Meet Keili Parscal | Cosmetology student

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

Hi Keili, why did you pursue a creative career?
Ive never been the type of person who wants to work a 9-5 office job I hate. People always say to not do a job you love or you’ll start to hate it. But I disagree. Since I was young I’ve loved hair, especially fashion colors. I would beg and beg my parents to dye my hair and when I was 12 I was finally able to. I first did a little red strip in the front and I loved it. After that I started doing all sorts of stuff to my hair. I had my bangs dyed, half and half hair, halo. I soon became known for my crazy and unique hair colors and I love it. I always feel my best when I have a fresh and vibrant hair color. And eventually I started doing my friends hair. Seeing them get that same feeling from a fresh hair-do, I realized how much I would love to do that for a living. Getting to do people’s hair and make them feel confident in themselves. I would love nothing more than to help people look and feel their best. Let people be comfortable in their own skin. I will be starting school to become a hairdresser come end of September and by next year I will be able to look for salons to work at.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Currently I am working at a local restaurant as the cashier and expo to help pay for school. I will be training to be a server soon so that I can get extra money and hours. Once I’m trained for server I will be cross trained for everything that’s front of house except bartender. I’ve been at that same restaurant for a year now and is actually where I got to meet my boyfriend. My first day training for line cook I did the morning shift. I pretty much just helped prep food for the day so that it was smooth sailing for the night shift and when 3 o’clock rolled around I was cut. I made myself a sandwich and on my way out I saw him. He was helping prep the pizza dough by the door that leads to the front. We introduced ourselves a little and I was on my way. We got to know each other more and he started giving me rides home so I didn’t have to walk. Eventually we started hanging out outside of work and started officially dating. I started to not like working back of house and was moved up front. We still work there together but now I also get to talk to the other customers and form bonds with the regulars. I love the people I work with and while it can be a challenge at times, I love getting to help make sure everything is right and people get their orders.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
One of my favorite places is elitch gardens. The past 3 years I’ve gotten a season pass and I love getting to do all the rides. I can finally say I’ve done every single ride there. Twister is still one of my favorites but i haven’t been able to go on it since 2018 cause it’s been closed every time. Another one of my favorite places is lookout mountain, the view from there especially at night is incredible. A bucket list place is meow wolf, it looks so cool and I hope I can go someday soon. For people who like to shop local Morison is another great place. I love all of their little shops are great and I love even just looking around there.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My mom’s hairdresser for introducing me to the idea.
My friends and family for letting me practice on them.
My boyfriend and friends who have supported me every step of the way.

Instagram: Pierce_the_keili1

Other: TikTok: Pierce_the_keili