Today we’d like to introduce you to Samantha Sullivan
Samantha, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started my hair journey in 2021 when I enrolled in cosmetology school at Nova Academy of Cosmetology in Rochester. I always knew that I wanted to be a hairstylist since I was a little kid . I started school July of 2022 , a few months after graduating high school and moving out on my own. One month into school I found out I was pregnant. A fresh eighteen year old , starting a dream career and pregnant.
I couldn’t imagine my life any different though. Of course there were hard times and stressful situations, but I fought for the career I wanted and kept up with my schooling . While in cosmology school I found out that I actually don’t like cutting hair or really coloring . I found my true passion in bridal hairstyling . I always loved styling my friends hair for prom, school events and our dance competitions. So while in school i started practicing non stop on my techniques. I focused my Instagram , schooling , and life around bridal . When it was time to have my little girl my boyfriend and I sat down and talked about our future . I wasn’t done with school yet and didn’t have a plan after . I wanted to do what was best for me and my family. I took a little break from school to have my beautiful daughter and while on leave is where my bridal business started ! I booked 6 weddings while on maternity leave . For my first year (2023) doing bridal hair I only had 6 bookings, but I was thrilled! I was so proud of myself and couldn’t believe it . I went back to school and graduated a few months after. I got myself a job at a salon in Rochester. Thinking that’s what I had to do after school. Get a job at a salon, cut hair , color hair and hate my lift doing it .
I quit the salon and dove head first into everything bridal! After I quit the salon to focus on bridal hair I booked out my first “real year” as a bridal hairstylist . I did over 27 weddings in 2024! I pushed myself to show everyone that I am capable of what I believe in and what I want! I push myself so much to show that even though I am young and a mom nothing limits me ! I get to do a career I love , raise my daughter , and make real money without working a 9-5 or in a dreadful salon.
2025 is even more booked and I can not wait to get bridal season started. I’m on three preferred vendor lists at popular venues around Rochester. Proud is an understatement!
If I were to look back at my stressed out overwhelmed 18 year old self now , I’d give her a hug and tell her she’s doing great! That our hard work and stubbornness got us somewhere she’d never believe !
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Everything was changing. Being young and a young mom people don’t believe in your dreams and goals. People told me everyday I’d never make a career out of playing with hair . Especially in an industry working when your “paycheck” is at work . Meaning late nights and long shifts , which is impossible with a newborn .
I worked on my bridal buisness when my daughter napped or when I should have been catching up with sleep . I answered emails in between clients and posted my buisness everywhere . I did zoom calls and video chats with a newborn on my lap.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My name is Samantha I’m a licensed cosmetologist, specializing in bridal hairstyling .
I’m most proud of how I started a bridal hair business at the age of 19, while pregnant . That nobody believed that I could only work 10 hours a week and make more money then I ever did working behind the chair and that I still get to spend time with my daughter , family and have a life outside of hair . I also love the flexibility and all the brides I get to work with every week!
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Doing anything in the beauty industry it’s nice to go to school for it . You lean more about what to expect , sanitation , different outlets , people , and different opportunities you have in the industry. Special media is your best friend! I was lucky to find a mentor ins school who came in to teach bridal hair classes . Melody Edgar , taught me everything I know about bridal hair styling . She doesn’t know how much she helped my in this industry and being a young mom. She taught me everything I know .
Pricing:
- Everyone’s pricing is different. If you find a stylist you love and want to work with , the number never matters !
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/styled.bysamanthasky?igsh=MWlyN2cyemJ1aG4yMg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/161akWR2oD/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- LinkedIn: https://linktr.ee/styled.bysamanthasky
