Meet Arline Gonzalez | Co-Owner The Polished Blade

We had the good fortune of connecting with Arline Gonzalez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Arline, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
“We delight in the beauty of the butterfly but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty.” -Myah Angelou

This has many levels of meaning to me, it’s a big inspiration for me. Through my own journey with my mental health, recovery from an abusive relationship, my career, from teaching to co-owning a salon.
Also the transformations with my guests hair.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My 22 years in the industry I’ve done a lot of different things. I worked behind the chair, and taught everything from, color, cutting, styling, shaving, makeup, and nails. Now co-owing a salon. Formal event hair is one of my favorite things to do, self proclaimed Updoqueen, and hair doctor. Education is my heart, and making people feel amazing fuel’s my soul. Being able to create something with your hands is as fulfilling as it is challenging. Helping another person understand how to create there own master piece is extremely rewarding.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Manitou is what raised me, I love walking around and going to the penny arcade. I love sitting by the creek, or at the park, people watching at it finest. The mountains and Garden of the Gods are what balance me, I love to tell people head anywhere west, you won’t be disappointed by the views not being mountain-ey enough. Cripple Creek is what entertains me, for a fun weekend getaway spending a few coins. I love the drive, and history up there, I also don’t mind winning a few coins too. King Chefs, has been feeding me since high school, one of my favorite places to eat. Their green chili is so good, and just enough heat. They have a really good hamburger too!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My family, and my business partners. My family is everything to me, they are my biggest cheerleaders. First shout goes to my big sister Jill, without her love and support I would not have been able to create such an amazing salon space. I’m grateful that she is part of my family, and salon. She helped with everything from picking the spot, to putting up walls, and now I work side by side with her almost every day. My Husband, Garrett. I don’t think there are enough words to say how much I appreciate, value, and cherish him. I have a huge family and a special shout out to all of them!! My business partners Kendall and Heather. We started this in October, on a Friday the 13th, in 2020, during the midst of a pandemic. What an amazing, rewarding, and challenging experience. We built this space together, all the blood sweat and a lot of tears, and here we are celebrating our two year anniversary. Thank you for believing in this wild ride, there were a few moments I would not have done it again, but now, I would definitely do it again, and hire someone to do all the labor. My friends, and guests that pay me to hang out and make you beautiful, how lucky I am.