Meet Trish Roper: Stylist and Colorist

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

Hi Trish, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Well, I tried to fight it for awhile. We have all heard the term “starving artist” before. We’ve all also heard that artists don’t make any money. In terms of my industry I had always heard that you can’t make much money as a stylist unless you own your own place, and people always told me I was “too smart” to “just do hair”. It was always an interest and hobby of mine but I let other people convince me that it wasn’t for me.

I did two years of nursing school and was left feeling depressed and unfulfilled unless I was painting, doing a friends hair for a wedding or hanging out at my hairdressers salon.

I realized that art was what fueled me and making other people feel beautiful was the “plus”. After years of fighting it I just decided to go for it and now I am so happy, and work at one of the top salons in the country!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
The hair industry is very competitive and full of so many talented people. It can be very difficult to try and stand out.

I have tried to give people more options other than : fun hair or natural hair. I think there can be an in between. A lot of people love funky colors but are scared to color their whole head. I’ve created a special look for those clients by applying fashion colors in a natural placement pattern so that they can have those pops of color, but not be overwhelmed by the change and still stay on trend.

I am most proud of how far I’ve come in a short amount of time. I started at my salon about two years ago and in that time I’ve received 3 promotions, beginning at an assistant level and now a “Level 3” stylist who is about to hire an assistant of my own.

I’m also taking some new color training and working on becoming a color educator, so that’s something I am looking forward to!

It’s not been easy by any means. I have worked harder in the past two years that I ever have. We lost a lot in 2019-2020 between vehicle repossession, not buying Christmas gifts, lights being shut off, etc and one thing I have learned is that all of this is temporary. The good and the bad. No matter how prepared you are for life, the curve ball is always right around the corner. So don’t waste your time, and be strong, because it won’t last forever.

One thing I want people to know about me is that I am always here for you. No matter who you are. I understand what you’re going through. I have gone through loss and struggle, and I believe that you can truly do anything.

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?
This is a good question! I live in Ball Ground, Georgia which is a very rural and quiet area. There isn’t much to do but we certainly have a few hidden gems!

Fainting Goat Vineyards in Jasper, Georgia is one of my favorite places to take my out-of-state friends for a quiet and peaceful day out, along with Mercier Orchards in Blue Ridge. Both places have a stunning Mountain View and a comfortable “right at home” atmosphere. The vineyard is so cute and they have amazing wine and cheese boards, while the orchards provide a fun family experience with homemade jellies and baked goods, ciders (even some hard ciders) and hay rides that tour the orchard grounds.

If one of my friends wanted a more urban experience, I would head into Atlanta and visit the High Museum of Art. Their exhibits are always captivating and I could stare at their sculpture art all day long. I also suggest Café intermezzo for a French brunch and coffee, and my favorite burger place would have to be The Vortex. I would probably sell a limb for one of their burgers…actually no, I would definitely sell a limb. Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Honestly, I would be nowhere without the support of my husband and my family.

When I wanted to start hair school, we had nothing. And up until a short while ago, it remained that way. Between financial and health struggles, there was always something.

My husband switched jobs so that I could work less and attend school full time. He literally wore out the phrase “we’ll figure it out”. To this day he sometimes works 70 hours a week and not a day goes by that he isn’t telling me to do whatever crazy idea I have, even with risk involved.

Days when I thought I couldn’t do it, or days I wondered if I was even good enough, Jordan (my husband) was always there to give me a kick in the butt. After I had my son he was always right there for whatever I needed and he continues to take turns taking off of work when he’s sick, driving him to appointments or babysitters, and alleviating the at home pressure whenever I need it.

My parents and grandparents have always told me I can do whatever I put my mind to and I am thankful that it was something that was always drilled into my head or I never would have even considered this path.

Instagram: @trishroperhair

Image Credits
Photo of my family taken by Crystal Revis ; “Photography By Crystal Dawn” in Cumming GA