We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Stormi Kelley a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Stormi thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.
Beginning my career as an artist/educator, unknowing the possibilities of where it could lead, I dedicated my life to learning and perfecting my craft. Beginning in my hometown Tulsa, Oklahoma, driven by purpose and passion, I moved to Southern California to further my education and business skills, working under Paul Mitchell’s Global Artistic Director, Education Director, etc. and gaining a mentorship with one of the most renowned Barber Educators in our industry. I don’t believe there’s anything I didn’t take advantage of throughout my learning process which, I’m still learning. That’s one of my greatest qualities, being a student, there’s always more to learn, if you’re not learning, you not growing. All of the skills are essential, growing confidence and realizing the power within myself has been one of the most essential to me. ( I still struggle with this one, being celebrated is the hardest thing to do for me.) I ran across many challenges during the process; being a black woman, a female hair cutter, being authentic and inquisitive gave me great deal of challenges. I went homeless and hungry, thankfully there was free coffee at the salon. But, everyday I woke up I made the decision to keep going, I was fueled with determination. With having a small taste of the freedom I felt in having something to believe in and something that believed in me was incomparable to anything I’ve ever felt, I didn’t want it to ever leave. So I stuck with it and I’m forever grateful for those times and the amazing people I met along the way, who encouraged me, feed me, gave me a wam place to lay when I needed it. I never had the courage to ask anyone for anything, people seen a need and filled it, which taught me a great deal of humility and the belief of unconditional love.
Stormi, 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 entered the industry looking for freedom, purpose and passion. I had a lot to be grateful for, even a home and fiancé but, I wasn’t fulfilled. I knew there was more to life and more to me. I left everything I had behind to discover who I truly am, what I made of and how I can be of service to others. I’m extremely passionate with everything I do, I like to push the bar a little, by creating art in unconventional ways, which is my way of expressing myself. I’m a global educator with Andis Clippers, a cosmetologist using barber tools in ways that have never been sent before. I no longer use scissors, developed the curriculum for cutting long, short, wet and dry only using clippers. When it comes to my guest behind the chair, the ability to to use my God given talent and change one’s perception of themselves through art separates me from other artist. I’ve been through times not being able to fully see myself, to be proud of myself and lacking self love. Which helps me see those voids in others and fill them, paying it forward. I’m most proud of my strength, it’s not easy to do the work inside/out while pursuing your dreams and goals but, never giving up on myself and facing challenges, no matter how big or small, being dug through the mud, left in the jungle and to be able to look in the mirror, seeing the person I’m becoming, words can’t describe. I wish this feeling for every person in the world, there’s nothing like it. Also, to go through so much and still lead with love, I’m extremely proud and grateful for my understanding and open heart.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
The goal/mission that drives my journey is using my voice, my story, my life as example to free others. I’ve dealt with sexual and mental from an early age that caused so much trauma, fighting and overcoming that has given me drive, along with my creative talents giving me a voice to so many. Through those avenues I’ve been able to meet and mentor other individuals, giving them hope. Also giving me freedom to heal and understand why I went through some of that. Hopefully, that came across correct, I’m not celebrating it, I’m just not allowing it to control me anymore. Many individuals I run across feel safe to open up and express their struggles with me, rather it be abuse or confidence, etc. I’m like a safe place for people for some reason. Not to mention my blunt witty nature, calms the pressure in a room easily.
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
As creatives, I actually think we could support society more, we have our own ecosystem and we look to society for acceptance. In reality, we’re the influence of society, they look inside our ecosystem to fuel them to be their best selves. Therefore, I think if we’re were more authentic and supportive of each other, the tables would turn. Most people wish for a world like ours, to be free, to do what you love, be expressive, earn a living doing what you love. The confidence and creativity we carry is beautiful until we go looking for that validation. We have a major impact on the world but, often we’re looked at as misfits because of our “profession/job title”, if we change that narrative and pour pride into every person that sits in our chair, things would change.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @juststormi
- Facebook: Stormi Kelley
Image Credits
Angel Villegas
Instagram: @angelraws