We recently connected with Denise Hejna and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Denise, thanks for joining us today. One of the things we most admire about small businesses is their ability to diverge from the corporate/industry standard. Is there something that you or your brand do that differs from the industry standard? We’d love to hear about it as well as any stories you might have that illustrate how or why this difference matters.

As a hairstylist who also does empowerment coaching, I do things differently from the industry standard in several ways. Firstly, I incorporate coaching into my services, so it’s not just about hair but also about empowering my clients. This could involve providing guidance on personal or professional goals, building confidence, or working through personal challenges.

Secondly, I customize my services to meet the specific needs and goals of each individual client. I take the time to listen to their concerns, offer personalized recommendations, and work collaboratively to create a unique look that fits their personality and lifestyle.

Thirdly, I encourage my clients to explore their individuality and help them to feel confident and empowered in their choices. As an empowerment coach, I believe in the importance of self-expression and individuality, and I strive to help my clients feel comfortable and confident in their own skin.

Overall, I believe that my combination of hairstyling and empowerment coaching allows me to offer a unique and personalized experience to my clients. By prioritizing their well-being, individuality, and self-expression, I differentiate myself from the industry standard and create a loyal following of clients who appreciate my approach.

Denise, 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?

Certainly!

When I decided to become a hairstylist, it was a pivotal moment in my life because it was the first time I chose my own path instead of following the wishes of others. My heart was set on making women feel empowered through beauty. Later on, I realized that being a hairstylist was my gateway to empowering others through coaching. I have personally navigated the challenges of building self-confidence and I want to share with my clients the life-altering things I’ve learned that made me more into the woman I dreamed of when I was a little girl.

Growing up, I experienced bullying and I never wanted anyone to feel like they didn’t matter. Through my work, I want to remind women that their personal power exists within them and they too can become unstoppable if they choose to. While I’m passionate about empowerment coaching, I never push it on anyone who isn’t ready. It’s available if they choose to explore it, but I understand it’s a unique journey for everyone.

My mission is to not only empower women to be whatever they want to be or do what they have always desired, but to also show that you can do unconventional things as a multi-passionate entrepreneur. I’m here to shift the limiting belief vibes to I can do anything queen vibes.

I offer a range of products and services, including hairstyling and empowerment coaching, and I’m committed to customizing my approach to each client’s individual needs and goals. My goal is to provide a personalized and high-quality service that helps my clients feel confident and empowered.

What I’m most proud of is the positive impact that I’ve had on the lives of my clients. Seeing the transformation in their confidence and self-esteem is truly fulfilling. The main thing I want potential clients and followers to know about me and my brand is that I’m not just focused on providing a service, but I have a larger purpose and goal in mind. My mission is to empower women to be their best selves and to shift the collective mindset to a more positive and empowering one.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Sure, I’d be happy to help with that!

Throughout my life, I always relied on a man to take care of me. First, it was my father, who always provided me with everything I needed. Later, it was my ex-husband, who I expected to fulfill my every desire, so that I could relive my childhood. However, I came to realize that this constant reliance on others was taking a toll on my confidence. I knew I needed something for myself, a career that I was passionate about, and that others had noticed my natural talent for.

That’s when I decided to drop out of college and pursue a career in hairdressing. I was determined to make it work, no matter what it took. I worked long hours and even gave my time for free to do photo shoots for a local magazine in St. Louis, as well as fashion shows. Through my hard work and unwavering commitment to my craft, I was able to travel to New York and even got to see my work on billboards in downtown New York.

These opportunities were difficult to come by, but my energy and passion for my work was undeniable, and it shone through in everything I did. I learned that resilience is not just about pushing through tough times, but it’s also about believing in yourself and having the courage to pursue your dreams, even when it feels like the odds are against you.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

As a hairstylist, I used to believe that external beauty was the most important factor in building confidence. While I still believe that looking good can help boost someone’s confidence to a certain extent, as an empowerment coach, I’ve come to understand that true confidence and self-worth come from within. I’ve had to unlearn the idea that appearance is everything.

I now believe that inner beauty is just as important as outer beauty. While a great hairstyle or makeup look can be an accessory to help boost confidence, it’s ultimately one’s inner beauty and worth that determines their value as a person. The outer appearance is just a reflection of the inner, and I focus on helping my clients cultivate both their inner and outer beauty to feel truly empowered and confident in themselves.

This shift in mindset has been a valuable lesson for me, and I now focus on helping my clients cultivate inner beauty and confidence. I emphasize the importance of self-love and self-care as a means of empowering my clients to feel confident and beautiful from the inside out.

It’s been a journey for me, but I’m proud to say that I’ve been able to integrate these lessons into my work as a hairstylist and empowerment coach. By helping my clients focus on their inner beauty and worth, I’ve been able to help them truly transform their lives and achieve their goals.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://salonlofts.com/denise_hejna
• Instagram: @mindfulstylist
• Other: For anyone who wants to inquire for online coaching please reach out to me at 636-552-4728 or email me at [email protected]

Image Credits
@Danielleambryphotography @emaudreyphotography