We recently connected with Meredith Gburek and have shared our conversation below.

Meredith, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. 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.

I have been a stylist and makeup artist for over 18 years and it has changed tremendously from when I first started. I was taught that there was only one way of doing hair and only one way to run my business to be successful, only to find out that the beauty industry is anything but that. The only right way to run your business and to be successful is do what you want. That’s the best part about being a business owner; you call the shots, you make the calls, you make it what you want it to be, not what others tell you it should be. With my brand, I strive to constantly change up the game including (but not limited to) always being eager to learn new things and learn about people and where they come from. Everybody has a story, and I believe we forget to really listen to others. It’s not just about doing hair or makeup for me; it’s so much bigger than that. You’ve got to really, really hear people. I think that’s what running a business is all about – you’ve got to be willing to listen and to be willing to travel down the roads less traveled. You have to be open to growth.

Meredith, 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 first got into this industry at 19 and totally not really sure where my place in the work world would be or end up. After 18 years, I can say that this is was the right choice for me. This industry has changed so much in the time that I’ve been a part of it, but it’s like being on the most thrilling roller coaster ride you could be on! When it comes to cutting, styling, and coloring hair, I’ve always said “lived-in” and “effortless” are my style. I want people to feel like they’re able to recreate what I give them. I want them to feel the best they can in their skin. It’s not about what I want; it’s about what they want. But also using my professional knowledge to help guide them in a crazy world of social media that can create unrealistic beauty expectations. All in all, I want people to feel like the best version of themselves! There’s a lot of power hair stylists hold, whether we want it or not. But all the more reason to really focus on listen to others; it’s not just about hair.

I also offer makeup services with my business and my style is forever changing. Growing up in the south, I’ve found it hard to find where I really fit in with my ever-changing makeup style. I love everything from natural looks, to epic special effects, to super glam. One of my favorite things about being an artist is that you have to always be willing to step out of the box- that’s where the growth and magic happens! You never know what you’re capable of until you do so. I just love changing things up. It’s so much fun that way!

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

I love being able to share my art with the world, and to help other fellow artists realize their potential too. It’s so easy to fear failure and to branch out and try something new. But that’s the most beautiful part to me, and also one of the most crucial parts in a career like I have. Nothing makes me more thrilled than connecting with other artists who understand and who are driven to be better than they were yesterday. I know that’s so cliche to say, but I believe it. This business is all about learning from others – there’s a wealth of knowledge out there and you’ve got to be open to it to grow as an artist but also grow your business.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

Word of mouth has been how I’ve gained most of my clientele, which is exactly why it’s so important to network with others and be upfront and honest. That’s what I think a lot people are looking for in a stylist or artist.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: MeredithGburekhmua