Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie McBride.
Stephanie, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I’ve always been obsessed with hair, make up and all things beauty! Since I was a little girl, I was always the one playing with my moms make up or had my hands in my best friends hair. I also have an amazing Uncle who has been in the industry for close to 30 years, and was also a huge inspiration to me. So, it’s safe to say, I’ve loved this industry my whole life and was destined to end up in it!
Right out of high school, I did my time at a community college, and quickly realized I should have been in cosmetology from the beginning! I knew it was my dream, and it was finally time for me to pursue it. From there, I studied and graduated from the Aveda Institute in Dallas almost four years ago now! It was definitely one of the hardest years of my life, but also one of the most fulfilling and exciting because I knew it was the beginning of the career of my dreams. I loved studying at Aveda, mainly because I feel like I gained a ton of “real-world salon” knowledge while in school, and I feel like that really set me up for success when going into my first salon.
Once I was licensed, I knew I wanted even more knowledge while building up my clientele. So, I started my career at a Salon in North Fort Worth, where I had the amazing opportunity to be an associate for the owner and lead stylist of the salon! I know for sure this was key to my success now. She taught me so much about so many aspects of our industry, and she also allowed me to work with my clients as well. So, once I was finished with my program with her, I already had a steady clientele. I will forever be grateful to her and my first salon for setting me up for success. I highly recommend this for anyone starting in this industry!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Nothing is ever 100% perfect or easy, but for the most part, it has actually been a pretty smooth road! I would say the most difficult time was the very beginning, while I was in school. I believe that was mainly because it just took a lot from me that year to make it all happen! I was living and working full time in Fort Worth while driving to north Dallas for school 30 hours a week. It was rough for sure at times, but obviously SO worth it!! I wouldn’t change any part of that year because of where it got me!
Cosmo by Steph McBride – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I take pride in specializing in multiple different colors and cut techniques, as well as bridal and special occasion hair and makeup. When choosing my business name, I really wanted it to reflect the fact that I love multiple parts of this industry and love that every day it’ll be something new and different!
Customizing women’s color and cut is probably one of my favorite services in the salon. I would say I’m most known for my blondes and creating a “lived-in” dimensional color! But I’m also not exclusive to blondes! I love doing the same thing with red and brunette tones as well!
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I believe a lot of things go into being successful. Probably one of the biggest would be numbers, especially in my industry. But to me personally, success is seeing someone’s face light up once their transformation is complete. That is by far the best part of my day and career, knowing I could help brighten someone’s day by giving them their dream hair. Not only does this make me feel wonderful too, but I believe it builds trust and a lasting business relationship with my clients. My number one priority is to give you the best experience you could have in the salon, and when I know I’ve achieved that, I see that as the most successful day!
Contact Info:
- Address: Novak Hair Studios
250 W Lancaster Ave
Fort Worth, TX - Website: Novakhairstudios.com
- Phone: 817-592-4247
- Instagram: @_cosmobysteph
- Facebook: Stephanie McBride at Novak Hair Studios
Image Credit:
Jessica Isaacs Photography
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