We had the good fortune of connecting with Sonya Griffitts and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sonya, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Honestly, I just knew I didn’t want to go to college! I had no idea what I wanted to do, and at a hair appointment one day my hairstylist and good friend Ashley Cardillo (@behindthesteelshear) told me that I would be great at hair! I went to an open house at Paul Mitchell in Miami and fell in love. It was rocky considering I started in 2020, so it wasn’t an absolutely amazing experience, but I made the most of it and got my license. The longer I practiced behind the chair, the more I fell in love with everything hair! Not long after I graduated from cosmetology school, I found a passion for fantasy/vivid colors. This turned into my specialization today and has brought me so much joy and so many amazing friendships throughout my career. I wouldn’t trade it for the world.

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Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m a vivid hairstylist in Miami! What that means to me is I love to bring fun ideas to life on people’s heads!

It definitely was not easy getting to where I am today. My start was super rocky, starting cosmetology school in 2020 and having to not only navigate a global pandemic but also a completely new subject to me. I’d never really had an interest in it before until I was told I might be good at it, and thankfully I was!

I’d say the biggest lesson I’ve learned so far is to learn from your mistakes. Not only in your career, but in your life and your friendships as well. Hold the people that matter most to you close to your heart, and always be understanding of not only what they mean to you, but what you mean to them. As far as hair goes, trust the process! Allow yourself to make mistakes and don’t see it as a life-or-death situation; everything is fixable. Everything can be modified. And nothing is truly impossible!

I want people to know that I’m not going to judge you if you put box dye in your hair, if you cut your own bangs, if you don’t use heat protectant. I’ll give you a hard time, but it’s all in good fun and I’m always willing to meet you halfway and help figure out what works best for you. I’m always going to try my best to bring your ideas to life!

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Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would definitely consider visiting Spanish Marie Brewing! They have amazing food and even more amazing beer options. They also carry ciders and sours, all of their own creation!

I’d likely also recommend visiting Coconut Grove or Coral Gables and just walking around. You never know what you’ll find or stumble across when you’re walking those historic streets! It’s so much fun finding small businesses to support around Miami.

I would also definitely recommend a day or two trip to the Keys! It’s not quite Miami by a long shot, but it is so worth the drive. Historic Key West is absolutely beautiful and has so much to offer, from water sports to fun on Duval Street!

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Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to dedicate this shoutout to my mom and dad for helping me get through my schooling, and the best hair mom ever, Ashley Cardillo! Thank you guys for believing in me and helping me succeed!

Instagram: https://Instagram.com/shearsincolor

Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shearsincolor?_t=8m1NZoOgNZP&_r=1

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