Today we’d like to introduce you to Heather Metzger.
Hi Heather, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Creativity of any kind has always been my wavelength. I was a Myspace girly that loved photography and built my own websites for fun. I didn’t truly find hair until my late 20’s- after years of pushing back because my mom was a hairstylist. I grew up being the little salon assistant. Sweeping hair and watching the old school stylists pump out client after client. “You can’t make money doing that” was always what the other adults in my life would say, especially vivid hair. Little did they know that the industry would change. Hair is more about art than it ever has been. That’s where my ideas come from. Creating art that reflects who you are in each complexity. An expression of emotion that you don with pride. Each experience its own, with magic and reflection.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I first started in the industry in 2007 as an apprentice at a children’s salon where I worked under my mom and then moved to a high-end salon. I went through personal challenges in my life that changed the trajectory of my life for a good decade.
The trauma from my past reared its ugly head and I was forced to face a monster I wasn’t prepared for- my abuser. He was released from prison and allowed to live in the same area I lived in. I saw him with my own two eyes. It derailed me. I stopped writing about my truth, I quit my jobs, the relationship I was in ended.
I changed industries and made it even worse for myself- cue becoming an exotic dancer and getting into hard drugs (again). Something I thought I had dodged when my best friend died of an overdose in 2008. It was a miserable spiral for a few years and a rehab stint. Then there was my saving grace- hair.
When I got out of rehab I went to work for a salon that literally saved my life. They gave me an opportunity and truly supported me in a time where I had to start from the ground up. If it wasn’t for them, I would not be where I am now and have the drive and passion I do. They were accepting of me where most people are judgmental. They saw the potential and nourished that. I have now been clean for 12 years. I would love to continue that work in my career- supporting other artists and creatives to make a living wage while doing what they love.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in hair transformations, styling, and makeup. Outside of the salon, I work with a local photographer, and we create cinematic portraits. We thrive while working together. My favorite thing is when my hair clients shoot with us. It brings an entirely different level and experience to a hair appointment.
What I truly excel in is accentuating the beauty of everyday people. The mom struggling to take time for herself, the person not sure of their identity, the exhausted employee- we all deserve to feel beautiful, because we are.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
AUTHENTICITY- never stop being yourself fully. I had to heal my inner people pleaser and now I feel like I’m coming into my era. Watch out!
Pricing:
- $100/hr Gratuity Free
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.xoemporium.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xo.fairygirl/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/xoemporium
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@hairandlens
