The reason Virtue® formulas are efficacious, hardworking, and successful at transforming hair into its healthiest version is all because of our hair-healing technology––and no one understands that better than our Virtue educators. As beacons of knowledge for the brand, they are curious, enthusiastic, and passionate about hair, health, and everything Virtue stands for. Here, meet the masters who are helping others understand the science behind our strand-saving formulas one client at a time.

Hair runs in the DNA of cut specialist and Virtue affiliate and educator Gia Wendt of Gia Does Hair in Chicago, IL. “Both my parents were stylists, they actually met while working in a salon together,” says Wendt. “I grew up watching my mom cut and color hair. I was so inspired by her as a kid, and she still continues to push me forward in my career today.” Here she discusses her many inspirations, her personal hair routine, and the value of self-love.

Q: Can you tell us more about your background and your journey? What made you decide to become a stylist?
I’m a Chicago native, and I grew up watching my mom cut and color hair. I was so inspired by her as a kid, and she still continues to push me forward in my career today. In fact, both my parents were stylists -- they actually met while working in a salon together, so I think it’s in my blood.

Q: What insights do you have for the pro community regarding re-openings/navigating the new normal?
Some of the best advice I received before I was allowed to go back to work in June that I believe still holds true today is to not discount your services. Our work and time are more valuable now than ever before, and discounting it is a difficult pattern to break once you start.

Q: What’s your favorite memory from your journey? When did it feel like you caught your “big break?”
Hands down my favorite memory from my journey is spending time with Adir Abergel and his team on a press day for Anne Hathaway. That feels like a major moment for me because I respect Adir as a beautiful soul and a talented artist, I learned a lot of useful and inspirational nuggets from him that weekend, and I am grateful to call him a friend.

Q: Is there anyone in the industry or beyond, that you really admire, or someone who inspired you in your career?
I am so inspired by countless people, but I’m going to take this moment to recognize my colleagues @sabrinathehairwitch, @alexbrownhair, and @kathydebskihair for really pushing me forward in my career lately. I learn so much from these women and they have an instinct for pushing me out of my comfort zone.

Q: How do you define a “success” after a client leaves your salon?
When they say, ‘this is exactly what I had in mind’, or when they tell me that I really listened to them.

Q: What’s your favorite way to unwind after work?
A glass of wine with my husband, or a walk in the park with the dog.

Q: If you could spend the day with someone who you consider a “style icon” who would it be?
Ok I have two. Stevie Nicks so I can look through her early years wardrobe and talk about her famous shag, and Cher because of her wigs and costumes and that confidence that oozes out of her every pore.

Q: How do you like to stay up to date on the latest trends, techniques, and styles?
Lots of education, however I can digest it. And I have learned to turn to classic references in art and hair for modern day inspiration (thank you Adir).

Q: What’s a trend that you hope comes back? Never goes out of style?
Self-love.

Q: What do you value most about being a Virtue^® affiliate?
The support I receive from the community that the good people at Virtue^® have built and continue to nurture.

Q: What was the worst haircut you ever had?
Oh goodness, I try a lot of different things with my hair, so I’ve had quite a few, but probably second grade when my mom gave me a weird short haircut that just stuck up everywhere. School pictures that year weren’t my favorite.

Q: Worst haircut you ever gave someone else?
Hahaha I gave my husband a bob. He hasn’t let me forget it. I fixed it though!

Q: What was the first hairstyle or technique that you mastered?
I don’t think I will ever consider myself mastering a hairstyle or technique because there is always more to learn and always ways to get better at the same thing. The hardest is definitely using a straight razor.

Q: What’s your personal hair routine? Your favorite part of your hair routine?
For me, after I wash my hair in the morning, I use a wide tooth comb to gently comb my hair out, and scrunch 6-in-1 Styler into soaking wet hair. I hand style and keep scrunching while it dries, but that is pretty much it. My favorite part of my routine is my weekly scalp treatment where I exfoliate my scalp and slather the recovery mask all over my hair.

Q: What other things are you passionate about that aren’t hair related?
Meditation and moving my body. Learning how to process my stress during these extremely stressful times in a positive way has been a game changer for me.

Q: What’s your favorite guilty pleasure to indulge?
Sweets!

Q: How do you manage work-life balance?
I take days off when I am starting to feel overwhelmed. I no longer glorify being ‘so busy all the time.’ Setting boundaries not only helps me, it makes life better for everybody around me.

Q: What’s next for your career?
I would like to get into more education for other professionals, and I would like to incorporate mindfulness into that.

Q: What advice would you give to your younger self?
Stop comparing yourself to others.

Q: Why Virtue^®?
Because the products work, and the people are awesome.

Q: What’s your favorite Virtue^® product?
I can’t live without the Healing Oil. Best. Oil. Ever.