Today we’d like to introduce you to Carriee Hardy.
Carriee, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I have over 20 successful years at being a hairstylist. I’m constantly evolving myself to keep up with trends and striving to achieve a customized look for each of my clients. I started off just styling my friend’s hair at a younger age for fun, then my hunger for making others feel beautiful grew naturally. Initially, I went into nursing school. But ended up changing direction and went into Cosmetology. After cosmetology school graduation, I was immediately mentored by a top Aveda color specialist. Several years later I went through a very traumatic and difficult divorce and ended up moving to Houston. I always knew there was a big world out there and a big city is where I wanted to be. Against all odds, family and friends thought I was crazy and with a lot of obstacles I left for Houston! I acquired a position at a well-known hotel called the Houstonian. And to work at the salon called Trellis. It’s been almost ten years, I’ve loved every minute of the Hardwork sweat and tears I’ve put in. My inner drive to be the best mom and hair stylist is what keeps me going every day. I absolutely love this city and adore all of my clients. Currently, I’ve had the pleasure of working with my oldest daughter who assists myself at the salon as well as my co-workers. She will soon be going to cosmetology school as well. I look forward to mentoring her and helping her be a good person as well as a skilled, hardworking professional in this field.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Oh, definitely not! I’ve had a lot of struggles in life as well as in my career. I’m a mother to five kids and it’s really not easy juggling this career and being a good mom. I struggle with mom guilt like most moms because I love being with my kids but also love being at work. Also moving from a little town in Iowa to a big city was a huge culture shock. Learning the city at the same time as building a new clientele from the bottom up. Everything from learning a new color line to driving in a big unknown city to different cultures here. Which I love by the way.
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?
I’m a hairstylist and I would be considered a master stylist and a color specialist, I’ve had 23 years in this business. I’m Extraordinarily proficient in blonding services, at work I’m referred to clients as the blonde girl, lol! Balayage, ombré, proficient in Brazilian blowouts, and master certified in extensions. I’m most proud of my kids of course, and my work ethic. Nothing in this life is handed to you, I always teach my kids that if you want something you got to work hard and go get it! You have to set goals and make it happen for yourself. It won’t be easy but it will definitely be worth it. I think I’m different because I have an attitude of positivity and gratitude for every person in my chair as well as being able to always look at the positive. If I’m in a bad mood, I get to work start making others feel good which in turn makes me feel happy. I feel so blessed to have the opportunity to make someone feel beautiful every day.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Oh yes! When I started at the Houstonian, I wasn’t good at giving clients the texas blowout. I never have had an attitude like I’m the best at anything I always want to grow and learn new things and be humble. So one of my coworkers I just said to him hey, I need help can you show me how to be better. I think you have to realize what your weaknesses are and never be ashamed or too afraid to ask somebody for help. find someone you admire that’s in your business and say can I help you And can you help me. Always having an attitude of humility as well as gratefulness I think will take anyone very far in life. I also love seeing different stylists or makeup artists in this business that I can refer other clients to if needed.
Pricing:
- Blonding services $155+
- Haircuts $105
- Extensions $850+
- Glossing services 45+
- Color retouch $95
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @_hairbycarriee
- Other: My business Cell is 832-748-0241
