We’re looking forward to introducing you to Camille. Check out our conversation below.
Camille, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Lately I’ve been enjoying rug tufting! It’s just a hobby I do when I get some free time, and it helps me relax outside of work and family life. For those who don’t know what rug tufting is, it’s using a tufting gun to make fluffy rugs.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Camille and I was born in the beautiful Caribbean island of Dominica (not the Dominican Republic). In 2000, I moved to Houston, TX with my family. After high school, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. I went to community college, then studied Food and Beverage Management at The Art Institute of Houston and graduated with an associate degree in Baking and Pastry. It didn’t feel like “me,” so I moved to Florida, worked front desk at Marriott, then came back to Houston and decided to try beauty school. Right away, I knew I had found my passion.
Twelve years later, 11 of them licensed, and I’m still behind the chair. In 2014, started off specializing with haircuts and styling, later worked with color, keratin treatments, and even at a barbershop. All that experience gave me the confidence to start a business in 2020 with a friend of mine. Right in the middle of the pandemic. I’ve been mostly known for braiding since then. Due to our business growth and need for more space, we separated our businesses and from 2021–2023 I ran my own suite before opening a full-service salon in 2023. After two years, I chose to downsize and now work independently again, which allows me to focus on my clients and the craft I love.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
A moment that really shaped how I see the world was having my first child, my son. Everything changed. I started thinking about life differently and the kind of example I want to set for him. Now with my daughter, those feelings have only grown. It’s been such an eye-opening experience and has made me realize just how precious life really is.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Oh my gosh, so many times! Especially during burnout or just feeling bored. I’ve gotten really close to quitting and doing something completely different, but I always push through and find my motivation again. Taking a break definitely helps. Usually when I’m not working 10 hour days, seven days a week, lol.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
I would say the public version of myself is the real me.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I definitely feel like I’m doing what I was born to do. And trust me, I’m not done yet! I have more goals outside of hair that I can’t wait to pursue, so stay tuned.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Hairbymillie.com
- Instagram: @hair_by_millie
