We recently connected with Stefaney Norcross and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Stefaney thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?
Honestly, I’ve never wanted a “regular” job. I’ve never had a regular job. I went to cosmetology school at 18 and hit the ground running at 19. Regular jobs have always sounded boring to me – not fit for my personality. As a hair stylist, I get the opportunity to meet new people, hear their stories, and relate to them. Not only that, but the relationships I’ve formed with fellow stylists are beyond special to me. I absolutely love what I do and who it’s brought into my life. Thinking about doing anything else has never crossed my mind. Being a hair stylist is a dream come true for me, and I’m so grateful to still have the passion for it that I do after 24 years.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I’ve been a hairstylist for 24 years, 17 of which have been at Capellini. I offer a variety of cut and color services as well as eyebrow waxing.
As a child, I was never allowed to go to the salon. My mom would always cut my hair at home. Once I was in 7th grade, I begged her to let me go to the salon. I remember feeling so good when I was there and enjoyed the entire experience. I loved the energy of the atmosphere, the smells of hair product, and that I had the choice of individual expression through my hair style. I booked my next appointment before I left. It was always my favorite day of the month when I was going to get my hair cut!
When I was 16, I started helping out backstage with a modeling agency. I would style girls’ hair before they went out on the runway. When I saw how excited they were and how beautiful they felt, I knew I wanted to do hair professionally. So, I went to Douglas J Academy as soon as I graduated high school. I got my license when I was 19 and have been a full-time stylist ever since. I LOVE my job — clients, co-workers, all of it. I want everyone, clients and stylists alike, to have the best salon experience possible. That’s why I’ve been dreaming of a better shampoo bowl for over 20 years!
I’ve been doing hair long enough now that the repetitions of my daily routine movements at work have me going to the chiropractor every 4 weeks. The number 1 problem is the way I hunch while shampooing. I’m so grateful every time the Infinity Bowl is open, because I’m able to give my guest the best experience at the bowl without sacrificing my own physical comfort. And when I get shampooed at a standard bowl, my neck always feels extremely uncomfortable (even with the towel), which is why the Infinity Bowl has thicker neck support for added comfort for clients. And with the long basin, I don’t have to tear through tangles like I used to.
My passion now lies not only with my job in the salon, but making sure the Infinity Shampoo Bowl is available to stylists everywhere! Everyone deserves an elevated salon experience, whether behind the chair or in it. If you have a shampoo bowl that accommodates ALL hair textures and lengths, everyone wins. Afterall, I know I’m not the only one whose favorite day is the day they get to be pampered at the salon!
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding part of about being a creative is making people feel beautiful. Getting your hair done gives you instant gratification, and I love to see the smile on my guests’ faces at the end of every appointment.
I also love the friendships and relationships I’ve made on this journey; they are truly invaluable.
Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
I wish I knew earlier about Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP) and MSU Innovations. We went about getting our patent for the Infinity Shampoo Bowl on our own through an online business, not knowing we had another option. We had no idea there was financial assistance (grants) through the state/government.
After meeting with Matt Rudd through MSU Innovations and Harrison Leffel-Jones from LEAP, we learned of all the assistance that is available along every step of our journey. We’ve now received a grant and are beyond grateful; without it, we wouldn’t be at this 2nd prototyping stage and working with Thingsmiths in Ann Arbor. This is all so unbelievable, in the best way possible. Without the people from LEAP and MSU Innovations – and their knowledge and expertise – we would have never received the grant. It’s evident these people have passion for what they do, and Jim and I are forever thankful!
One other crucial resource on this journey has been a social media manager. In January of this year, we had nothing but homemade videos and a lacking social media feed. What a difference 10 months can make when you connect with the right people.
I’m feeling very blessed for all of the opportunities and people that have helped make this journey what it’s been and bring my vision to life!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/infinityshampoobowl/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/infinityshampoobowl/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefaney-norcross
