Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephany Martinez-Balderas.
Stephany, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I’ve been in the hair industry for almost seven years now. The beauty industry has always been a passion of mine! My career really started to kick off when I was about two-three years in. I always made it a goal to get my name out there and provide the best customer service I can. Where I live word of mouth travels fast.
Social media was also a huge help for me, so I always made sure to showcase my work with my #hairbystephany hashtag! Once I became an independent stylist, I started playing by my own rules and hustled like no other! Work literally was my whole life and all I did. I really feel like all the hard work I put in years back helped build my reputation here around town and now I can’t take any more new clients and work at my own pace, which is awesome for me because I get to spend more quality time with my daughter who is now almost four years old!
She is my motivation to never stop working towards my goals! I’m so glad I never gave up on this dream of mine, even though there was those who doubted my career choice. I wouldn’t change a thing! Even though the tough times and the very tiresome days/nights I have not once lost my drive for my business and it will only get better from here. I love and appreciate all my clients so much for always supporting me and trusting me to enhance the beauty they already have!
Has it been a smooth road?
Of course not. Thought this career is everything I love and more, it definitely takes a toll on your body. I got so busy, 12 hour days, double booked all day with no assistant. About a years ago I definitely started to feel the pressure on my hands. Which started to worry me, so I went to a hand specialist, did some testing and found out I was developing carpal tunnel. Which is the worst nightmare for a hairstylist?
So I decided to make a change to take better care of myself. I hired an asesinar and worked a little bit less hours. I can’t even describe how this helped me physically and emotionally! My hands get a little bit more of a break now, and my clients don’t have to wait days to hear back from me to make an appointment! My assistant is seriously the best!
It was also a struggle to find somewhere to work that I was truly happy. Where I work now is my third location since starting my career, and I can finally say that I love where I work because I have my own suite. I love the closer relationships I have with my clients now since!
I love renting my suite, right now I feel like it’s the best thing for me. I know so many of my clients can’t wait till I open my own salon, but right now my main priority is my family and saving to OWN and not rent. If God has it written in my plans or not, I will always trust his journey for me!
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Hair By Stephany (Beauty & The Belle Studio) story. Tell us more about the business.
I feel like my business has the reputation that it has because I specialize in the latest hair trends! I’m a color specialist, by far color is my favorite thing to do! My clientele is about 85% Hispanic so with that most of the time comes dark, thick, hard to lift hair but most of the time I am able to get my clients so blonde the healthy route.
Which is one of the big reasons I believe that sets me apart? Also, I am always very honest with whoever is sitting in my chair, I will let you know if your goal is or isn’t achievable in one session. I like to under promise and OVER achieve! 🙂
Where do you see your industry going over the next 5-10 years? Any big shifts, changes, trends, etc?
That is a very good question! I would really love to host classes to teach local and surrounding area stylists my color techniques. I could see that happening in the next couple of years! I get asked all the time if I can. Truth is I would love to, but at the moment I don’t think I am ready to host a class, I need to work on my stage fright! Lol
I can see having my own salon in 5-10 years! God willing.
Pricing:
- Balayage/ dimensional color -usually ranges $225 and up
- Haircuts 60+
- Tape extension install 150+
Contact Info:
- Address: 126 Oyster Creek Dr
- Website: Www.vagaro.com/hairbystephany
- Phone: 9792357534
- Email: beautyandthebellestudio@yahoo.com
- Instagram: @beautyandthebellestudio
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
