Today we’d like to introduce you to Erin Massengale
Hi Erin, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
So growing up I cut my whole family’s hair. I’m really not sure why I thought I was qualified since we didn’t even have YouTube. I always knew I wanted to be a stylist though.
Growing up I lacked any self confidence. I was often told “ you have such a pretty face” which was always a back handed compliment. This was before body positivity, I wasn’t the skinny that was in. Needless to say high school was tough. I did not make good choices, I partied too much. Coming from a southern Baptist family I quickly became the black sheep. My family loved me but my life was so out of control. I barely graduated high school, started cosmetology school and quit. My life was going nowhere and fast. I met a man who I thought hung the moon and stars. He was pretty much my first boyfriend. His lifestyle was even more wreckless than mine. Together we were even worse. He was in a 1% biker gang. All my relationships with my siblings and family suffered. My daughter was born in 2007 and everything in me wanted to be a good mom and person. With our lifestyle choices that wasn’t possible. Fast forward to 2011 I woke up to federal agents beating on my door. They had arrest warrants for me and 20 something others. What, me? I had never had a speeding ticket. I quickly learned what a conspiracy charge was. I was sentenced and sent to federal prison in Bryan Texas for over 6 years. As scary as that was I knew my life had to change. I made my daughter a promise that not a day apart would be in vain. I used my time wisely and became the best me I could be. I took every class and got certified in just about everything they offered. This is where I finished my hours and passed all of my cosmetology state test. Spent the rest of my time incarcerated working in the salon. Once I was released in early 2017 my family had a salon willing to give me a chance. I knew starting this late in life I would have to hustle and stay focused.
I take way too many classes and get certified in almost anything I can. I love doing any blonde service and my favorite is extensions!
I absolutely love the ME I am today and am so thankful for the opportunities I’ve had. Being a stylist is the best job and I love going to work. My dad always told us “find something you love and you’ll never work a day in your life” he was kinda right, I’m excited to get the chance to make someone feel beautiful every single day. We lost my dad in 2014 while I was incarcerated but I’d like to think he’s so proud of how far I’ve come..
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Not at all, starting late in the game my biggest struggles have been keeping up with women half my age. The beauty industry can be very competitive but it’s always so rewarding!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
In 2020 I decided to get certified in extensions. I chose HotHeads and picked it up immediately. It was like i had always been doing it. I was just good at it and surprisingly fast. I used the techniques Hothead’s taught and added my own ideas so my installs are a little different than anyone else!
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
My story was pretty dark for a while but can’t have rainbows without the rain! I love me and proudly tell how I became me!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erin_myshea_studios/profilecard/
- Yelp: https://yelp.to/N9FyXV3XNz
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@erinmyshea
