Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Alexis Ramirez.
Rachel Alexis, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
You could say I was born into it. I grew up in a hair salon — quite literally. My mother and grandmother started our family business over 30 years ago, and now I’m proud to be the third generation carrying on the legacy. Some of my earliest memories are of sweeping hair off the floor or watching in awe as my mom transformed her clients with a pair of scissors and a little color magic.
She taught me how to give my first haircut when I was still a kid. Later, she introduced me to color, and I started to understand the science and creativity behind it all at a young age. Maybe it was because I understood it so early on that I started pushing against it. For a long time, I was determined not to be a hairdresser. I wanted to carve out my own path — something different.
I even went to film school for a year, hoping to find that different path, but something didn’t click. I ended up coming back home to Jacksonville feeling lost, unsure of what was next. In a season of personal and mental struggle, I chose what had always been my backup plan: hair. I enrolled at the Aveda Institute here in Jacksonville, not realizing it would become the foundation for my future.
That decision changed everything.
Since graduating, I’ve been behind the chair for eight years now, and I can honestly say I wouldn’t have it any other way. It’s funny how we sometimes fight the things that are meant for us — and how they find us anyway. What started as resistance has grown into deep passion and purpose.
Today, I’m the Creative Director at Trompe L’oeil Hair Salon in Nocatee, where I work with an incredibly talented and supportive team. We’ve cultivated such a strong sense of culture and community in our space, and I feel truly blessed to come to work every day. My clients, my team — they’re my second family. They lift me up on the hard days and make the great days even better.
They say if you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life. And while I know every career has its challenges, this one fills my cup in ways I never expected. Hairdressing is more than just hair — it’s healing, connection, confidence, and art. And I’m proud to be continuing the legacy of the women who came before me… with my own unique touch.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Not at all — but one of my mottos has always been, “Everything good comes with a struggle,” and that couldn’t be more true for me. When I started cosmetology school, I was in the thick of a full-blown existential crisis. I felt completely lost. It wasn’t just about figuring out my career — I was wrestling with personal challenges that made me want to rebel against everything, including the very thing I grew up surrounded by: hair.
Going through hair school during that time wasn’t easy. I was carrying a lot emotionally, and it made me question my path constantly. But looking back now, I see how necessary that struggle was. It shaped me. It humbled me. It allowed me to fall in love with this career on my terms — not just because it was the family business, but because I discovered how healing and powerful this work can be.
The road may not have been smooth, but it’s led me exactly where I was meant to be — behind the chair, surrounded by community, and doing what I love.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m the Creative Director at Trompe L’oeil Salon, where I specialize in hair color — it’s truly where I thrive. While I do some cutting, color has always felt like my artistic language. There’s something magical about creating a custom color that brings out someone’s confidence and personality.
In addition to being behind the chair, I also manage the salon, which means I’m constantly juggling behind-the-scenes responsibilities — from team support to putting out fires (sometimes literally, but mostly figuratively!). It keeps me on my toes, but I love the balance of creativity and leadership.
One of the things I’m most proud of is my commitment to continued education. This industry is always evolving, and I believe in staying inspired, growing my skill set, and bringing fresh knowledge back to my clients and team. It’s not just about staying on trend — it’s about elevating the experience for everyone who walks through our doors.
What truly sets us apart at Trompe L’oeil is the sense of community we’ve built. We’re a family-run salon, and that family energy flows into every part of our culture. Our clients feel it — they’re not just a name on the schedule, they’re part of our story. We’ve also partnered with Bumble & Bumble and Aveda to create a luxurious, eco-conscious experience that reflects our values and commitment to quality.
It’s a space where artistry meets authenticity — and I’m so proud to be part of it.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
My biggest piece of advice to anyone entering the beauty industry is: be a sponge. Absorb everything. Stay curious. Keep an open mind. The moment you think you know it all is the moment you stop growing. There’s always more to learn — from your educators, your peers, your mistakes, and your successes.
Also, don’t be afraid to take care of yourself. This industry is fast-paced, high-energy, and deeply personal — and you can’t pour from an empty cup. If you’re going through a rough time, give yourself permission to pause. I actually dropped out of hair school for four months to take care of my mental health and get grounded. When I came back, I was focused, grateful, and ready — and I haven’t looked back since.
Honestly, I wouldn’t change a thing about my journey. I’m a big believer that everything happens for a reason, and every twist and turn has helped shape the stylist — and person — I am today.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.trompeloeilsalon.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rashelldoeshair?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==
