In 2004, a young girl with many shades of green in her curly hair walked into Gila Rut for an interview, fresh out of cosmetology school and ready to take on the beauty industry. Today, Nadia “Nadz” Provenzano is a full-grown woman—mom to the cutest little girl (her mini-me), full of body art and artistic flair. Over the last decade, she has mastered her craft and influenced our culture in countless ways.

What prompted you to work at Gila Rut?
I wanted to specialize in cutting and become an educator one day. Check and check!

What was your job/career prior to working at Gila Rut?
I worked at my dad’s auto repair shop.

What was your defining moment that brought you to be a hairdresser/manager?
My mom took me to a Vidal Sassoon cutting specialist. I think I was six or seven. I was amazed. I knew that’s what I wanted to do.

How has Gila Rut changed the course of your career?
I quickly found out that I could do more than work behind the chair. Things like fashion shows, teaching and traveling were so important to me. I was Lead Hairstylist for Fashion Week San Diego, Educational Director for in-salon education and a guest artist at cosmetology schools locally and nationwide. I was Lead Hairstylist and Co-director of Gila Rut’s latest hair collection.

What are some of your hobbies outside of work?
Single mom life! Roller skating. Beach. Painting. More hair, haha. Modeling.

If you could do anyone’s hair, whose would it be?
Erykah Badu.

Have you done the hair or makeup of a celebrity?
Yes. Multiple celebrities when I worked on the backstage beauty team at the Daytime Emmys in Las Vegas

What the craziest thing anyone has said while in your chair?
Oh god! You hear it all! Nothing specific comes to mind, but people tell you things they don’t tell their own family and friends.

What was your worst hair moment?
When I cut my client’s girlfriend’s hair, and she hated it. She told her it made her look more Chinese! It was the worst moment—so embarrassing for me and her girlfriend.

How often do you change your hairstyle?
I love change. I used to change every couple months. I’ve been every color and length under the sun and the moon.

What’s your biggest claim to fame/biggest achievement?
In Las Vegas, I did Penn’ s hair from Penn & Teller.

How does it make you feel celebrating 25 years with Gila Rut?
The time has just flown by. I’m so proud of myself and the company for coming this far. I feel so blessed and lucky. Best decision of my career!