Check Out Stephanie Davis’ Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Davis.

Hi Stephanie, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I started in the hair industry 23 years ago and my career has been very long and blessed. When I first started at the rip ole age of 21, I was terrified and excited. I got the opportunity to work at a very beautiful spa and salon in Ft. Collins and the owner made such an impact on me. He took me under his wing and educated me every step of the way. His willingness to help me grow my skills right out of beauty school projected me further in my career.
About 2 years later my Aunt and Uncle opened a salon in Thornton. I was ready for a change and I was eager to see what it would be like working with family. I worked for them for 2 years and it was so much fun. I worked with many cousins and of course my aunt. The environment was friendly and had a great atmosphere for learning. My aunt has always believed in continuing education to keep stylists up to date. That is a moto I have always kept for myself.
After leaving Thornton I worked at two other salons in Loveland. With the encouragement of my husband, we opened Elevated Hair Studio in Loveland 10 years ago. It has been an amazing experience having a place to call our own and running it according to the vision my business partner and I have.
Truth be told, I never wanted to own a salon when I first started in this industry. I was grateful for how my previous bosses handled things. and I got a front row seat on the in’s and out’s of being a leader. They were teaching me how to be a good business owner even if that was not the goal.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Any growth or any journey we experience in life comes with challenges. I do believe that God gives us the strength to overcome obstacles and puts people in our lives to help guide and lift us up when challenges occur.
Early on in my career I had to work two jobs in order to support myself. When you start in this industry clients are not handed to you. You have to build a clientele with hard work, dedication and patience.
When we started the process of opening our own salon there were many moving parts. We had to renovate our space, order all new equipment, find contractors (luckily this was my husband), keep on schedule and inform all our clients of our new location. I will always be eternally grateful for my husband and business partner April. Without there encouragement and on going support this dream would not have been possible.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I absolutely love all aspects of being a hair stylist. I think what drew me to this industry was being around people and the variety we have in our day. In one day I can have anything from haircuts to colors to perms and waxing. My clients age from toddlers to people in their 90’s. It brings me joy to come to work everyday.
I’m not sure what others think of me but I do say I take pride in knowing my craft, staying up on education and I love taking care of my clients. Each and everyone is special to me. I have known many clients for 20 plus years and that is a privilege. I tell my husband that my clients are an extension of our family.
I am most proud of the business we have created. Elevated Hair Studio is a place that we want people to feel at home in and know they will be taken care of. We have many repeat clients so our hope is that we are doing something right.

Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
In my personal life I would say I place it safe but in opening Elevated Hair Studio it was a big risk. As any business owner would tell you it is absolutely terrifying to put yourself out to the world and take on opening a business. All the risk falls back on you. The monetary risk is scary. My business partner and I are good savers but unexpected cost come up and you have to adjust. Then the personal risk is high as well. There were/are many times I spend long days at the salon. I know my husband supports my dream but it is something I focus on to make it a better work life balance.
All in all I would say taking risks is what life is about and I do not regret taking the risk in opening Elevated Hair Studio. It has taken us further then I could have imagined and for that I feel beyond blessed.

Contact Info:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/victoria.elevatedhairstudio
• Other: Elevated Hair Studio on Nextdoor