Check Out Gracie Hamilton’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Gracie Hamilton. 

Hi Gracie, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’ve known I wanted to do hair since I was just a little girl. When I was 10, I’d do my mom’s hair for work, my sister’s hair for school dances, neighborhood friends’ hair for fun, etc. When I was young, I’d spend a lot of my time watching hair tutorials on YouTube. Everything from coloring, cutting, braiding, styling, curling, you name it. After watching the YouTube videos, I’d head upstairs and perform what the video taught me on my mom’s head of hair in 1 or 2 tries. Hair just came so naturally to me, so I knew it was what I was meant to do in this lifetime. I grew up to do friends’ hair for school dances, my sister’s hair for her wedding, and so many hairstyles for other special occasions. When I was a senior in High School, I started Cosmetology school. I went to Cosmetology school full time, went to high school part-time, and had 2 part-time jobs. My work weeks ended up being around 70-80 hours, but it was so worth it. I completed the full Cosmetology program and the Davis Technical College in Kaysville, Utah. I learned all things hair, skin, and nails – but my passion was for hair. More specifically – blonding, balayage, colors, and cuts. I graduated cosmetology school in 16 months and began my lifelong career shortly after turning 18 years old. I’ve worked at 2 salons in the Davis County area, loved both of them – but knew I had so much room to grow as an independent stylist. So early 2020, I opened up my own personal Salon Suite! It has been the greatest decision I’ve ever made. I have worked in my suite since early 2020, and have no plans of leaving anytime soon. I am my own boss, I set my own hours, create my own client list, and do anything I desire within my business. My business is called Hair By Gracie Claire, and I am so proud to say it has turned into such a successful small business. 

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?
Starting a small business is no easy thing. It takes a lot of passion, hard work, long hours, and personal time. I find myself working every single day of the week. Whether that be posting on social media, texting and talking to clients new and existing, purchasing products like hair color, hot tools, cleaning supplies, supplies for my suite, keeping track of costs, expenses, taxes, finances, etc. not to mention the many hours spent keeping my suite maintained. I always tell potential cosmetology students – don’t go into cosmetology school unless you are 100% passionate about the beauty industry. This industry is very competitive, you work long hours, work lots of evenings and weekends, and this job is so hard on your body. I’m 21 years old, been doing hair for 3 years and I feel like I have the back of a 50-year-old! Although in the end, it is all so worth it! 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Here at Hair By Gracie Claire, I specialize in all things Blonde. 95% of my clientele has some sort of blonde color in their hair. I love blonding, highlights, balayages, etc. I am well known for my blonde colors – and I am so proud of it! Blonde is one of the most detailed colors a cosmetologist will be asked to perform, and I believe I’ve found my perfect routine when it comes to blonding. Every hair stylist is unique, that is the beauty of the hair industry! We all do things differently. I would say I am a quick stylist; my appointments aren’t too long but my clients leave happy very often! It’s all in the technique. 

What was your favorite childhood memory?
Christmas of 2008! I was 8 at the time. My family, grandparents, cousins, aunt, and uncle went to Disneyworld Resort in Florida. We stayed for 2 weeks. We went to each Disney Park and Sea World. We stayed in an amazing condo, and we were able to spend Christmas together. Family is everything to me so being with my whole family was nothing but bliss to me. I was so grateful to spend time with my family. My cousins live in North Carolina, so spending 2 super fun weeks with them was something we didn’t get to do often. It was a great time! 

Pricing:

• Highlight sessions start at $140 and go up $10 per mix
• Balayage sessions start at $140 and go up $10 per mix
• Average cost per appointment is usually anywhere from $160-210

Contact Info:

• Email: hairby.gracieclaire@gmail.com
• Website: www.hairbygracieclaire.com
• Instagram: www.Instagram.com/hairbygracieclaire
• Facebook: www.Facebook.com/hairbygracieclaire

Image Credits
Gracie Hamilton