We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Cameron Alyse Debenham. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Cameron Alyse below.
Cameron Alyse, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Alright, let’s jump into one of the most exciting parts of starting a new venture – how did you get your first client who was not a friend or family?
It was 2017, I was freshly a “salon ready stylist” at Toni & Guy in Scottsdale, Arizona. I was especially excited that morning checking my schedule and finding a balayage service on my books. (Little did I know this would become a specialty of mine in just a few years.) Since I was new then, I was advertising my services at a discounted rate on Instagram. Now, a balayage service on my books is one of the higher cost appointments. This client I did my first balayage service on in 2017 is still one of my clients to this day and I am so humbled and grateful that she has been loyal to my business! She still gets a lived in blonde look as well as maintenance every 6 weeks for her Waterfall Beaded Row Extensions.
Cameron Alyse, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I run Hair by Cam Alyse (known as @hairbycamalyse on Instagram) and I’m a Hairstylist & Waterfall Beaded Row Extension Educator. I recently got married to my sweet husband Trevor, so I’ve got a new last name which is exciting! I’m now Cameron Alyse Debenham. I just turned 24 and have celebrated my 5th year as a hairstylist. I’m located in the Historic Downtown Mesa at Lucent Beauty Salon, where I rent my chair. I specialize in hair extensions and lived in blonding/color. I always knew I wanted to be a hairstylist and if little 12 year old Cam could see what I’ve accomplished in my career in just 5 years she would not believe it. I feel so special that my clients choose me to take care of their hair. We make some life changing things happen with extensions in the chair. I get choked up thinking about all my girls leaving with smiles ear to ear. Just this week I did an extension installation on a gal and she cried tears of joy because her confidence was raised so much by getting her hair done!
I really am so excited for this year to come. Growing my business organically has been so rewarding on so many levels. I had a goal of hitting 1k followers on Instagram in 2021 and I hit that goal in December. This was a small goal but felt so good to hit that and to be consistent. Since I’ve started educating I have gained such an amazing tribe of stylists who support each other and it’s so refreshing to see love and support in the industry. I’m looking forward to the classes I’ll be teaching this summer & the knowledge that will be spread! Fun things coming for Cam Alyse.
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
Word of mouth definitely speaks for itself when it comes to client referrals. Strategy wise I’d have to say Instagram has always been my biggest tool for success with gaining clientele. It’s a great way to get your work out there and hashtags are great for local people to see your work and know where to find your business. Consistency is key with it for sure, I’ve noticed the more active and regular I am on the app the more interaction I get.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
The most rewarding thing for me as a hairstylist is seeing my girls leave 10x more confident in their own skin. I’m all about girl power and I love seeing an extension transformation quite literally transform these girls. Whether it be a dramatic length increase or just added volume, knowing I choose trust over trends for my clients, they are getting only the highest quality service.
Contact Info:
- Website: Hairbycamalyse.com
- Instagram: @Hairbycamalyse
- Other: Email: [email protected]
Image Credits
Personal Photo credit to Reagan Blake Photography