Today we’d like to introduce you to Courtney Cornelia.
Courtney, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
From a young age, I had a strong interest in hair and makeup. I can remember as a child playing dress-up, putting on a fun outfit, styling my hair just so, and applying excessive amounts of makeup to boot. At the time, I would feel strikingly beautiful until my mother would ask me, “What is all of that on your face”. I never saw the horror that my mother so clearly witnessed but that never swayed my enthusiasm and creativity. I truly believe this was the beginning of the journey to becoming the Stylist I am today.
My parents moved the family out to Texas in the early 2000s. Our family unit that I had known all of my life would soon be swept right out from under me. It was Christmas 2005 when my father broke the news to my mother that he wanted a divorce. It was completely devastating and at the time, unknowingly shook me to my core. Over the next few years, I was so lost. The only thing I knew that I truly had control over was my appearance and the way that the world viewed me. I wanted to portray this happy, vibrant, vivacious teenager on the outside to hide the distress and loneliness I felt to the center of my being. I feel that expression of self through hair and makeup really got me through that time in my life.
When High School rolled around, I found out about their cosmetology program. I had the possibility of walking across the stage of my High School graduation as a fully licensed cosmetologist, even if this was a career I did not in the end want to pursue, I jumped on the opportunity. I had an overwhelming sense of pride walking across the stage of my High School Graduation, ready to start my career as a Hairstylist. I knew in my heart that is where my REAL story began.
Over the years, I tried to find the place I truly felt like I belonged. Every few years changing my scenery to find what really suited me. From Fort Worth to Austin, Texas. From San Diego to Los Angeles, California, and back. Each placed I worked and lived kept adding little nuggets of knowledge and growth but there was always a little hole missing that nothing seemed to fill. I learned everything about my industry. I could like a little sponge, absorbing ever little technique or piece of advice given.
At that time, there were a few things that were certain. I knew I loved being in the hair and makeup industry, and discovering new places truly fed my soul. When I finally landed back in Texas working behind the chair, I started to work with brides. After all, I am a hopeless romantic and love, love. Being able to bring out the best in a person on one of the most important day of their lives is a true gift. Over the next few years, I tried to figure out how to blend my love for travel with my love for working with brides. I saw a shift starting to happen in the industry as it is an ever-changing ebb and flow. I realized that elopements were becoming more and more desirable. With the average cost of a wedding in the United States being $33,000 couples were searching for ways to not break the bank for a one-day event. I instantly knew in my heart being an elopement and small wedding hair and makeup specialist was my calling.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The obstacles I have faced stems from events in my life that has molded me into the person I am today. Some of them have made me question the most basic of human needs, such as knowing where home truly is. Others have led me on a wonderful journey through life that never has a dull moment.
At a young age, I wanted to create that home for myself. I spent years searching for that one spot that I could make into my home. Turning that place into what I wanted it to be, but could never really settle for too long. As I tirelessly searched for home, the sense of authentic connections dwindled. I crave making connections with people and finding out who they really are. It fills my tank to know the story behind the person. I feel like the environments I put myself in never allowed for those connections to be created.
My dream, in the beginning of my career, was to work on the sets of movies. I had visions of bright stage lights, cameras, dressing rooms and the warm sunshine of California. I wanted my looks to walk the red carpet, grace the pages of a magazine, or backstage at a fashion show. I quickly realized this California dreaming lifestyle was not for me. There were hardly any authentic connections made and I felt like I was even more lost than before in this big city.
When I came back to Fort Worth after three years of wandering, I was settled for the time being but always ready for my next adventure. I was back into working behind the chair five days a week when I was introduced to the wonderful world of bridals. Although I love making people feel like their best selves in their everyday lives, the feeling of satisfaction you get when working with brides has really inspired me over the years. The connection and impact I have the opportunity of making is the feeling I have been searching to help fulfill me.
I had to learn over the years that home is not necessarily a place or a person, it can also be a feeling. I had to learn that finding genuine connections are not easy to find in this high tech world but it is still possible when you surround yourself with things that fill your tank instead of draining them. When all the little key elements started to unravel my eyes opened for the first time to a new idea and reality.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into The Nomadic Stylist story. Tell us more about the business.
I am an Elopement and Small Wedding Hair and Makeup Specialist. What exactly does that mean? It means I get to fly all around the United States and the world to help people get ready for what can be the biggest day of their lives. I am there to make sure not a single hair is out of place after climbing to the top of the mountain. I am there to make sure sand doesn’t smudge your make up while you marry the love of your life on a beach. I am basically a professional third wheel, new bestie for life that will hold our dress while you go to the bathroom, and all while making you feel like the most beautiful version of yourself.
With 11 years of experience in the hair industry and seven years in the bridal industry. I have learned to combine my love for travel and working with brides into one beautiful creation. What sets me apart, I am a visionary. I’m here to cultivate each unique vision a bride or groom has and bring it to life. I have had the pleasure of working with numerous couples, each unique in their very own way. Beauty and love know no boundaries with me.
When I am not traveling around the country, you can find me behind the chair four days a week at Magnolia Avenue Salon on the South Side of Downtown Fort Worth. I am a Senior Stylist and Lead Makeup Artist with a quirky clientele that has given me so much. I love the connections and bonds I have been able to create over the years with each one of them. From the moment you walk through the doors at my salon you realize, when you’re in those walls, you are family.
An empath at heart and care taker by nature, the ability to interact with each couple in a different way is a rewarding gift not to be taken granted for. I pride myself on being inclusive. QTNBIPOC will never be turned away by me. Love is love and it will win!
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
Luck has always played an essential role in both my life and business. Be it good or bad, it will always play a role in my life. Over the years, I have learned to always try to look at the bright side of things. Even when things are spinning out of control like you are in a bad luck tornado, I feel like there is a reason it is all happening. Luck has allowed me to create connections and live in many amazing cities. Luck has given me friendships I never thought possible. It all has to do with being in the right place at the right time and all of that is luck to me.
Pricing:
- All Over Color Starting at $150
- Balayage Starting at $185
- Highlights Starting at $165
- Haircut and Style $75
- Special Occasion Style Starting at $85
- HD Make up with Lashes $75
- Stateside Elopements Starting at $800 (including travel, rates vary by location)
- International Elopements Starting at $1200 (including travel, rates vary by location)
Contact Info:
- Address: Magnolia Avenue Salon
1210 S. Main Street
Fort Worth, TX 76104 - Website: www.courtneycornelia.com
- Email: thenomadicstylist@gmail.com
- Instagram: @thenomadic.stylist
- Facebook: @courtneycornelia
Image Credit:
Jessica Collins Photography
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