My name is Julie Molina but many call me Jules . I am 34 and a mother of 1 and a bonus parent to two, a wife, shareholder of two companies, and a business coach. I graduated from Archbold HS and my journey took me to Perrysburg, Ohio where I attended beauty school at Summit Salon Academy and enrolled in beauty school as a cosmetologist. I was also working at that time at Sunshine Children’s Home in Maumee as a caretaker.
I began working at Soto Signature Salon and Spa and had the opportunity to work with Denise Soto and Charlie Soto during my time at the school after I graduated. As I grew with Soto I knew I wanted to be apart of something bigger and I had the opportunity to grow with that company more than I ever knew my mentors and now partners Jessica Johnson and Jennifer O Connor paved the way for me to see the possibility and mentored me and I became a shareholder there. Upon that I was a growing stylist at Soto Signature and found passion in growing people for living and growing my business. Focusing on areas of growth in our company a way we could get better which took me to also working the desk at Soto as well. I then started working for Summit Salon Business Center as a coach and now have coached nationally and internationally for salon companies teaching them business practices in our salon industry to better their best. One of the best things I could have done was have the opportunity to have a “home base salon ” in Perrysburg and my salon company has been the best support.
I always knew life would throw curve balls at you I just never thought that it would hit so hard. I found out that I was 6 months pregnant and had three months to prepare for this new change as I am on the road at that point 3 weekends out of the month. My entire world was upside down and having the support of my team and community was amazing . I’ve been a step mother for such a long time at the age of 19 so to begin another journey with my husband was going to be a wild one.
I am adopted and both of my biological parents suffered from addiction I knew one thing I can be the possible in an impossible situation and my parents really shaped me into becoming who I am and learning that just because that what you came from doesn’t mean that’s who you have to be.
I’m empowered by the individuals I meet in this community and at my salon you never know who you will meet nor the impact or how you can be apart of their life. This was such an honor to be nominated for this and honestly just being a light to share for the latin culture and in our industry in itself is a blessing.
Q: What do you love most about what you do?
I love that I can build strong connections with people in our community , I not only get to make them look good but I also get to make them feel good. As a shareholder of Soto Signature Salon I also have the opportunity to get to be apart of the journey to grow people in our company. Caring for them along their journey in our beauty industry ,growing our community with amazing humans that impact not only myself but others.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Vicki Snyder she has been a long term guest of Soto Signature Salon and has shared so many thoughts with me and also has had a background in educator. So inspiring!
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Mexico, that is my happy place it is rich in culture full of life and the food is AMAZING.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Be a learner of everything a master of nothing , don’t forget to celebrate your wins and remember be patience with yourself your actually doing better than you think! Don’t forget to have fun and remember you can change your narrative.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
I’ve always wanted to get into the ring for boxing and have a fight
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
I would love to meet with Dolores Huerta because as a Latina myself she has paved a way in advocacy for immigrants and woman’s rights the originator of “Si se puede” (Yes, we can). She has shown me what is possible. In addition, to remembering how far we have come and we are growing and learning on the backs of our ancestors. We would hands down go to Cocina De Carlos – Waterville
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
What I find unique about this community is the diversity , inclusivity and yet it has this small hometown feel. I feel seen heard and celebrated its vision to want to grow and change and evolve .
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Summit Salon Academy
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My husband Nune Molina
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Peace, Protected, Love
