We were lucky to catch up with Noelle Smith recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Noelle thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear a story from back when you were an intern or apprentice. What’s a memorable story you can share with us?
I received my cosmetology license through an apprenticeship program. I did not know this was an option as a 19-year-old trying to work and save money for cosmetology school. I got a job at a salon as a receptionist and they knew that I wanted to become a hair stylist. The salon offered to apprentice me and I was able to finish that apprenticeship at a different salon. I’ve always been more of a hands-on learner and the apprenticeship really allowed for that. I was able to learn from several different, very talented stylists that I worked with. It was really great to glean a bit from each stylist along with figuring out my own artistic abilities and techniques. Through my apprenticeship, I was also able to learn and grow in my customer service and interpersonal skills and see what the career would actually be like because I was working with the public during my training.
Noelle , 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’m Noelle Smith. I’m a self employed hairstylist and owner of Salon Selah, a salon suite in Portage, Michigan.
After a short “college-try” at Western Michigan University, I decided I needed to move home to do something that involved the two things I love most: creativity and people! I started my career in the salon industry in the beginning of 2008. I began my cosmetology apprenticeship and role as salon coordinator at Tracy Lee Salon and completed it at Vogue Salon & Spa, two prestigious Aveda salons in Petoskey, Michigan. I had the wonderful experience of taking continued education and training under seasoned stylists who are Vidal Sassoon trained.
In 2014 my career lead me back to Kalamazoo where I began working at Milan The Style Shop. During my five and a half years there, I became an Aveda master colorist. I also completed certification to teach Aveda Systems, Solutions and Deep color courses.
That leads me to the present day, where I found a desire to grow as a hair stylist and branch out in my career. I am now the owner-operator of Salon Selah! I use Kevin Murphy COLOR.ME- hair color that is customizable, multi-tonal, naturally derived, PPD free, ammonia free, and made up of honey, Shea Butter and Aloe. I proudly carry Kevin Murphy Products. Kevin Murphy products follow the same philosophy as skincare, delivering performance, strength and longevity. Kevin Murphy looks for partners that use organic growing practices or wild harvesting techniques to ensure the very highest quality ingredients for their products. This makes me feel confident that my clients will love their hair when they experience the difference of the color and products I use, and they can feel good about the products and services they’re investing in.
I have a heart for healthy hair, mind, body and soul and I exhibit that with each guest that sits in my chair. Building a trusting relationship and understanding my guests’ individual needs and lifestyles have always been of utmost importance to me, especially when trying to deliver their goals and desires for their hair.
When I decided to open my salon, I wanted the name to some how incorporate my faith. I am a believer in Jesus Christ and the word “Selah” is a Hebrew word that many Bible scholars have tried to find the meaning for. The new American Standard Hebrew lexicon defines the Hebrew word as “to lift up, exalt”. Some scholars believe the word was actually a musical notation possibly meaning “silence” or “pause and reflect.” I really like both interpretations because in my career I want to always give glory to God. In my salon space, I always want to be a place where my guests are able to pause and have time to get away from whatever is going on in their day to relax and just be pampered.
Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?
Honestly I have been blessed with the greatest clientele. I don’t say that lightly, nor do I say it disingenuously. I have always been told that I am a good listener, and in this career you have to truly listen the best that you possibly can to what your clients desires and needs are.
When interacting with my clients I do my best to treat them as I would want to be treated in the exact same scenario if the roles were reversed.
Advice I got early on in my career from a fellow hairstylist was to always be honest and be yourself and you will attract clientele. I believe I have adhered to that wisdom ever since.
Where do you think you get most of your clients from?
My best source of new clients has been from my existing clients. Again, I have been blessed with greatest clientele. I should say the biggest source of my new clients have been from referrals from my existing clientele. I’ve been pleasantly surprised with how my online reviews have generated new clientele through Google searching and searching on social media.
Contact Info:
- Website: salonselah.glossgenius.com
- Instagram: salonselahllc
- Facebook: salonselahllc
Image Credits
Maddie Grace Photo