We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Chanel Cooper a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Chanel, appreciate you joining us today. If you had a defining moment that you feel really changed the trajectory of your career, we’d love to hear the story and details.
In high school, the art room was my safe haven. I’d always expressed wanting an art gallery within my home to sell my work exclusively. After high school, I’d applied to colleges in hopes of pursuing my career as a fashion designer. That was over a decade ago. 2016 til now, I’d been in the hair industry, which was and still is a passion of mine. Along the way, I’d had discouraging moments trying to navigate how I could bring all my talents to life while maintaining what pays the bills currently. I was on the brink of burning out when I had this revelation: This is my art! No one has the same vision I carry. No one can do what I do exactly how I do it. The clients I have are here because they are for me; that’s exclusive. Clients are paying hundreds of dollars, not for me, but for my GIFT!!!
This tremendously elevated my thinking. It also changed how I showed up in my career and it continued promise on the desires of my life. I was no longer working. I was creating (what I do best). It took all of “me” out of it and I preferred it that way.
Chanel, 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 have the gift of makings others feel good about themselves from the inside out. I was blessed with the enjoyment of serving others and the ability to empathize and connect. I was also blessed with vision and multiple gifts that allow me to utilize these factors in to my work. I care and I always strive to do my best.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
I’ve been with The Circuit Salon since 2017. Although my work is and always had been fire, it took hard years for me to build my confidence and see my worth. You see the confidence in my work now and you Really love it. My journey is like the original Self-Made Man sculpture, but a woman lol. In a world fill with comparison, I’d had feelings of not doing, making or being enough after this long. But then, I started to think. My thought was that my story was beautiful. It shows resilience, compassion, motivation and perspective. I realigned with what and who I was and gave myself permission to take up space. My growth is uncanny.
Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?
One of the things that is most helpful in succeeding in the hair industry is putting the client first. Step in to your client’s shoes and make a list of the things you would expect when paying for a service and an ideal salon experience. Some of my expectations would be cleanliness, time-efficiency, professionalism, a stylist who is knowledgeable, keeps me engaged in what they’re doing, and consistently checks on my needs. As your list builds, do those things.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thecircuitsalon.com
- Instagram: @thecircuitsalon
- Other: TikTok: circuitbeauty