RETURNING home, looking for, and creating the to go list of “suki” hairstylist, seamstress—not that I had a regular in General Santos, dentist, doctor, carpenter, clearing persons—to maintain the garden, among others, form part of the indispensable adjustment phase.
Tuesday afternoon, I went to a hairstylist—my second time since I returned to Bohol in August 2022. She was recommended by my cousin, Donna, and boy did she do an excellent job that I felt fabulous right after “she waved her magic wand” on my hair!
This is her inspired story.
Analiza Dayot Bullecer aka Rians Anne, is a professional hairstylist and makeup artist since 2005 in the city of Tagbilaran. Rians has a corner salon called Deluxe Beauty Salon located along Gallares Street in Tagbilaran City since 2014.
It’s a quiet, functional, and comforting nook since she’s the only professional providing all the services, and she hardly has a walk-in client. Yes, all her clients are by appointment. Fancy that!
Rians and I struck a conversation, and I was glued to her story. My interest was piqued when I learned that she completed a diploma course in Cosmetology at Central Visayas State College of Agriculture, Forestry, and Technology (CVSCAFT), long before it became the Bohol Island State University. (Thought bubble: Why did we even add “Island” to the university’s name? Bohol State University is just fine.)
I must say Cosmetology fascinates me. In January 2023, in my radio talk show, I was able to interview my niece, Shayana Hester, who completed her Cosmetology course in the United States (US) and is a practicing hair stylist and hair colorist in the US.
Rians studied Cosmetology for three years at CVSCAFT, 2000-2003, under one expert teacher who taught all the major subjects. Animatedly, she said, “the 2000-2003 Cosmetology class started with twenty-eight students, which decreased to eighteen in the succeeding semester.” “On our second year, the eighteen students further reduced to eleven, and by graduation time, only five students made it!” she enthused!
In our talk after my hair was done, Rians explained that the three-year course involved two years of theory and one year of practical application through on-the-job trainings. While engrossed in our tête-à-tête, a lady came in for eyebrow threading. It was apparent that she hadn’t visited for quite a time, and she explained why. I couldn’t disagree. Going to a salon is intentional and you need to devote time, and of course, money, to execute it. The art of beauty is indeed pricey! I watched the procedure with keen interest.
After obtaining substantial experience and track record working in salons following her graduation, Rians started her own shop together with a friend in 2012. From 2014 up to present, she has catered to her regulars in her nook salon and does other livelihood pursuits on the side.
Cosmetology is a unique profession. You learn the craft, the trade, because you want others to look good. When they do, they feel good. That’s the greatest satisfaction! It’s not an easy task though. So, I’m hoping that our latest batches of Cosmetology students take their course seriously and after obtaining sufficient training and experience, will start their own shops as well, to cater to the burgeoning population that care about their looks and appearances.
Like I said, looking good is part and parcel of feeling good. It’s as practical as that. It’s like buying a new dress or a pair of jeans or gifting yourself with a brand-new mobile phone. It’s rewarding yourself or simply treating yourself to something pleasant and comforting that will easily lift your confidence, or your sagging morale, hopefully not the latter, though it happens—life happens. Small wonder women change hairstyles after a breakup, huh! It’s a form of relief as well. Me, and my penchant for broken hearts.
I cannot overemphasize the need for a regular hairstylist especially that I had one in General Santos City for the longest time. I’m so glad that I found Rians and have enjoyed her magic touch. I can grin and tick off the list.
Rians and her husband, Sandy, live in Punta Cruz, Maribojoc. They prefer to live outside the city. But well, Maribojoc is a beautiful town with a captivating scenery and a solid history. What’s not to love about it!
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The writer is on leave from her talk show, Woman Talk with Belinda Sales. She can be reached at belindabelsales@gmail.com. Twitter @ShilohRuthie./PN
