Today we’d like to introduce you to Rhiannon Cueto
Hi Rhiannon, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was gifted my first curling iron from an aunt in second grade, and pretty much picked it up and knew how to use it.
From there I did my sister’s hair and makeup as much as I could. I had always wanted to be a “teacher or hair dresser” growing up, and when it was time to go to college I decided to go to SHSU and study math in hopes to becoming a High School Math Teacher. During my year at Sam Houston I had joined a sorority where I was doing everyones hair for all of the date events. I charged $10 / services because It would take me about an hour to do one hair style, and that was more than my minimum wage job I had at the time. One of the sorority sisters in my chair said ” you should charge more this this, you are really good.” In that moment I thought to my self, you know, I actually am pretty good at this with zero training.. As that soaked in, I decided it might be something I should truly consider as a career. After a lot of thought, and guidance from my family and friends, I decided to stop attending university and go to cosmetology school. I finished the program in 9 months and 10 days (which at the time was SUPER quick). I learned there, that cutting, coloring, and perms were not my cup of tea. I liked that when styling hair someone could ask for a tweak if they wanted and I didn’t have to say “we can do that for you in 6 weeks, or once your hair is a little stronger/healthier again after this application”. Also, I had started doing bridal hair and makeup while I was in school for a local hair and makeup team. I wasn’t super booked- I was a new artist, so totally understandable, but I was eager for more work and experience. From there I went and “shot my shot” and applied in person at one of, or possibly, the TOP bridal hair and makeup companies in Houston at the time. They had done my prom and senior portrait hair and makeup, and made me feel fabulous, but also I still felt like me. They were also super inspiring to me during my time at Sam Houston and Cosmo school. They did end up hiring me, YAY! I was over the moon. I was trained by their lead hair stylist at the time, who now owns her own company as well where she educates bridal hair stylists – The Lovely Hair Class. After almost 7 years with the team I gained experience and confidence in my artistry, and finally longed for something of my own. I had mentioned always wanting to be a teacher as well, so I decided to open Stylist and Co. A company where we do event hair and makeup, but also teach self application hair and makeup classes, AND I do dabble in some fashion styling as well. I have now owned my company for right around a year, and it has been incredibly rewarding.
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?
The biggest struggle was ” taking the leap of faith ” starting my own business. It took me years, and some signs, to give me the shove I needed to go for it. Of course there has been struggles owning a business, but that is expected.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I do hair and makeup, teach self-application makeup and hair classes, and dabble in fashion styling.
I specialize in a natural look. One of the most rewarding parts as a business owner is someone choosing to book with you when there is a thousand other hair and makeup artists in the area, and I would say over half of my clients when inquiring reference that they love that I do very natural makeup look. I tell my clients my goal is for you to look like you, just enhanced.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up I did every activity I possibly could, sports, clubs, etc. I didn’t have a “friend group” but I had a lot of friends. I was disciplined, yet creative.
Pricing:
- Hair and makeup ranges from $175-$950
- Hair and makeup classes start at $250
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.stylistandcompany.com
- Instagram: @stylistandcompany
Image Credits
Aly Matei Photography and Mustard Seed Photography
