Meet Elizabeth Giordano | Hair Artisan.

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

Hi Elizabeth, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
I feel my profession as a professional Master Barber has allowed me to have the work life balance most people are looking for. Being my own boss has allowed me to set up my work schedule around my family’s needs. This has been extremely important since I am a widow and trying to raise two beautiful daughters. Having flexibility is important knowing life can be unpredictable. I feel I have the best of both worlds being able to provide for my family and do what I love.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
The journey becoming a stylist wasn’t easy. I worked during the day as a make up consultant at a local department store while going to night school to get my license. It took a-little longer than most but I did it and I was proud that I did it on my own. Working for a prestigious salon gave me the discipline for this business that the school didn’t teach me. I worked, ate, drank the job in order to become better at my craft each day. I wanted to be the sponge and absorb all information that my brain would allow. I continue to learn and try new things when the trends come and go. What sets me apart from other stylist is my ability to listen to what they really want. Our industry has a lot of personality’s out there that sometimes only do what they want todo. The biggest thing I hear in my chair from a new client is that the other stylist didn’t listen to them. My philosophy is that it doesn’t matter if you preform the best color or haircut service on a client. If they don’t feel comfortable with it they won’t like it and feel confident. My job is to give the best service and advice and they are the ones to decide if they would like for me to achieve that look.
My challenge in my career was when I lost my husband of 13 yrs to Cancer. I had two beautiful babies ages 18 months and 3.5yrs old. I had to figure out how to raise these two girls on my own, grieve, run a buisness and keep the roof over my head. I have a huge support system around me and when they say it takes a village I can honestly say it does. A huge shout out to everyone who stood by me and to this day continues to show love and support. You never know what life will bring so I try to live my life each and every day with love and gratitude. Trying to have fun and live to the fullest knowing you don’t know if you have tomorrow., while also trying to prepare for the future. It’s a balancing act I am trying to perfect. Some days are better than others.

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?
Atlanta has some much to offer visitors so I would take into acct who is coming. Do they have kids no kids do they want to be active or just lounge. I live in Smyrna and we have a great little wine bar in the Smyrna market village. It’s a cool relaxed vibe and great people watching. If wine isn’t there thing our cute little brew house called stout brothers is the other option. They are family and dog friendly and it’s a great way to take the downtown area in.

I love hiking so getting on a trail and getting into nature is always a great thing to do. During the pandemic I started paddle boarding so getting on some water depending on the time of year would be fun too.
We could go to chastain park and listen to some music if a concert was going on
The battery and a Braves game with all the restaurants is also a must.

Aquarium on a super hot or cold day to get out of the elements.

Atlanta has so much to offer we wouldn’t be hard pressed to find something to do.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I owe a shout out to my mom who suggested I get a trade for a job just out of high school. I wanted to be a psychologist but my artsy side needed to be explored as well. After Looking into field of trade and school The beauty industry was the most attractive to me. I could have the best of both worlds. I was always independent growing up so this field really suited me well. After getting my license I moved to ATL, Ga where I applied for a job at a prestigious salon and the owner Carey Carter of Carter Barnes took me under his wing. I learned so much from working with him. That it helped me pave my way to work on my own and start my own buisness.

Instagram: Hair_miabella

Other: Email
HairMiaBella@gmail.com

Image Credits
My photos and a Pinterest photo. Photo of model I did from AIDA
All photography is by me Elizabeth Giordano .