Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Rissmiller.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
For years, I poured my heart into social work. Organization, problem-solving, and helping people were second nature to me. I loved making a difference, but over time, the emotional weight of the job became harder to carry. I started craving something lighter, something creative, hands-on, and still centered around connection.
I’ve always believed that hair is more than just hair. It’s self-expression, confidence, and identity. I loved playing with styles, colors, and textures—not just on myself but for friends and family, too. One day, I realized that maybe my calling wasn’t shifting people’s lives in case files but in the salon chair.
The transition wasn’t easy. Leaving behind a stable career for something completely different was terrifying. I went back to school, balancing life and learning a whole new craft. There were moments of doubt, exhaustion, and even imposter syndrome. But every time I saw someone’s face light up after a fresh cut or color, I knew I was exactly where I was meant to be.
Now, as a salon owner, I get to bring that sense of renewal and empowerment to my clients every day. I’ve taken the empathy and communication skills from social work and blended them with creativity and style. My salon isn’t just about hair—it’s about confidence, care, and making people feel seen and heard.
Looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing. I realize I didn’t leave my old career behind—I just found a new way to make a difference. The path wasn’t straight, but it led me somewhere beautiful. And if I’ve learned anything, it’s that sometimes, the best transformations happen when you take the risk to rewrite your own story.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road—and honestly, I think that’s what shaped both me and my business into what it is today.
There were a lot of seasons of self-doubt, especially in the beginning. Going from a more structured career into something creative and client-based was a big shift. I had to learn not just the technical side of hair, but also how to run a business, market myself, set boundaries, and build confidence in what I offer.
One of the biggest struggles was learning to stop overextending myself. I used to say yes to everything—every appointment, every request, every schedule squeeze-in—because I didn’t want to disappoint anyone. That quickly led to burnout. It took time (and a lot of trial and error) to realize that protecting my time and energy actually made me a better stylist and gave my clients a better experience.
There were also challenges in finding my niche and trusting it. It’s easy to compare yourself or feel like you need to keep up with every trend, but I learned that not everything is meant for you—and that’s a good thing. Once I leaned into what I truly love and what I’m best at, things started to feel more aligned.
I’ve also had to navigate the ups and downs that come with any service-based business—slow seasons, cancellations, and the pressure of constantly showing up both behind the chair and online. But each of those challenges taught me how to adapt, stay consistent, and keep building something long-term.
Looking back, I wouldn’t change any of it. The hard parts forced me to grow, get clear on my values, and create a business that feels sustainable, intentional, and genuinely mine.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m the owner of a hair salon that focuses on creating lived-in, effortless, and healthy hair that actually fits your real life—not just the day you leave the chair. My approach is very personalized. I take the time to understand not only your hair, but your lifestyle, your routine, and how you want to feel when you look in the mirror.
I specialize in dimensional color, low-maintenance blondes, rich brunettes, and seamless grow-outs. A lot of my clients come to me because they want beautiful hair without being tied to constant upkeep. Keeping the integrity of the hair is always my top priority—I’m known for achieving impactful transformations while still protecting and improving the health of the hair.
What sets me apart is the experience. My space is calm, welcoming, and intentionally designed to feel like a break from the chaos of everyday life. I value connection, honesty, and education. I want my clients to feel comfortable asking questions and confident recreating their look at home. You’ll always leave knowing exactly what we did and how to maintain it.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of building something that feels both elevated and real. It’s stylish but not intimidating, on-trend but still timeless. I’ve created a space where people feel seen, taken care of, and a little more like themselves when they walk out.
At the end of the day, my goal is simple: healthy hair, low stress, and results that grow out beautifully.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is that less really can be more—both in hair and in business.
Early on, I felt like I had to do everything, be everything, and say yes to everyone. Over time, I realized that the real growth happened when I slowed down, got intentional, and focused on what I do best. That’s when my work improved, my clients became more aligned, and my business started to feel easier instead of overwhelming.
I’ve learned to trust my eye, trust my process, and not chase trends that don’t fit my brand. Not every transformation needs to be extreme to be impactful. Sometimes the most beautiful results are the subtle ones—the ones that grow out seamlessly and make someone feel like the best version of themselves.
That mindset shift changed everything for me. It allowed me to build a business that feels calm, sustainable, and true to who I am—not just something that looks good on the outside.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sassstylingstudio.com/
- Instagram: @stephanieannstyles
- Facebook: Stephanieannstyles
- Other: @sass.stylingstudio
