Today we’d like to introduce you to Selby Sue.
Hi Selby, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Growing up in Colorado hiking, climbing, camping and discovering new places, I developed an appreciation for the beauty and fragility of natural environments. This experience instilled a desire to be more mindful of the things I care about—relationships and community. After graduating from Aveda Institute Provo and becoming a licensed cosmetologist and master esthetician, I realized I had the opportunity to care for people and pursue a satisfying career. I felt at the time the Aveda network had not only empowered me to become an artist by giving me the freedom to create custom colors and styles that are fashion-forward, but also to make choices that protect our planet. Whether it’s through the products we use, or the environmental initiatives we support, I feel like I’m taking positive action. After many years in the Aveda network, I decided to leave and become self-employed. I believe it’s important to do something you love and share it with the world in a way that offers something in return. Currently, I am at Shear Excellence which still follows the environmental support I’m passionate about. This is evidenced from the moment a guest walks in the door. My stress-relieving treatments and relaxing shampoos set the stage for spectacular services like precision men’s hair cuts and long women’s cuts, smooth blow-outs, and dynamic color techniques like balayage and hair painting.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
I feel like life always has obstacles. There was a point when I first started my career that I felt like everything went wrong. I had lost my best friend to suicide, my car got totaled and ended a 4-year relationship with my partner, all within a month. Mentally I struggled at work and it showed. I was still creating beautiful hair for my clients but I wasn’t passionate about doing it. I thought I was losing grasp of my life. My manager at the time had told me “we don’t need unwell people working here” and the owner had told us “we’re all replaceable so we should know our place.” I felt defeated, trapped, “fear mongered” that I wouldn’t be able to find anything and stayed at that job for 6 years dealing with the mental abuse. I think everyone can say 2020 was probably the worst year of their lives, and I would say the same for me. I firmly believe everything happens for a reason, I had so many horrible life choices that I hit rock bottom. At the start of 2021, I quit drinking and realized my worth. I started searching for a new salon that was fit for what environment I wanted to work in. Leaving my old salon was a big slap in the face. I gave this company so much time to them and when I left, they started telling people I wasn’t doing hair anymore or lying that there was a booking issue or I was sick. I’ve had to rebuild my clientele because of this, but I’m doing better than ever
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a cosmetologist, styling all hair types. I specialize in blondes and live in color. I make sure to educate my clients on how to take care of their hair for whatever lifestyle they live. I’m proud of the years and training I’ve done to make sure I can give the best service to keep the integrity of someone’s hair while giving them their hair goals.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
My advice is always to be open to learning something. Even if you’ve seen someone do them a million times, always take away something to try. My other advice is never to compare where you are at in your career to others. Compare yourself to you. You’re where you need to be at. And always be you.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.vagaro.com/shearexcellence79/book-now
- Instagram: @hairby.selby
Image Credits
@katiegriffphoto
@byjennaroden
