We were lucky to catch up with Stephanie Heard recently and have shared our conversation below.

Stephanie , appreciate you joining us today. To kick things off, we’d love to hear about things you or your brand do that diverge from the industry standard

I think the thing I do differently from the new Industry standard is that I fell in love with what I do so I truly take pride in my work. I feel consistency is lacking in our industry so I strive to show up in good spirits with great skills every time, because customer service will always be a priority for my business. Also, I’m bringing back that old school beauty salon feeling where you and your stylist connected, you laughed, you gossiped and you networked

Stephanie , 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?

My story is an unconventional one I think. I am a Chicago native and moved to Houston three years ago. My background was mainly in corporate, I worked for a consulting company before deciding to start from scratch as a 30yr old single mom of two. And I wouldn’t change any decisions I made. My business currently is just a stepping stone for what my major goal is, which is to change what resources we are given in cosmetology school. One major problem I think the beauty industry has is that almost everything is trial and error in regards to building your business, when there are so many resources available so that we can have some foundation to build upon after being licensed. What I’m most proud of is my work and the passion that is behind it. What I want people to know about my brand is that is that it is genuine and truly based in hair care not just a look. I am dedicated to the health of your hair as well as the outcome of your service.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

Since I’m not a Houston native, the most effective strategies for me was not only social media but going outside and interacting with people. I joined every hair group I could find that was Houston based on social media, but I also stuck flyers on doors in apartment complexes and handed my card to everyone I could stop, in any major store.

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

When entering this business your instincts tell you to make every dollar you can because your livelihood depends on it. That lesson I had to unlearn for two reasons. 1) work life balance is so important and being an entrepreneur sometimes you lose sight of that. 2) For your peace of mind some clients or potential clients you have to use your best judgment and respectfully decline service. Knowing when to say no is a powerful tool.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://styleseat.com/stephanieheard2
• Instagram: http://instagram.com/bombshellstudioshtx
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bombshellstudioshtx