Today we’d like to introduce you to Zoe Field.
Zoe, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
When I was young, my Nonno was a hairstylist. I grew up watching him work and it sparked my curiosity for the industry. I loved the connection that he had with his clients; they seemed more like his good friends. I went to cosmetology school at Paul Mitchell in North Haven, Connecticut, and felt at home for the first time in my young adult life. After graduating I moved to Boston and started my career. I spent 2 years getting my feet wet in Boston before I moved to Boulder, Colorado to further my career. I have been a cosmetologist for over 10 years now and I’m grateful I still feel passionately about my career. I found my home at Twig Salon in Boulder and was able to endless possibilities for growth. I trained junior stylists in haircutting and found my love for sharing my knowledge. When the pandemic hit, my career came to a screeching halt. After two months of being at home, I opened my own business in a private salon suite. Owning my business has been a wild ride and I couldn’t have done without the support from all of my loyal clients.
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?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road. The biggest struggle I have faced is finding my salon home. It can be very challenging to find the salon that fits you. Right out of cosmetology school I got my dream job at a high-end salon in CT. My dad still has the video of me celebrating in the hallway after I was offered the job at 19. I was fired two months later. The owner told me that I should rethink my career in this industry because she didn’t think I was cut out for it. I was devastated. I was still a kid trying to come into my own and had just been shut down in the worst way. After wallowing in self-pity for a few days, I picked up and moved to Boston to start fresh. Having that happen so early in my career taught me that I had to persevere even when others didn’t believe in me. It gave me the courage to advocate for myself throughout the next 10 years.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Behind the chair, I do color, highlights, blonding, and haircutting. Since the beginning of my career, I have specialized in haircutting, as it was my first love. I like to think I am known for edgy short haircuts and trendy mullets but I truly love to do whatever style is going to make the client feel their best. I am most proud of the trust that I have built with my clients. They give me a lot of freedom to express myself and do what will be the most flattering to them individually. I do my best to offer a safe space for every client that sits in my chair. I utilize gender-neutral pricing and truly feel that haircuts have no gender. I think what sets me apart from others is the personal connection I try to build with my clients.
Risk-taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I feel like I thrive on taking risks. It was a big risk moving to Colorado by myself not knowing if I would be able to make it. I think the bigger the risk the greater the reward. The biggest risk I have taken was opening my business during a pandemic. There were many unknowns during that time. Would I be able to afford the rent on my space? Would we get shut down again? It turned out to be the best decision I have ever made for myself and for my clients. Had I not taken any risks I don’t know what my life would look like today. Obviously, I saw the potential benefits of the risks I was taking, which is what pushed me to take the leap.
Pricing:
- My pricing is $125 per hour which includes gratuity. Clients book their appointments based on how much time they need and not based on specific services. I feel that this pricing structure is the most fair and gender neutral for each client.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: StudioEmanuelBoulder.com
- Instagram: @Zoe_studioemanuel
Image Credits
Jordan Smith
Miranda Midler
