Meet Stephanie Ford: Hair Stylist

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

Hi Stephanie, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?

Honestly, I really couldn’t see myself doing anything else. I am a high energy, tactile learner who excels in social settings. There is a special kind of creative energy in the salon.  It’s a team environment so you all feed off each other. You are constantly inspired to try new techniques and refine your skills. Being around other creatives, you can’t help but have it rub off on you!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am just entering my 10th year of being a stylist, which is a big milestone that I am very proud of! There have been many obstacles along the way that make this achievement even more meaningful to me. In 2015 I moved across the country with my boyfriend (now husband) where we knew no one. As a stylist you can work anywhere but building a clientele from scratch with no connections is very challenging. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and taught me how to hustle. The experience was so valuable because I learned how to market myself and my skills. I spent lots of slow days in the salon educating myself and trying new techniques as I rebuilt my clientele. At the time it was a very hard period of growth. Looking back I’m much wiser for it and wouldn’t trade that experience for anything. The thing that makes me excited about my job is getting to know people and creating a look that best suits them. I think my strength behind the chair is client connection. I feel blessed to have amazing clients that I get to spend my work days with.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My go to place is Manuels Tavern! I absolutely love everything about that place. It has such a rich history. I can’t think of a better Atlanta bar. Highland Row Antiques definitely makes the top of the list, I have rarely left there without finding a treasure or two! Then we could pop over to Megan Huntz next door, my favorite Atlanta designer. Ending the trip with a bit of nostalgia at Starlight Drive In.

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 had a wonderful relationship with my first hairstylist. From childhood until beauty school, she was the only one who touched my hair. In my teenage years I used babysitting money to get my hair done, at that time, it was a top priority in my world. Jeannie (my stylist) pushed me to go into the field of cosmetology. She was always attending hair shows and stressed the importance of  learning and growing as a stylist. She was truly an amazing example of what I wanted to become. I am so thankful for the interest she took in me.

Website: https://www.salonmodelloatl.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephfranny

Image Credits
Sarah Stover Photography