Derek is a Bay Area native whom grew up fascinated with the cosmetology industry. Always noticing when friends, family, or even teachers would make a change in their appearance, Derek not only recognized these changes but was passionate about their purpose and how they could make a person feel. Receiving his training from SFIEC in San Francisco, with a background in Paul Mitchell fundamentals, one of his favorite aspects about being a cosmetologist is that the job goes hand in hand with that of an artist allowing for maximum creativity. In regards to haircutting or coloring, Derek finds joy in the simple act of helping to make a difference in people’s life’s no matter how big or small it may seem. When you’re sitting in his chair, the priority is to see your own beauty, even if you didn’t know it was there.