Sometimes the most powerful career moments don’t start in a salon — they start with travel.
This Autumn, I spent a few grounding, inspiring days in Washington State and Portland before flying straight back into Los Angeles and stepping into Larisa Love Salon for my very first model. It was one of those trips that felt both restorative and symbolic — a reset before momentum.
Autumn Travel in Washington State (December 10–13)
I arrived in Washington on December 10, welcomed by crisp air, cozy layers, and that unmistakable Pacific Northwest calm. Autumn & Winter here always feels like a creative exhale with slower mornings, moody skies, and space to reconnect with myself outside of work. If you know me, you know I love to be on the move, love Halloween and the love cold moody weather and everything that comes with it.
Night One: Comedy, Laughter & Letting Go
The first night kicked off with a comedy show, which honestly set the tone for the entire trip. There’s something about laughter that instantly clears mental clutter and as a creative, I’ve learned how important it is to make room for joy just as much as productivity.
December 11: Nights Out & Creative Energy
The next day and night were all about being present by going out, people-watching, layering winter fashion, and soaking in inspiration without forcing it. Travel always reminds me that creativity doesn’t come from pushing harder. It comes from living fully.
December 12: Waterfall Hikes & a Haunted Detour
Every time I’m in Washington, a waterfall hike is non-negotiable. Nature has a way of grounding me like nothing else The sound of rushing water, cold air in my lungs, boots hitting the trail. It’s one of the few places where my mind truly slows down.
That night, we leaned into something completely different and visited PDX in Portland, a haunted house experience that was like no haunted house I’ve been to in California, and I’ve been to a lot.. The contrast between nature and adrenaline felt oddly perfect. A reminder that creativity thrives in contrast. And yes I made friends with all the monsters.
From Washington to LAX: No Pause Between Dream
On the afternoon of December 14, I flew back into LAX, grabbed a hotel, and headed straight into Larisa Love Salon the next morning. No buffer. No easing in. Just stepping directly from travel mode into creative execution.
That transition felt symbolic — rest, inspiration, then creation.
Walking into Larisa Love Salon to do my first model was a milestone moment in my career. Everything from the winter reset to the late nights and early flights fed into how I showed up behind the chair — grounded, focused, and creatively open.
Why Travel Matters to My Career as a Hair Artist
Being a hairstylist isn’t just about technique — it’s about perspective.
Stepping outside of my routine, whether it’s hiking waterfalls in Washington or flying straight into LA for a major salon opportunity, reminds me why I chose this path.
Creativity needs contrast.
Growth needs movement.
And sometimes the most important preparation happens far from the chair.
Aly | Los Angeles & Dana Point Hair Artist 