Today we’d like to introduce you to Emma Grace.
Hi Emma, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’m originally from Northern California, I moved to Utah when I was 18 to enroll in cosmetology school. Little did I know, I’d end up taking the road most untraveled! After graduating from Paul Mitchell the school in 2010, I moved into a commission-based salon in downtown Salt Lake City. During this time, I had flown home to CA for a funeral of a dear friend. I became so intrigued with that industry, that when I flew back to SLC, I decided to enroll in Mortuary Science School. I earned my degree, passed the national boards, and found myself applying my cosmetology skill set in a completely different way. I worked in that industry for 7 years, doing hair and makeup for the deceased. Towards the end of that career, I experienced personal traumatic loss, and decided it was time to go back to a salon. My best friend, Becky, invited me into her salon studio suite, where I began to rebuild a full-time clientele. We now share a studio suite together, and I feel so grateful to be where I’m at today. Side note! – during all of this, I had been writing music in my free time. In 2021, I was featured on Illenium’s album Fallen Embers, where we co-wrote Brave Soul. An average day lately consists of juggling my clients at the studio, working on music, and popping back into the mortuary here and there.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Absolutely not lol Building a clientele is HARD WORK. It takes A TON of sacrifice, focus, and determination. You REALLY have to want it, especially after leaving a salon for so many years, and then coming back into a private studio suite, where we don’t get walk-ins. But, it is possible! If I have learned anything over the past 2 years, it is that truly ANYTHING is possible, if you want it bad enough. Along with my re-entry into a salon, my journey in the music industry has taught me that. It’s a constant hunger, you gotta stay hungry! There is always more to learn, more to do, more paths to take..it’s actually really exciting!
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 have been a licensed cosmetologist for 12 years. I specialize in women’s hair, specifically balayage and fashion colors. I die for a seamlessly blended, sun-kissed blonde. And a custom-created fashion color, groovy do, that makes traffic stop. I invest the time and money to stay up on current trends, and go above and beyond for each of my clients. Not one client is the same, and they deserve to be treated as such. I aim to create an environment that my clients look forward to coming back to each and every time; one of safety, trust, love, and fun!
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
My biggest mentors have been Becky Pedersen and Ron Zabriskie. They are incredibly gifted and skilled stylists. They took me under their wing when I decided to return to the industry full time, and set me up for success in every way possible. They have spent countless hours helping me re-establish myself as a full-time stylist. I hold them in the most high regard. So much love and respect to them.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: emgracestylist | Itsemmagracemusic
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3vlJqWWgFEARCYsICHsYwG?si=iGtMuGtNSOi5nWGMo9GvIQ
Image Credits
Alyssa Vallejos
Hannah Celeste
