was at the fore-front of my brain because they are mind-blowing.

ALICE: Those sound mouth-watering! Well, thank you so much for sitting down with me to do this interview! I’m sure the guests of CHS have a more full picture of who Tricia the hairstylist is beyond the salon!

(This article was orignially written in September 2024)