We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Belle Chesser. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Belle below.

Alright, Belle thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

I make a living in the beauty industry, which requires time, patience, and a long journey—especially at the beginning. After cosmetology school, you essentially only have the skills to pass the state board test. From there, you apprentice under an experienced stylist for six months to a year (in my case, almost a year). During that time, you make very little money, relying on tip-outs from the stylist you’re assisting.

You’ll make mistakes along the way, but you learn from them. This is not a job for the weak, and many people don’t make it. I’ve seen countless women and men leave the industry because of how competitive it is. But I love the hustle, and I didn’t realize just how much until I started seeing actual money. When that happened, my mindset shifted entirely, and I began asking myself, How high can I set my bar? The answer is limitless in this industry.

I’ve worked in salons where, if you’re willing to work from 8 a.m. to midnight, you can leave making $5,000 to $6,000 in a single day. However, being a hairstylist isn’t just about doing hair; you’re everything else, too. You’re someone’s sounding board, a social media professional, a photographer, and a chemical handler. The skills you learn—and have to learn—are endless if you want to be the best.

I’ve made major milestones in my work and accomplished things I’m incredibly proud of. Looking back, I wish I had focused more on grinding harder and developing my professional self, rather than prioritizing my personal life when I first started out. In this industry, there’s always someone ready to come out of nowhere and try to steal your shine. You have to find a place that pushes you to be your best because, without that support, failure is definitely possible.

There’s so much more I could say.

Belle , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I think the most important thing I want my clients and future clients to know is how much I care about how you feel after you visit me. The relationships I’ve built with my clients have shaped me into the person I am today, and I genuinely love who I’ve become because of this industry. I’ve been scolded, torn apart, and betrayed, but I’ve also had the privilege of working with some of the most amazing people. This journey has made me focused, goal-oriented, and disciplined, while also softening me in ways I didn’t expect.

What I love to do most is large color transformations—making you leave feeling amazing, like a new person with a fresh perspective on life. I truly believe the person you see in the mirror affects your mood and outlook, and feeling confident can make you a better version of yourself.

I would describe my brand as luxury—luxury hair, luxury extensions, and delivering a high-end service. What sets me apart is helping my clients realize that they can look like the girl in the photo. It’s not about comparing anyone to someone else, but rather about showing you that you can have that hair, look amazing, and feel confident.

When I sit down with my clients, I take the time to talk about their personal style and how I can combine that with gorgeous, transformative hair. Together, we work to make their dream a reality, because it is possible.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

Growing up, my parents either taught us to play it safe or sheltered my siblings and me, so taking huge leaps of faith or risks wasn’t something I naturally did. But as a hairstylist, you have to take risks. You have to trust yourself and believe that you can make it happen. You may have to grind hard, and you may feel exhausted, but it pays off 100%.

I can confidently say that I’ve taken huge risks in my career, even when others doubted me, and those risks have paid off. Always bet on yourself—you know what you’re capable of better than anyone else ever will.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

I started off really badly on social media—it’s a learning process. But over the years, I’ve found myself and discovered who I am, and I try to reflect that on my social media. Clearly, I’m heavily tattooed, but I still see myself very much as a “girls’ girl.” I believe you can have a tomboy personality and a more alternative look while also embracing femininity.

My niche has never been vivid hair colors like purples or blues, even though people often assume that someone with an alternative appearance would fall into that category. Instead, I’ve always been drawn to hair trends, Vogue-inspired styles, and New York fashion vibes. I think that shows in my work, on my clients, and on my social media. In fact, I get most of my clients through Instagram.

My advice? Just start posting. Share your work, even if it’s not perfect, because that’s how you’ll find yourself and your niche. If you don’t post, you won’t get far. The hair industry has changed so much—social media is now where we find most of our clients. If you’re not showing up there, it’s going to be hard to attract the clientele you want. So, start now, even if your work isn’t amazing yet—just put yourself out there.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @hairby.bellegrace

Image Credits

Photos by Adrienne Iverness
My bestfriend and you do have permission to share and post these photos