oth nurturing and highly competent, Velouse originally wanted to be a nurse, but when nursing school moved a little too slowly, she switched to hairstyling. “Why not? I’ve been doing my siblings’ hair for years.” Now, after almost 2 years at ROP, she’s still falling in love with the job because it allows her to express her creativity and make people feel good about themselves. A meticulous and talented haircutter, Velouse has already been partnered with one of ROP’s master stylists, and plans to specialize in curly hair. She’s also learned to be compassionate and patient with everyone, because “you never know what they’re dealing with.” Velouse’s spritz of advice is to take things one step at a time and be willing to learn.