One day, freshman Sophie Stanley decided she’d trade her broom for scissors so her clients could walk out of the salon feeling stronger and more confident than ever. 

   “I got to watch people leave every day with big smiles and new confidence. Seeing that transformation was really interesting and inspiring to me,” Stanley said. 

  Every day, Stanley greets customers with a warm smile as she continues cleaning so everyone can relax in a welcoming environment. She takes joy in the simple satisfaction of watching each customer leave with a smile on their face.

   “Helping someone discover a style that feels like them is really rewarding to watch,” Stanley said.          

   Stanley knew she was meant to be  a hairstylist when she walked out of that salon, the week before freshman year. She began to feel like a brand new person. Stanley was filled with excitement and more confident than ever before. 

   “When I got my hair done before my freshman year, I gained a lot of confidence. Learning how to style my curly hair in a place where most people have straight hair can be confusing,” Stanley said. 

   Having gained confidence from her own experience, Stanley approaches new styling techniques with careful preparation. She had gained the skill in cutting and styling men’s hair, bringing a wide range of skills to her work.  She plans to keep practicing on foiling and braiding. 

   “I’m comfortable attempting new trends, but I wouldn’t want to do them without preparation. I like to research and learn about the technique, first so I can make sure I’m doing it correctly,” Stanley said.

   Stanley knows that she is a beginner who is still learning and sometimes might need some feedback from others as part of her ongoing growth.

   “I can handle feedback well because I know I’m still learning. Feedback helps me improve and make sure I’m doing everything the right way,” Stanley said.

   Beyond her own skills, Stanley knows the importance of understanding each potential client’s unique preferences. She finds that people with unique hair, like multi-colored and styled hair, are chic and fashionable. 

   “I would listen to what they want and think about what would suit them best,” Stanley said.

   Stanley believes that everyone can have unique hair, even if it doesn’t make sense to most people. She would find a way to turn that image in your mind into something you can show off.

   “I think highlights with more than one color are really pretty, like pink and purple together. It’s creative and fun, and it really stands out,” Stanley said.

  Looking towards the future, Stanley is already focused on building her career. 

   “I plan to complete my apprenticeship around my junior year, I hope to be working in the salon,” Stanley said.

   To gain more skill, Stanley plans on practicing with different hair types and styles. This summer before she applies for her apprenticeship. She often practices on her dad and brother, using what she learns to improve her technique.

   “I plan to keep practicing at home and take any opportunities I can to work on people’s hair,” Stanley said.

   She also recognizes the value of consistent practice and staying up to date with new techniques.

   “Practicing on mannequin heads and continuing to learn new techniques will also help,” Stanley said.

   As Stanley starts to follow her dreams of becoming a hair stylist, she believes that others should follow their dream too, even if they sound crazy. Never let anyone tell you otherwise.

  “I think people should chase their dreams. Even if something doesn’t work out, at least you tried something you’re passionate about. It’s always worth going after what you enjoy,” Stanley said.