Meet Stephanie Perez Flores | Hair Artist • Entrepreneur • Cool Mom

We had the good fortune of connecting with Stephanie Perez Flores and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Stephanie, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?

Before 2020 I was working contently at a salon with close friends, receiving fair pay and doing what I loved. I had always toyed with the idea of having my own business, but saw it most possible as I got older in life. When the Pandemic started and things slowly began to shut down, I thought well let’s take this as a short time to disconnect from work and focus on quality time,the outdoors ( we were so lucky as Floridians to have good weather and outdoor resources). Once we passed 5 weeks and the news began to speak about only essential businesses staying open and more restrictions my mind went into fight mode. How would I provide for my family if I had nothing of my own except for my talent? Would anyone even care to do their hair anymore since we had to keep our distance? Would I have to change careers in order to make a living again?

It started with a text from one of my

long time clients . She asked if I would be willing to do her hair and that she knew it sounded crazy, but she figured it didn’t hurt to ask. She had been working remote and said she couldn’t stand seeing her gray hair on zoom anymore. Although I was hesitant I said yes immediately and we both agreed to wear masks and do everything outdoors for extra precautions. I know hair may not be considered essential, but to many this one thing made a difference to them and to me. People needed something more and I was able to give that. Soon it was several clients reaching out and I had organized a route, schedule, somehow found product and stayed safe enough to not get anyone or myself sick. Doing hair outdoors in the heat was not easy, but seeing my clients smile and their energy during such a difficult time gave my job more purpose. I had fallen inlove with my job all over again.

Before things opened back up, I made somewhat of a plan to find a space to work out of and do “my own thing”. One day I randomly spoke to my best friend who happen to be doing the same exact thing and something clicked ! We decided why not open a business together instead ? We both had similar ideas, work ethic, and overall were willing to just go for it and take the chance. That week we sat down, wrote our ideas on a napkin, along with our potential logo and the rest is history.

The purpose of my business became not only about having a space to create and make money, but creating a space where clients could feel safe, have fun, and be themselves. The end result of course is great hair, but the bond created during the process is what ties it altogether. Building a community with our own clients.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

Hair can be a way for individuals to express their personal style, creativity and to showcase their unique personality and identity. I love many things about being a hairstylist, but my favorite I would have to say is the emotional transformation a client can have during and after their hair is done. Something magical happens when they feel more confident in their skin, and I love to witness and be apart of that!

I am most excited about the forever evolving techniques and trends and how people are more willing to try different things because of it! Having my own business gives me the freedom to introduce new things and connect in a more personal way with my clients.  Something about this industry is that it doesn’t stay stagnant and we are constantly switching things up, whether it’s brining back past looks with a twist, or revamping techniques to achieve the latest  looks.

My Journey started in high-school with store bought bleach, scissors and a razor. I didn’t fear it either, I would go get my

hair done and ask a ton of questions, watch closely and then repeat it at home with friends and family. Somehow they trusted me to do what they asked for. When I graduated high school I thought maybe it was possible to make a living out of this passion, so I inquired and got a call about a spot opening at a cosmetology school near by. Coming from a family who only had enough means to keep food on the table and a roof over our head, I knew whatever career I chose I had to figure it out on my own monetarily. So I did all my research, applied for whatever grants and programs I could while working a full time job after school. I knew it would take sacrifices, so those two years  my schedule was school and work all week and on my days off I would get extra training with the company I was working for. Paying my dues was definitely done during this time. I was assisting the top stylists at my salon, while shampooing non stop, stocking and cleaning in between. I knew that hard work was the only way to achieve the status of a successful and experienced stylist. I was eager to learn everything I could from each experience and honestly I never stop learning which what keeps me current in what I do.

I progressed in my career by working at the top salon in my city at the time, getting training with top instructors from Vidal Sassoon, Paul Mitchell, and Wella, to working fashion shows for Dior and Miami Swim week. What I have learned is that being resourceful, dedicated and most of all consistent will get you to where you want to be in life. Talent is always a plus, but what you do everyday with your talent is what will get you to the end goal.  After almost 10 years in my career I took leap to open my own business and It was the best decision I ever made. This chapter has been one of the favorites thus far.

I am pretty transparent for the most part, slightly private, but vocal about my beliefs, slightly sarcastic, passionate and dedicated. My brand Haus of Hair is an extension of myself and my business partner. We have created a space to be ourselves, create connections, try new things, have fun, be real, and allow others to do the same with us while we create something beautiful with their hair. I think what sets us apart is our dynamic and our passion for what we do. We truly put our love and expertise into everything we create. Life is short, do your hair and have a good time.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

I would definitely like to shoutout the universe for always guiding me in the right path. I believe and trust everything happens for a reason whether we can understand it at the moment or not.

My wife Natalie for her positive outlook and endless support and our daughter Valerie for the joy and light she brings

into our lives everyday. They have helped my dreams come true in many ways they may never know. I love you two endlessly.

I am grateful to my parents who taught me independence at a young age and truly supported that I do whatever made me happy in life because that alone made me always strive for things that truly fill my soul.

To my best friend Bendra for trusting my vision, opinions, intuitions for years and sharing such an important space like where we work. Wouldn’t have done business and friendship with anyone else. Thank you.

To the rest of my family and friends that have helped me throughout and continue to support me, you do not go unseen, I am eternally grateful.

Lastly, I want to thank myself for never giving up and making opportunities out of obstacles. I believe we should all be grateful for what we are able to overcome throughout our lives.

Website: www.hausofhairllc.com

Instagram: hausofhairmia

Image Credits
Herperspectivephotography on all images