Today we’d like to introduce you to Marci Brooks.
Hi Marci, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
After graduating from high school in 2001, I tried the traditional college route. I thought I was interested in broadcast journalism or event coordinating, but after a semester at Utah State, a semester at BYU-I, and a semester at the university of Alaska SE. I had nothing but debt and regret. I hated school. Everyone always asks, what are you studying? What do you want to be when you grow up? I didn’t know! Finally, one day I was asked, what’s something you want to know? Hair.
I would like to know how to do hair.
In 2009 I started cosmetology school at Sherman Kendall Academy in Midvale, UT. A year later I graduated and was on my way. We moved to Logan, UT. I was working out of the house for friends and family but soon decided I wanted more. I took my first official hair job at an Ulta and did not love it. I am grateful I learned a lot about re-booking and sales but I hated the push and numbers and corporate. I am all about the people.
I didn’t even make it a year. I jumped over to Revive Salon and worked as a booth renter until my husband graduated. We then moved to Cedar City, UT. I continued to do hair as a booth renter at Fringe Salon. In 2020 I realized; I was in need of more…I needed a retirement. So instead of investing in just the market or our financial institution, my husband and I decided to invest in ourselves. We opened the doors to Summit Salon on August 1st, 2021. Being able to create a salon space that is warm, intimate, professional, and inviting is amazing. All the stylist and nail techs at Summit Salon share the same vision. Our clients are the most important part of the business. We are happy when they are happy. And that is really fulfilling.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Heaven’s no! I had to learn a lot. School taught me basics and how to pass my exams. There is so much more to learn when you’re out on your own. Mainly, it’s not about me. At first, clients don’t care about you! They are worried about their hair. Will it turn out right? Does the stylist understand what I want? Are they going to ruin my hair? It’s actually about trust. Listen to what people want, talking them through the process. Then you mix in some creativity, color theory, and common sense. There is always something to learn. When you can put your experience, knowledge, and thought and care for other people altogether… that’s where the magic happens.
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 love almost every service I offer equally. However, color services might be slightly in the lead.
I feel I have a pretty good grasp on color theory.
I understand hair porosity and its limits. I’ve learned how to get the most from hair while protecting its integrity.
Helping clients achieve their hair goals is my number one passion. It’s about the client. Putting them first and serving their needs fills my cup. It’s not about me. It’s about connecting with people, understanding their needs, wants, wishes…creating hair happiness, I feel a lot of artist have the I’m the artist it’s about me mentality and that’s backwards. It’s a customer service industry. Yes, my skills and knowledge are important, but they mean nothing without my clients.
What makes you happy?
Making other people happy, makes me happy. That’s what it is all about. Nailing it!
Thank you for the opportunity to share my story.
Contact Info:
- Website: Summitsalon.glossgenius.com
- Instagram: Summitsaloncc
