Work, family and faith all give great joy to Catholic woman

Intermountain Catholic

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Sts. Peter and Paul parishioner Patricia Juarez operates her own salon at 180 West 800 South in Salt Lake City. IC photo/Laura Vallejo

SALT LAKE CITY — Patricia Juarez’s business was born 22 years ago.

She used to be a hair dresser at a salon in Salt Lake City and loved her job, but one day her boss told her in front of everyone the salon at the time, co-workers and clients alike, that she needed to go home to change her pants.

That situation would open a new chapter in her life.

After she went home to change her clothes she felt really embarrassed and started resenting her boss’ mistreatment of her, so she decided to stay home for a few days.

"When I got back to the salon the owner called me and asked me what happened, where had I been," said Juarez. "I told her what happened and I gave my two-week notice."

She was worried about her future but, after talking with some friends and family members who told her she had a great skill for hair dressing, she decided that it was time to open her own salon.

"One day I was walking with my mom and another lady in our neighborhood and we passed a location that was for rent," said Juarez, who immediately started trying to contact the real estate agent.

It took her several tries, at night she started having dreams about that locale and how good it would be for her. Finally she got a phone call back and started the process and that’s how Patricia’s Hair Salon started.

"I am very grateful to God, because this job has been ideal," said Juarez, referring to the fact that after she got married and had children she has been able to take them to her job, so "I was able to raise them."

At Patricia’s Hair Salon people can find all types of hair services: haircuts, dyes, facial waxes, straightening and highlights, among others.

Every day she goes to her business with a smile on her face, because she really enjoys what she does and because she considers that she also can help her clients, because usually they open up to her and share their stories.

"One time Father Stan asked me if I liked my job, if it was stressful," said Juarez, referring to Fr. Stanislaw Herba, who was pastor of Saints Peter and Paul Parish from 2008 to 2010. Juarez responded, "My job is stress free. I love it!"

At the parish, Juarez is a quinceañera teacher. She started volunteering when Monsignor Francis B. Peregrino left the parish in 2003 and Father Javier Virgen became the pastor.

She has helped many young women in their process for their celebration of this special day.

Mirina Bautista was one of them, and remembers Juarez with deep gratitude.

"She [Patricia] is a great person, she gives me advice and listens to me," Bautista said. "I will always be grateful to her.".

Juarez is able to combine her job at the salon with her job at the parish as well as raising her kids and has no complaints whatsoever.

"With God in your life you can do everything; our church needs the people," said Juarez.

Patricia shared a message for all those who sometimes think of giving up. "You can do it!," she said. ‘Yesterday is in the past. As our Bishop says, ‘Move forward.’"