Today we’d like to introduce you to Sammie DeFazio.
Hi Sammie, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Before becoming a hairstylist, I spent several years deeply involved in the fitness industry, where I developed a strong work ethic, a passion for helping people feel their best, and an appreciation for the business side of personal services.
Originally from New Jersey, I made the move to Texas in 2016 and began my hairstyling career in Dallas. It was there that I built the foundation of my career, refining my craft, growing my clientele, and working my way up to the highest level within the salon.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but the challenges have made the journey even more rewarding.
One of the biggest hurdles was starting over later in life. Before becoming a hairstylist, I had already gone to college and built a career in the fitness industry. Going back to school for hair and starting a completely new profession required a lot of faith, hard work, and humility.
Financially, it was also a challenge. Like many new stylists, I didn’t have a large budget to invest in my business, and building a clientele from the ground up takes time. Working in Dallas, a city filled with incredibly talented stylists at every price point, meant I had to find ways to stand out and prove my value.
Another major obstacle was balancing entrepreneurship with motherhood. As a working mom, I was constantly juggling family responsibilities while growing my business. One of the biggest leaps of faith came when I made the decision to leave my home salon and open my own salon suite while I was four months pregnant. It was a scary transition with a lot of uncertainty, but I believed in the vision I had for my business and the future I wanted to create for my family.
There were definitely moments when the process felt overwhelming, but I stayed focused on continuing my education, perfecting my craft, and building genuine relationships with my clients. Looking back, those challenges taught me perseverance, patience, and confidence in my abilities. They ultimately helped shape the stylist and business owner I am today.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about The Strand x Dallas ?
My business is built around creating beautiful, customized hair while providing an elevated client experience that makes people feel confident, seen, and cared for. I specialize in lived-in color, blonding, dimensional color, and extensions, focusing on results that are both beautiful and realistic for my clients’ lifestyles.
What sets me apart is the combination of technical expertise, personalized service, and genuine connection. I believe great hair is about more than just the end result—it’s about understanding each client’s goals, educating them on how to maintain their look, and creating a welcoming environment where they can relax and trust the process.
Having worked my way from a salon assistant to a top-level stylist and now business owner, I’ve experienced every stage of this industry. That journey has given me a deep appreciation for both the artistry and the business side of hairdressing. I bring that experience into every aspect of my brand, from the quality of services I provide to the way I build long-term relationships with my clients.
What I’m most proud of is the community and trust I’ve built. Many of my clients have been with me for years, referring their friends and family and allowing me to be part of some of the most important moments in their lives. That loyalty means everything to me and is a reflection of the experience I strive to create.
I want readers to know that my brand is rooted in authenticity, education, and excellence. My goal is not just to give someone great hair for the day they leave my chair, but to help them feel confident long after their appointment. As my business continues to grow, I’m excited to keep expanding my services, elevating the client experience, and building a brand that reflects my passion for both beauty and entrepreneurship.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I’m a huge risk-taker. Always have been. It’s probably one of my greatest strengths and, depending on who you ask, maybe one of my biggest flaws too.
I don’t sit still for very long, and I’ve never been someone who stays in a situation just because it’s comfortable. A perfect example? I picked up my life and moved from New Jersey to Texas for no real reason other than I wanted a change. No master plan, no five-year roadmap—I just trusted my gut and went for it.
I did the same thing when I decided to leave the fitness industry and start over in hair. Going back to school later in life, taking on the financial burden, and building a clientele from scratch in a city full of talented stylists wasn’t exactly the safe choice. Neither was leaving a successful salon career to build my own brand. But I’ve learned that the things that scare me the most usually end up being the things that grow me the most.
I’ve never been afraid of failing. Honestly, failure is where all the good lessons live. If you’re willing to fall on your face a few times, you’ll usually come out stronger, smarter, and with a better story to tell.
So yes, risk-taking has definitely been a recurring theme in my life. It’s gotten me into a few interesting situations over the years, but it’s also brought me some of my greatest opportunities. I’d rather take the leap and see what happens than spend my life wondering what could have been.
