Today we’d like to introduce you to Stormi Kelley.

Hi Stormi, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.

I was born a creative but, determined to have the “American Dream”. I choose a different route after high school. Living a life that left me feeling empty, day after day. Following my heart, in search of purpose in my life, lead me to cosmetology school in my hometown, Tulsa, Oklahoma, where i discovered my passion for art. Determined to explore my new found passion, I began working the day after I graduated cosmetology school. Working at Paul Mitchell’s most renowned salon, mastering the principles of geometry with haircutting. Guided by determination, moved to the west coast to work alongside Paul Mitchell’s Global Artistic Director and Global Education Vice President. Sought out mentorship with the most influential barber and educator in the industry, which refined my business and leadership skills. By then, my narrow perception of the “American Dream” had changed and was within reach. I vowed to let nothing stop me from achieving it.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?

My road has been everything but smooth. Facing many obstacles; being a female, black, authentic and urban caused a great deal of challenges in my career. At the time, the industry wasn’t very accepting to someone like myself and it wasn’t done quietly then. In fact, I was told “you will never become a platform artist, black women aren’t known for cutting hair and you’re too urban to be an educator”. I was determined to become everything they said I couldn’t. Not only for myself but, making sure i set an example so great that no one else that looked like me would ever have to hear those words again and never feel what i felt in that moment.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?

I’ve been a hairstylist for about 11 years or so, a global educator for about 7 years. I specialize in changing one’s perception of themselves. I’m a true artist with hair color and cutting. I’m sought after mostly for my haircutting techniques, education and ability to manipulate through cutting. Also, my unconventional approach to hair and tool selection. I’m a Global Educator with Andis Clipper Company, which are known for their barbering tools and barber education. As a cosmetologist, working with longer lengths of hair, using clippers. I created techniques and the curriculum to cut longer lengths, using clippers. Basically, anything that is done with a scissor or razor, i can achieve with a clipper. I think that technique definitely set me apart from others, along with my witty nature, authenticity and fashion. I mostly proud of being able to use my gift to help others. It’s beautiful when you can give back and help someone see the beauty in themselves.

What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?

I’m not sure which city you’re in but, I’m in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. I moved here for work, it hasn’t been my favorite, i do like that I’m close to my hometown. I get to see family.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @juststormi
• Facebook: Stormi Kelley

Image Credits

Rudolph J. Tolar Jr
Angel Villegas