Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Miller.
Hi Stephanie, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am a local hair stylist. I studied cosmetology in High School in Pennsylvania. Where I am from, they have full tech high schools, so I was able to graduate with enough hours to take my state board exam.
In 2009 I met my now husband, while he was working on the road as a “mover” and in 2010 I moved to Smyrna, his hometown, with my new born son.
When I moved here, I was a stay at home home mom, and did “kitchen hair” for other moms as I met them. In 2013 we welcomed our daughter to the family. I continued to stay at home, and do “kitchen hair”. When both of my kids were in school, it was time to get back in the work force. Always with the goal to have my own business, I didn’t have a sustainable client base, so I started working at a walk in salon. I love people, so it was okay, because I was working with, and meeting new people daily. It however, was not my dream.
I saved $5 here, and $20 there until I had enough money saved up to feel comfortable to go out on my own. It was scary, but so worth it. I started renting a chair at a salon, and eventually, moved to a private suite, where I am now.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Nothing ever seems to be a smooth road, but the hard things, always seem to be worth it.
my last answer made it seem smoother than it was. When I moved to TN, my PA license didn’t smoothly transfer. TN required me to go back to beauty school for an additional 250 hours of training. So there was that. It was expensive, and I didn’t think with kids we would be able to swing it, but we did.
working at a walk in salon, is “quantity over quality” in the eyes of the owner. While I was so blessed to meet so many nice people, and was providing for my family, it was not for me. I love the connections that I am able to make with my clients, I am able to really take the time to listen to what the want, and provide a customized service for them.
When I met my husband, he had 3 children. Adding the 2 we had, there was a total of 5 children to take care of. Branching out to start my own business was so scary financially, because there is never guaranteed pay. No benefits, ect.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a local hair stylist. I specialize professionally in grey coverage, blonding, and cutting. I love coming up with color/hair maintenance that fits everyone’s personal budget and time availability!
I officially have the confidence to tell someone that I am not good at something, and refer them to someone else. People really appreciate not being a test dummy!
The part I am most proud of, is the little community I have built “in my chair”. I love hearing everyone’s story. I love to laugh with people, I am known to cry with people. I listen. I want everyone to leave of course with great hair. But even more, I want everyone to leave feeling like they have been heard. I want them to leave feeling a little lighter if they are having a bad day. I want them to be comfortable in the space I provide. 1 on 1. Never rushed. No “assembly line”.
The relationships I form with my guests are the best part of my job.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I am very proud of my career, but one of the best parts is the flexibility it allows me to be so involved with my family. I take great pride in being a mom and wife. I don’t miss activities, I am always in the crowd cheering my family on.
I am so thankful for the amazing clients I have that know my family comes first. They have my back with flexibility, and they know I have theirs when they need me to be flexible with my schedule.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.stephaniemiller.net/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephaniemillerhairstylist?igsh=MXA4MGQ1MWJpNGV2eQ==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1A7wCBmNFW/
- Other: https://share.google/lKMuSUi6TGdyoDm3L
