We were lucky to catch up with Gracie Silvas recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Gracie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

Around middle school I learned a few high schools offered cosmetology courses. I knew immediately I wanted to sign up. I  hadn’t ruled out college. I was keeping an open mind. I saw it as an opportunity, a jump start on a flexible career. One I could  see myself enjoying. After all, when graduation came around. I could go to college and explore different career paths. I could  also work as a hairstylist part-time through college. 

The challenge was my high school doesn’t have a cosmetology department. I would have to attend two different high schools,  sophomore and junior year. The program filled up fast and had limited spaces for outside students. So I planned out all four  years. Including adding a summer course for one of my core credits. I also learned there was a summer cosmo session. I could  jump in right after my freshman year and pay my entry fees/dues. This would secure my spot sophomore year. For me, the  commitment was a no brainer. I knew at the end of this journey I would have my cosmetology license. 

The first semester of cosmo, and 10th grade, is coming to an end. I’d just turned 16 and I’m offered a part-time position as a  salon coordinator. I said yes. I wanted to immerse myself in the field. My responsibilities in this position varied from  coordinating client appointments, inventory, opening and closing responsibilities, and deposits. I also took every opportunity I  could to watch and study every stylist in that salon. 

At the end of my Junior year I completed the program. I also completed and passed TDLR testing which meant I was officially  licensed! I was so excited, I took the TDLR letter to work to share with everyone. I was immediately told to bring all my supplies  to work on my next shift. I was a little shocked, nervous, but excited. I spent so much time focused on getting to this point. I  hadn’t fully processed the transition from student to pro. So here I am, 17 in high school, and working on building my clientele  behind the chair. 

While cosmo classes and working in a salon were a big influence. There was also an other one that made me fall in love with the  beauty industry. Fashion Magazines. I couldn’t wait to see the next issue of Bazaar, InStyle, Vogue. I loved what I saw in these  magazines. I loved the bold trends, the makeup, the fashion, the photography. I dreamed of New York and Paris Fashion week.  I’d sit in front of the mirror practicing one makeup look after another. I took every opportunity that came along; print, runway,  bridal, and film. So while I did attend college for a year and a half. I always knew I was right were I was supposed to be. 

For folks who may not have read about you before, can you please tell our readers about yourself, how you  got into your industry / business / discipline / craft etc, what type of products/services/creative works you  provide, what problems you solve for your clients and/or what you think sets you apart from others. What are  you most proud of and what are the main things you want potential clients/followers/fans to know about you/ your brand/your work/ etc.

Providing solutions and results are important for me. I’m constantly learning so I can offer my clients the best products,  treatments, services, and trends. I’m a color specialist however, I offer many services. Such as Pura Luxe Treatments, perms, and  cuts. I also offer different extension systems including connections, tapes and wefts. I love makeup and styling for special  occasions/bridal, as well as print, film and runway. Regardless of the service I’m offering one thing remains the same. It’s the  experience and expertise I provide each individual. For an appointment to be truly successful communication is key! Not just on  my part. I really want to listen and learn about you. My goal isn’t just to give you pretty hair. I can do that all day long. The days  you aren’t in my chair are just as important. I want you to feel confident between visits. Can you maintain and recreate the look at  home? Did I set you up to get the most out of your service? Asking a lot of questions helps me find the right solution/s for you.  For example… 

• What do you like about your hair?
• What don’t you like?
• Daily lifestyle
• Products you use
• Do you use any styling tools?
• Are ponytails important?
• How much time do you spend on your hair?
• How often do you shampoo?
• I exam the health of the hair and scalp

Even getting more specific depending on what you struggle with most. 

Then comes your investment and commitment to the look. I like to present you with some options. Letting you know pros and  cons. It’s important to remember pros and cons are different for everyone. Some may want to completely cover their grey and  make appts every 2, 3 or 4 weeks. Others prefer to only visit every 6-8 weeks. So grey blending may be a better solution. Both  clients will end up with different but beautiful results. I ask questions, regardless, if it’s their 1st visit or 15years later. So I can  continue to adjust each service accordingly.  

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being creative?

Looking back over my career some of the most memorable moments are all tied to the relationships I have built. I think of all the  milestones I’ve been around for. Getting ready for prom; then high school graduation, college graduation, getting engaged,  married, starting families. Making CEO or building their own brand. I’ve been there cheering and supporting them along the  way. I love that! I have cried with clients too. You don’t get to experience all the wonderful milestones without often  experiencing some of life challenges and loses. Through it all, I am there to help them see the best version of themselves. From  that dreamy wedding glow. Or giving them that confidence boost for that big promotion. To providing a relaxing environment  when they need a little self care. 

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

There are a lot of ways to help. Shopping local, choosing small businesses whenever possible. For example, even purchasing big  brand names from a small business makes a difference. Take haircare for example. Your retail purchases help a salon provide  eduction to the team. It also helps them repurchase all the shampoo, conditioner and styling products they use during your  appointments. If it is rewards points your looking for. Some salons have their own retail rewards program, so you can collect  points to redeem on future purchases. Or even affiliate links & codes to share with you if you need to purchase online. 

There’s another huge way to help small business and this one is free! Follow them on social media platforms. Find them on  Facebook, Instagram and or TikTok. Like and comment on their post. This kind of support and interactions gives them  exposure. It helps them reach a wider audience, therefore, expanding their potential client base. You can also write a review.  This one doesn’t even have to be on yelp or google. You can send it in a text or DM. They can then quote you on their website.  They can also screen shot the message to post it across any of their social media business pages.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.beautylovegrace.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/beautylovegrace
• Other: tiktok: @beautylovegrace

Image Credits
Lindsey Mueller, SMS Photography, Michelle Gardella, Marshall and Tidrick Carla Taylor