Today we’d like to introduce you to Elizabeth Fuller
Hi Elizabeth , so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My journey into hairdressing began with a simple lesson from my grandmother, who taught me how to braid hair. This initial interest blossomed as I practiced on our family’s racehorses, eventually leading me to style my sister and friends during my school days in Florida. After high school, I took a significant step and enrolled at Scott Lewis School of Cosmetology in Minnesota, where I graduated in 2004.
I started my professional career at Supercuts in Eden Prairie. Shortly after, I welcomed my daughter into the world, which prompted a three-year hiatus from the industry. However, my passion for hairdressing brought me back, and I joined a training program at an Aveda Lifestyle Salon in Eden Prairie.
About eight years into my career, I relocated to Saint Paul, MN where my enthusiasm for hair coloring, styling, print work, and teaching began to truly flourish. I drew inspiration from talented hair artists who I’ve learned across the country. Through this journey, I have developed a deeper relationship with hair, viewing it as a beautiful form of art.
I attribute my drive and determination to my childhood experiences on the family farm, where I learned the value of hard work and resilience. My time as a laborer instilled in me the mental stamina to face challenges and pursue my dreams in this field. I’ve always been a dreamer, often a loner, and inherently creative.
One phrase my grandmother often shared with me during my upbringing resonates deeply: “You can do anything you put your mind to.” This belief is a guiding principle in my life, and I strive to share it with others, reminding them that they too can achieve anything they set their minds to.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Reflecting on my seven-year journey as a hair artist, I remember grappling with uncertainty about my career path. Concerns about retirement, investments, and financial security weighed heavily on me, especially during a time when my income was limited. As a single mother without parental support, these pressures intensified my anxieties about achieving financial stability.
I enrolled at Normandale Community College to pursue an associate’s degree in Health and Sciences, hoping to find a clearer direction. After two years, I decided to take a break from my studies, which ultimately led me to relocate and work at a new salon in a different city.
Throughout my career, I’ve encountered various challenges, particularly during moments of growth in hair design. For a while, everything flows smoothly, with clients satisfied and no design mishaps. However, every few months or so, I find that small issues tend to crop up all at once, often within the same week. When this happens, I take the time to reflect on my work, assess what could have been done differently, and actively seek to resolve any problems.
As a perfectionist, I take design discrepancies seriously, pushing myself to improve. Additionally, I face technical hurdles when it comes to developing my website, creating a service menu, drafting emails, and crafting advertising content. Engaging on social media adds another layer of complexity. Balancing the artistic side of my profession with the demands of business ownership is both challenging and rewarding, stretching my creativity in ways I both love and occasionally dread.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As a hair designer, my passion lies in creating personalized looks—both cuts and colors—that reflect the unique essence of each individual. I don’t limit myself to a single style; instead, I’ve dedicated my career to mastering a diverse range of techniques. What sets me apart is my ability to perceive my clients from the inside out. I envision who they truly are and who they aspire to be. Growing up in Florida, I was surrounded by a rich tapestry of diversity, which has greatly influenced my perspective and helped me connect with a wide array of clientele.
In the salon, I approach each appointment with a keen eye, analyzing my guests’ styles, personalities, and the effort they put into their appearance. This process of gathering insights is crucial to my work, as forging genuine connections with my clients is what truly distinguishes my approach. I strive to understand not only who they are but also how they wish to present themselves to the world.
I also collaborate with talented artists in fashion print on editorial projects, allowing me to explore and express my creative vision. These personal collaborations showcase my versatility in hair design and serve as an outlet for my inspirations.
Additionally, I take pride in being an independent educator in hair color and cutting. Recognizing the demand for passionate and effective educators, I am committed to fostering creativity in hairdressing and guiding fellow artists in their professional development.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
People thrive connection and quality work. At a time where the world was uncertain, people just really wanted to connect and be cared for, have some to admire.
It brought some of us back to ground zero. When our community seemed lost for some, we remembered, we in the service industry were here to remind people that we are still a community, we’re here for you, and we all need to laugh, cry, and hope together.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Yourbaddiehairgirl.com
- Instagram: Yourbaddiehairgirl
- Twitter: Yourbaddiehairgirl1
